Stamps.com is the only software in the industry that allows users to print stamps for First-Class Mail® letters like letters and postcards, and we make it fast and easy to create and print NetStamps and to get all First-Class Mail handled efficiently. This guide will go into everything you need to know about NetStamps and how to print and use them.
What Are NetStamps?
NetStamps are the easiest way to print your own stamps. Simply buy postage on Stamps.com, use any printer to print on a NetStamps sheet or roll, and stick the NetStamp to an envelope, postcard, or other First Class Mail.
NetStamps are approved by USPS® and are specially designed to work with the USPS processing systems. They include security features to protect you and deter postage fraud.
So how do you print and use NetStamps? Here are a few key details: You’ll use NetStamps sheets when printing from a standard inkjet or laser printer. NetStamps sheets are 8.5″ x 11″ with 25 labels each. However, if you have a 2″ thermal printer, the best option is to use NetStamps rolls.
Before You Begin
If you are new to printing NetStamps, please review our Printer Setup and Print Sample NetStamps articles for guidance on your printer settings and properly loading your NetStamps sheets into your printer.
How Do I Create and Print My NetStamps?
To create and print your NetStamps:
Go to the “Mail” tab in the toolbar.
Choose “NetStamps” from the “Print On” drop-down menu.
Enter the NetStamps sheet or roll serial number into the “Serial #” field.
Tip: The serial number for sheets is located on the top right corner of each sheet. The serial number for rolls is included on each stamp of the roll. This serial number lets our software know the style and format of your NetStamps. Once entered, the preview will update to display the corresponding NetStamps type.
Choose whether to calculate the postage amount or specify the postage amount.
Calculate postage amount: Use this option if you want our software to calculate the amount for each stamp. Amount is determined based on the type and weight of your mailpiece and its destination (either domestic or international).
Specify postage amount: Use this option if you need to print a pre-determined amount for each stamp.
Select “Mail From” address (if other than default) and “Destination Country” (if mailing to a country other than the U.S.).
Enter the weight of your mailpiece. If using a connected postal scale, click “Weight.”
We set the default weight to 1 oz, which is about the weight of an envelope with five sheets of paper. If your mailpiece weighs more than 1 oz, be sure to update the weight to avoid having the mailpiece returned for insufficient postage. We recommend using a postal scale for accurate weights.
Select your desired service from the “Service” drop-down menu.
Select how many stamps you wish to print.
When printing a NetStamps sheet: If you do not print a full sheet, our software will remember which stamps were printed and select the next unused stamp as the starting point the next time you print NetStamps. You can also manually select which label to start with.
Optionally, you can enter a Reference Number and/or select a Cost Code, which can be useful for tracking your postage expenses.
You’re now ready to print your NetStamps! Click “Print Postage” and you’re done.
Notes About Printing NetStamps
NetStamps do not expire after printing.
The “X” marking on NetStamp rolls signals the beginning and end of the roll. This marking helps when loading the roll and lets you know when to replace it. Do not use these stamps for mailing purposes. If you accidentally print a NetStamp with an “X” marking, you can request a refund for the print.
You cannot print USPS postage stamps on plain paper. You must use official NetStamps sheets or rolls, which are approved by USPS for printing postage stamps.
You can use NetStamps for both domestic and international postcards and letters.
You can use a combination of traditional stamps and NetStamps on the same mailpiece as long as it adds up to the correct postage amount. For optimal delivery speed, USPS recommends putting the largest denomination in the upper right corner.
You can use NetStamps on either plain or window envelopes or domestic First-Class Mail Flat/Large Envelopes. However, for packages, or Priority Mail® class shipments, you must instead create and print a shipping label.
You can print either a partial or full NetStamps sheet. A full sheet contains 25 NetStamps. If you choose not to print a full sheet, you can re-insert the sheet into your printer and select the first unused label on the sheet the next time you print.
You cannot print multiple NetStamps sheets at a time. You are currently limited to one sheet per print session. Consider using NetStamps Rolls with a 2″ thermal printer if you need to print in larger quantities.
Hundreds of thousands of small businesses have already discovered the benefits of using Stamps.com to simplify their mailing and shipping needs.
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