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IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 3:42 am
by thelanterncat
Hello everyone!
This is my first time on here, so this is probably a silly question. I want to send an SASE to London (I live in the USA). Which would be better - an IRC or UK stamps? If so how many would I need for a standard letter? I'm thinking of sending 4x6'' images, nothing huge. Thanks!
![USA [us]](./images/smilies/flag_us.gif)
Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 3:55 am
by marksautographs
UK stamps are definitely better. That way the celebrity can just put your letter in the mail and not have to get stamps using the irc. For a standard letter, it's 88p up to 10 grams. I usually go with surface mail for 78p up to 20 grams. Pro-it's cheaper. Con-it takes longer. For me, I really don't mind waiting longer as long as I save money!

Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:05 am
by thelanterncat
Excellent, thank you! Would this work?
http://shop.royalmail.com/revised-colou ... ku20000063
I've always sent large packages to the UK and never letters so I really have no clue!
Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:14 am
by marksautographs
thelanterncat wrote:Excellent, thank you! Do you just buy them directly from the official post office website?
I've bought them from other users on this site. I've also bought them from the official website royalmail.com, which I would recommend doing! If you're buying surface mail stamps, they don't sell individual stamps, so I have a buy a variety of different stamps that equals up to 78p. For example, you can do a 2nd large (69p) stamp, a 5p, and 2 2p. Then on the envelope write 'surface mail', so the post office knows it's not airmail.
Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:18 am
by marksautographs
These are first class stamps and are used only domestically (within the UK). You can buy these as long as you buy other smaller denominations to equal up to 78p 88p or whatever the price comes out to. These stamps equal 60p, so if you do the math, you will know what other stamps to buy!
Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:19 am
by thelanterncat
Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:21 am
by marksautographs
Yes! I never knew they sold those! Maybe they just came out with them. But, yes, these are perfect for surface mail!
Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 4:23 am
by thelanterncat
Awesome, I'll give that a go then!

Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2014 10:00 pm
by KingsleyFinch
Hey lanterncat,
I'm looking to send a sizable package to the UK (400g). What did you do for return postage? I'm having a hard time figuring out the difference between a large letter" and a "small packet". Do you know if there is any official demarcation?
Re: IRC vs UK Stamps
Posted: Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:32 am
by kimmylee
KingsleyFinch wrote:
Hey lanterncat,
I'm looking to send a sizable package to the UK (400g). What did you do for return postage? I'm having a hard time figuring out the difference between a large letter" and a "small packet". Do you know if there is any official demarcation?
Hi Kinglsey, as I explained on your topic International mail from the UK is either Letter or Small Packet.
Domestically only we have letter, large letter and small packet, so there is no Large Letter category for mail to the US.
