Stamps or Payment Mark: A Comparison of Their Features, Advantages, and Disadvantages

2021.03.02 published

Stamps and Paid Separate Mail.

When sending wedding invitations, there are two ways to pay at the post office.

One is to use stamps.

The other is to use the "Paid Separate Mail" system, which allows you to pay the postage at the counter without attaching stamps.

Since you can create your own design for the Paid Separate Mail mark within regulations, many brides nowadays are taking the opportunity to craft original Paid Separate Mail marks and focus on the design of their envelopes.

While using stamps is the orthodox method, knowing that there are many brides who are creating their own Paid Separate Mail marks might lead some to wonder, "Which one is better?! What’s the difference??"

In this article, we will consider whether it is better to send invitations via Paid Separate Mail or with stamps and explore the differences.

I hope this will serve as a reference for your decision-making.

@wedding.chie

Consideration ① First and foremost, stamps are the most proper.

The basic premise is that "using stamps when sending mail" is the conventional rule.

In contrast, "Paid Separate Mail" is a system designed to streamline the mailing process by eliminating the need to affix stamps.

The image associated with "Paid Separate Mail" is that it is "easier."

In fact, the post office's website mentions the following regarding Paid Separate Mail services:

****** Quote ******

☑️ It saves you the trouble of affixing stamps when submitting a large number of mail items or packages.

☑️ It is convenient because you can pay the postage all at once.

☑️ You can print the Paid Separate Mail mark in advance, which allows for efficient processing.

☑️ You can record the submission status of mail items/packages (date, number of items, amount).

This method is convenient for businesses that send invitations for catalog sales, exhibition events, and bargain sales.

[➡︎ Click here for more information about Paid Separate Mail on the post office's official website](https://www.post.japanpost.jp/fee/how_to_pay/separate_pay/index.html)

****** End of Quote ******

Therefore, the notion that “it is proper to use stamps when sending mail” can be established. In addition, choosing stamps that match the season or the contents of the letter is considered an elegant touch and refinement.

Based on this perspective, some people may perceive that "sending formal letters using Paid Separate Mail is rude." Consequently, some brides opt to send invitations with stamps instead.

(This is a matter of perspective and possibility, so I am not saying that "it is rude to send invitations using Paid Separate Mail!" nor does this philosophy apply to everyone.)

As a background, it seems good to be aware that stamps are the most formal method and that Paid Separate Mail is a simplified version.

@yuih_wd

Consideration ② Design

Next, let's consider the differences in "design" between stamps and Paid Separate Mail marks when it comes to sending stylish wedding invitations.

Some might say, "Stamps have limited designs, while you can create your own Paid Separate Mail mark, giving you more creative freedom!" However, recently it has become possible to make original designs for stamps as stickers, so this may not always apply.

➡︎ Click here for an article about a service that turns images sent via LINE into stamps＊

Additionally, there are various types of stamps available for purchase, including regular ones for celebratory occasions, commemorative stamps considered special stamps, sticker-type greeting stamps, and regional "hometown" stamps.

➡︎ Click here for a list of limited stamps issued this year＊

The themes for limited stamps range from the commemoration of the Emperor's accession to the throne, the Rugby World Cup 2019, designs featuring Miffy, to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland.

Without creating an original Paid Separate Mail mark, the designs for stamps are diverse, and since you can create stamps with images of your choice, it could be said that regardless of aesthetics, there is no clear superior, and either option could work... However, there are several things I'd like to confirm.

@tobe.wd1130

These are:

<①>

When creating an original Paid Separate Mail mark, there is a rule that requires "Paid Separate Mail" to be included in kanji, which can actually limit the design aspect.

Even if one decides to focus on design while creating the Paid Separate Mail mark, they must grapple with the necessity of using the characters for "Paid Separate Mail," which might not match with their chosen foreign-style font, leading to potential dilemmas.

(Stamps also must include "Japan Post NIPPON ○○ yen," but this is another matter!)

Additionally, there is a rule that the Paid Separate Mail mark must be either circular or square.

Stamps, on the other hand, often have unique shapes (especially commemorative or greeting stamps) that align with their characters, setting them apart.

<②>

However, a benefit of Paid Separate Mail marks is that as long as they are printed, they can be printed on any type of paper, allowing for material considerations.

You can print the mark on translucent tracing paper or transparent film stickers, which is advantageous because such materials are not available for stamps.

Currently, there are no transparent stamps that resemble the trendy transparent Paid Separate Mail marks printed on film stickers.

<③>

Timing is another point.

Limited stamps are sold in limited quantities, meaning "you won’t know if the stamp you want at the amount you need is available when you want it. It becomes a matter of chance," which is significant.

While it is possible to create original stamps with preferred images, it takes about three weeks from ordering to receiving the completed stamps, so time needs to be considered.

Also, if you think, "I’ll collect cute 92-yen stamps for my invitations over the course of a year," and then a tax increase changes 92 yen to 94 yen, that effort is rendered pointless.

Similarly, when the price for sending postcards halted at 52 yen in 2017 was raised to 62 yen, it turned out that the favorite stamps you were collecting didn't meet the new requirements.

Considering all these factors, the fact that timing doesn’t need to be deliberated is an advantage of the Paid Separate Mail system that allows for self-control.

@ka1019wedding

Consideration ③ About costs

This is a similar theme, but the stamp requirements change based on whether consumption tax is 10%, 5%, or 0%.

Additionally, variations in postage rates influence the required stamps.

However, in the case of Paid Separate Mail, "the post office calculates the necessary amount and you pay it on the spot," alleviating monetary concerns.

This is also related to the weight of the envelope: after October 1, 2019, the rates became 94 yen for up to 50g and 84 yen for up to 25g.

"What does this weigh? It feels like 24 grams, which should be 84 yen, but the glue might make it 26 grams... If it’s 26 grams, I’d have to use 94 yen, but I’d prefer the cuter 84 yen stamp," and thus those internal conflicts are eliminated.

You can settle the required amount directly. Thus, the thought of, "I’ll put on an extra stamp just to be safe!" becomes unnecessary, potentially curtailing unnecessary spending.

@_yurie07_wedding

In conclusion, I have explored the differences between stamps and Paid Separate Mail marks.

I've listed the differences as I see them between stamps and Paid Separate Mail marks.

Each has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages; how do you feel about them?

Incidentally, it’s surprising to note that there are businesses and handmade creators that sell both Paid Separate Mail marks and stamps.

Stamps (even if they are custom-made) can be sold not only through the post office; selling Paid Separate Mail marks is also legal.

This way, you can search for and purchase the design you love from sources outside the post office, allowing for more options.

After comparing various factors, choose the one you prefer.

➡ More articles about Paid Separate Mail＊

➡ More articles about original stamps＊

@yuih_wd