Postal Service to Phase Out Vending Machines

Breakdowns, Declining Sales Cited in Decision

CHARLESTOWN, WV — The U.S. Postal Service will stop selling stamps out of vending machines at Post Offices and other retail locations in the Appalachian District effective Friday, Feb. 29.

There are approximately 200 vending machines in 150 offices across the district. The decision to remove the machines was based on several factors:

• Breakdowns of the aging machines are increasing and repair parts are no longer available.
• Vending stamp sales are declining, service costs are increasing and some machines are generating less revenue than the cost of their overhead.
• While many customers prefer the convenience of paying with a credit or debit card, the vending machines accept cash only. Retrofitting the machines to accept credit cards is not feasible.

The stamps vending machines are between seven and 20 years old, and all the machines will eventually be recycled.

Although it is not the case at every office or location, some machines had fewer than three customers per month.

A notice was posted on machines, at least 30 days in advance of removal, listing nearby Postal Offices and other locations where customers can buy stamps.

Today, Postal customers have a wide range of quick, easy and convenient ways to buy postage stamps — online at www.usps.com, by phone, by fax, by filling out a Stamp by Mail order form available from letter carriers and Post Offices, at commercial retail establishments, through banking and credit union ATMs, and at Automated Postal Centers. Stamps can also be obtained from your rural carrier, if you are on a rural delivery route.