Service Talk: Breast Cancer Research Semipostal Stamp

On May 14, 2007, along with the new prices for domes­tic and international mail, we will raise the price for the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp from 45 cents to 55 cents. The Governors of the Postal Service™ determined to raise the price in order to meet the require­ments of the law creating the stamp and in connection with the increase in the First-Class^® nonautomation single-piece first-ounce letter rate increase. The design of the stamp will not change, and the postage value of the stamp will continue to be the First-Class single-piece first-ounce letter rate. It is important that you continue to remain dili­gent in accurately reporting sales of semipostal stamps.

As a reminder:

• The Postal Service must track the exact number of stamps sold. To comply with this requirement, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp must be sold for 55 cents under AIC 084.
• The stamp may be used for postage at the First- Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase. Customers should be reminded that the stamp is good for 41 cents postage, not 55 cents.
• The tax-deductible contribution associated with each stamp is 14 cents. This amount is the differen­tial between the First-Class single-piece first-ounce letter rate and the 55 cent stamp price and will be transferred (net of the Postal Service's reasonable costs) to the Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health for breast cancer research.
• Each person responsible for ordering and maintain­ing stamp stock must make certain their office has a supply of this stamp and that existing stamp stock is revalued with the current price.
• If customers indicate they want to purchase the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp but do not want to make a donation to breast cancer research, gently remind them that the Postal Service must, by law, charge the extra amount. Then offer your customer an alternative stamp to purchase.
• Customers interested in donating to breast cancer research without buying the stamp can be told they can do so through local charitable organizations.
• All customers should be given a receipt. POS ONE and IRT receipts identify Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamps. Other retail offices should pro­vide PS Form 1096, Cash Receipt.
• The self-adhesive Breast Cancer Research semi­postal stamp can be sold individually. Each pane has been especially die-cut for that purpose.

The Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp will be on sale through December 31, 2007. The end date was established by recent legislation. The Postal Service is very proud of the fact that the stamp has raised more than $53 million for research.