Buying the wrong roll of stamps is one of the most common and most frustrating mistakes we see. A stamp applier can only run coils built for machine application, and the rolls sold for everyday desk use are not. If you have ever had a new machine refuse to feed stamps out of the box, this is almost always why.
New to precanceled mail? Start with the precanceled stamps bulk-mail guide — the 10¢ pay-the-difference method, step by step.
What makes a roll machine-applicable
Two things. First, the core: machine coils are wound on a 3-inch core, not the small core used for consumer rolls. Second, the spacing: there is a visible gap between each stamp on the coil, which is what lets the applier separate and place them one at a time. A roll without those gaps will not run, no matter how the machine is adjusted.
As a rule, the larger coils are the ones built this way. Rolls of 3,000 and up are generally supplied on a 3-inch core with the gap between stamps, including Forever stamp coils. Coil specifications do change, so it is worth confirming the core size and stamp spacing before placing a large stamp order — or call us and we will check it with you.
Precanceled stamps
Precanceled stamps are a common choice for bulk mailings and can be applied by machine the same way. They do require a USPS permit before you can use them, and there are specific rules on how mail bearing them must be prepared. The USPS publishes all of it directly:
- Tips for Using Precanceled Stamps
- How to Use Precanceled Stamps
- How to Apply for a Permit to Use Precanceled Stamps
- Quick Service Guide 604b — Precanceled Stamps
Applying them
Every stamp applier we sell runs coils meeting the spec above, including our own AFM80ST, which applies live stamps and tabs in a single pass.
Every AFM80ST we ship comes with a roll of one-cent stamps so you can practice loading, set your placement, and get comfortable with the machine before you run live postage. Learning on stamps worth a penny each beats learning on Forever stamps.
If you are not sure whether the rolls you have on hand will run in the machine you own, call us at 866-430-2874 — it is a two-minute conversation that saves a wasted stamp order.