Can I order postage stamps online?

Yes, you can order postage stamps online without making a trip to the shops or standing in a post office queue.

For the occasional letter, buying stamps online can be a convenient way to make sure you have a few ready when you need them.

But if sending post is a regular part of running your business, keeping track of stamp supplies can become another small job that takes more time than it should.

Here is where you can buy postage stamps online in the UK, what to check before ordering and another way to send letters without buying stamps at all.

There are several places where you can order postage stamps online for delivery to your home or workplace.

• Royal Mail Direct
• eBay
• Staples
• Post Office online
• Discountedstamps.co.uk
• Viking Direct

The right option will depend on how many stamps you need, which postage class you want and whether you are buying for personal or business use. For businesses that only send a handful of letters, keeping a book of stamps nearby may be enough. Once volumes begin to grow, buying, storing and applying stamps can quickly become another manual process for someone to manage.

Before buying postage stamps online, check that you are ordering the right type for the letters you plan to send.

Postage class

Choose between 1st Class and 2nd Class based on how quickly you need the letter to arrive.

Letter size and weight

A standard letter, large letter and parcel can all require different postage. Check the dimensions and weight before adding a stamp.

Quantity

Buying larger quantities may be convenient, but only if your business is likely to use them. Otherwise, you are paying upfront for stock that sits in a drawer waiting for its big moment.

Delivery costs

Some online retailers may charge for delivery, so include this when comparing the overall cost of ordering stamps.

It is also worth checking current Royal Mail prices before sending, particularly if the stamps have been stored for a while or the letter is outside standard dimensions.

If your business sends letters regularly, it may be worth skipping the stamps altogether.

With Postworks Send, you upload your letters online and we take care of the printing, folding, enclosing and postage.

That means no stamp supplies to monitor, no envelopes to stuff and no last-minute trip to the post office because someone used the final stamp yesterday.

You can send one letter or a larger mailing through the same online platform, making it easier to manage business post from home or the office. It is a simple alternative for businesses that still need to send physical letters but would rather manage the process digitally.

*New customers can also get £5 free credit to try sending letters online.