International Reply Coupon *BIG GROAN* What should I do?

[TheORKINMan]

So none of the post offices in my area had IRCs, until I finally called one and they said they did.

I went out to that post office which was fairly far away and when I got there they said they didn't know who I spoke with but they didnt believe IRCs were sold anymore. I had them talk to the manager in charge who eventually found them and I bought four. So then I get home and look at them, and on the back it says must be redeemed by 12/31/2009 which brought on a really big groan from me. Obviously I'm going to go get my money back for these but is there anything anyone would recommend for getting up to date IRCs?

[arrowsup]

IRC's are a pain and don't work very well, because they are also a pain to redeem. You should check here and buy/trade for foreign postage with other members of this forum.

viewforum.php?f=127

[dobie516]

Besides trading with other collectors on here, you can buy postage on Ebay. I just got some Italian postage that way. IRC's are not a very good idea and never worked very well.

[dfreely]

I'm surprised you actually managed to find expired IRCs.. the post offices here removed the product code from their systems last summer, so even if you tried to buy them, they can't be scanned.

But like others have said, look into getting stamps. I haven't had any trouble with IRCs, but if you plan to send to a country more than once or twice, stamps would save you some money.

[RYAN J.]

I just use regular US cash ($2-4.00) when sending overseas. The celeb just keeps it and spends it when they come to the US. I've done this many times and and they always appreciate it.

RYAN J.

[TheORKINMan]

Well I've done that for a few countries, I have UK, Japan, Russia and Hong Kong stamps on the way, but i was getting a few for a few misc countries im not likely to use more then once like India, South Africa etc...

[dfreely]

Ah, same reason I keep some IRCs around.. those odd countries.

All I can recommend is to return them, and make sure to check the expiration date next time before leaving the window.