Why Do People Put Three Stamps on Letters?

Have you ever noticed a letter with three stamps affixed to it? This seemingly peculiar practice actually serves several important purposes, ranging from ensuring sufficient postage to personal preferences. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can provide valuable insights into the complexities of modern mail delivery systems and postal regulations.

Postage Requirement

The primary reason for using multiple stamps is to ensure that the letter meets the necessary postage requirement. The cost of mailing a letter can vary based on factors such as weight, size, and destination. If the combined weight and dimensions of a letter exceed the standard postage rate, additional stamps are required to cover the increased cost. For example, if the letter is international, the fees might be significantly higher than domestic rates, necessitating the use of multiple stamps.

Insufficient Single Stamp

In some cases, the person sending the letter might only possess stamps of a lower denomination. To cover the required postage, they may use multiple stamps. This is particularly common in situations where the sender does not have access to the specific denomination needed for the given weight and size of the letter. Using a combination of stamps is a practical solution to avoid the risk of the letter being returned or delayed due to insufficient postage.

Personal Preference or Aesthetic

Beyond practical considerations, some individuals may choose to use multiple stamps out of personal preference or for aesthetic reasons. The visual appeal of multiple stamps can add a unique or decorative touch to the envelope, making it stand out. This practice is more common in personal correspondence or for high-value items where the sender wants to emphasize the importance of the communication or the item being sent.

International Mail

When sending letters internationally, the need for multiple stamps is often even more pronounced. International mail typically requires higher postage rates to cover the costs associated with transporting the letter across borders. Therefore, using multiple stamps is a common practice in international correspondence to ensure that the necessary fees are paid.

Understanding the Postal Process

To further clarify the process, sufficient postage paid is all that is required. A letter carrying a combination of stamps that collectively meet the postage requirement will be processed correctly. For instance, if a letter needs 55 cents’ postage and the sender uses a couple of 20 cent stamps, they would need to add one more stamp, preferably one that brings the total to the required amount, such as a 15 cent stamp.

It’s important to note that using excessive stamps doesn’t provide additional postal services or benefits. However, it can delay the mail piece, as additional time is required for postal workers to check and sort the letters. In fact, sending too many stamps might cause unnecessary delays as the automated sorting machines might need to re-inspect the envelope to ensure the correct postage has been applied. The postal service uses sophisticated machines that print a phosphor dot code on the envelope, which helps in automatic sorting and tracking.

In conclusion, the use of three stamps on a letter serves various practical and personal purposes. Whether it’s to ensure sufficient postage, add an aesthetic touch, or deal with international shipments, the rationale behind this practice reflects the complexities and nuances of modern postal systems.