"Important Notice: Postage Rates Increase in October Due to Consumption Tax Hike—Pay Attention to Reply Postcard Stamps!"

From October, along with the consumption tax increase.

Starting from October 1, 2019, the consumption tax will be raised from 8% to 10%. Along with this tax increase, postal rates will also be going up.

Here are the changes announced by Japan Post.

① Letter (standard mail weighing 25 grams or less): 82 yen ➜ 84 yen [2 yen increase]

① Letter (standard mail weighing 50 grams or less): 92 yen ➜ 94 yen [2 yen increase]

② Postcard: 62 yen ➜ 63 yen [1 yen increase]

Postal items sent by September 30 will still be valid at the old rates (strictly speaking, those dropped into the mailbox before the first collection on October 1), but

any postal items sent after that will be subject to the new rates, so please be careful. *

This is a significant event for brides preparing for their weddings!

The increase in postal fees due to this consumption tax hike is a matter closely related to brides preparing for their weddings...!

Because, as you might have guessed,

even if you send out invitations before the tax hike, you’ll still need to send a "reply postcard" to the guests afterward, right?

If you affix a 62 yen stamp to the reply postcard under the old rates,

it won’t be a problem if it’s sent back by September, but if returned after October, it will be short by 1 yen....

It’s just 1 yen, but it’s still 1 yen. What will happen in this case...?

Who will pay for the deficiency...?

Is it even possible to exchange old rate stamps or postcards for the new rates...?

The more you think about it, the more questions arise. Let’s solve them one by one. *

Question 1: If there is a shortfall, who will pay?

If a guest unknowingly drops a reply postcard with the old rate 62 yen stamp in the mailbox after October,

the recipient (the bride and groom) will have to cover the 1 yen deficiency that occurred in that case.

Some may think, "Isn't it returned to the sender (the guest)?"

However, it will be returned to the sender only if their address and name are clearly stated and it is dropped into a mailbox within the postal delivery area.

If you think about it carefully, the guest's address and name are not stated on the front of the reply postcard, right!

There is a space on the back for the guest to write their name and address along with their attendance reply, but that won’t be the return address.

So, even if there is a deficiency in the postage, the reply postcard will be returned to the bride and groom, who will then pay the shortfall, so it’s a bit of relief. *

The guests won’t be burdened.

However, there’s a possibility that some guests may realize, “Oh, this stamp won’t suffice,” and go through the hassle of buying a new stamp.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to stick the new rate stamps on the reply postcards. *

Question 2: Can I get a refund or exchange?

It is possible to exchange the 62 yen postcards you already have for the new rate of 63 yen at the post office.

But!

You will need to pay the difference (1 yen) and a processing fee (5 yen) for the exchange, so it costs 6 yen for each postcard.

In the same manner, to exchange an 82 yen stamp for an 84 yen stamp will cost 7 yen including the difference and processing fee.

Note that refunds are not available! *

Question 3: When are the new stamps on sale?

The new rate stamps and postcards have already been on sale nationwide since August 20, 2019 (Tuesday).

The special occasion stamp for 63 yen, featuring a plum and crane design, is here. *

In addition to regular and special occasion stamps, a new rate stamp featuring Miffy is already available for purchase! ♩

(Let’s hope other cute-designed stamps will be released soon!)

【Summary】 It’s safe to use the new rate stamps on reply postcards. *

Postal fees have increased due to the consumption tax hike.

From October 1, the letter rate will increase from 82 yen to 84 yen, and postcards will rise from 62 yen to 63 yen.

This significantly impacts brides with weddings in November, as we see comments like:

“I had prepared 62 yen stamps for the reply postcards due by October 10, but I switched to 63 yen stamps.”

“I’m so shocked that the happy greeting stamps can’t be used since I have to go with the 63 yen stamps.”

“Although the deadline is set for early October, I think everyone will send them out in September, but just in case, I decided to go with 63 yen stamps since some people may be late.”

Brides sending out wedding invitations from now on should stick to the new rate 63 yen stamps to avoid any hassle later and not to give any unpleasant impression to the guests. *