How to Buy Discounted UK Postage Stamps Safely

What Are Discounted UK Postage Stamps?

Discounted UK postage stamps are genuine Royal Mail stamps that are sold below face value. They are typically sourced from private collections, surplus business stock, estate clearances, or stamp auctions.

These stamps are unused, valid for postage, and legal to use within the UK. Many small businesses, charities, and individuals use discounted stamps to reduce everyday mailing costs.

Where to Buy Discounted UK Postage Stamps

Discounted postage stamps can be purchased from specialised UK online retailers such as DiscountPostage.uk, as well as from reputable stamp dealers and UK auction houses.

Established retailers provide clear pricing, UK-based dispatch, and transparency around stamp sourcing, which helps buyers avoid counterfeit or invalid stamps.

Common Ways to Save Money on UK Postage

Common Ways to Save Money on UK Postage

Many people reduce postage costs by using commemorative stamps, combining lower denomination stamps to meet current rates, or choosing 2nd Class postage for non-urgent mail.

Some older stamps remain valid depending on the type.
Commemorative and picture stamps without barcodes are still valid for UK postage.
However, older definitive (Machin) stamps — the regular stamps featuring only the Queen’s or King’s head — without barcodes are no longer accepted by Royal Mail.

What to Watch Out For When Buying Discounted Stamps

Buyers should be cautious of heavily discounted modern barcoded stamps or offers that appear significantly below market value from unknown sellers.

Counterfeit stamps do exist and can be detected by Royal Mail processing machines. To reduce risk, stamps should only be purchased from established UK sellers with clear contact details and transparent sourcing.

About DiscountPostage.uk

DiscountPostage.uk is a UK-based supplier of genuine unused Royal Mail GB postage stamps, sourced from UK collections and auctions. The site offers savings across 1st and 2nd Class postage, with UK dispatch and clear pricing.


Are discounted UK postage stamps legal to use?

Yes. Genuine Royal Mail postage stamps remain valid for use regardless of how they were purchased.

Can older stamps still be used in the UK?

It depends on the type of stamp. Older definitive (Machin) stamps without barcodes are no longer valid for postage. However, commemorative and picture stamps without barcodes remain valid and can still be used for UK mail.

Are commemorative stamps valid for everyday mail?

Yes. Commemorative stamps are valid for UK postage and are commonly used for letters and postcards.

We stock two main types of postage:

1. Commemorative Stamps (Picture Stamps) ✅

  • These are colourful “special issue” stamps released by Royal Mail to celebrate events, anniversaries, or themes.
  • They are 100% valid for UK postage and do not require barcodes.
  • We buy these in bulk and pass the savings on to you.
  • They are a great way to add personality to your mail while still saving money.

2. Barcoded Definitive Stamps (Machins) ❌

  • Since July 2023, standard “Machin” definitive stamps (the classic Queen or King profile) without a barcode are no longer valid for postage.
  • Only barcoded versions of these stamps are accepted by Royal Mail.
  • That’s why we do not sell old non-barcoded Machins.

Why Don’t Commemoratives Need Barcodes?

Royal Mail confirmed that commemorative stamps are permanently valid for UK postage, even without a barcode. They were never included in the swap-out scheme.
So when you see a colourful picture stamp, you can be confident it’s still good to use — whether it’s from the 1970s or last year.


The Process

  1. Choose your stamps — pick from our wide range of commemoratives and discounted barcoded stamps.
  2. We ship fast — all orders are carefully packed and posted same or next working day.
  3. Start saving — use your stamps as normal and enjoy paying less than Post Office prices.
Scroll to Top