Firms can now customise stamps

With the patronage for ‘My Stamps’ growing, the Department of Posts recently has begun customising them for private institutions.

‘Corporate My Stamps’ is a personalised service wherein corporate firms and institutions can get completely customised sheets of stamps. At present, the Philatelic Bureau offers certain themes such as flowers or the Taj Mahal along with which the customers can print their chosen image.

Officials said several educational institutions such as those in Coimbatore and Yercaud have opted for ‘My Stamps’ for special occasions like their golden jubilee celebrations.

Normally, only one of the images printed in the stamps is left to the customers’ choice.

But, for ‘Corporate My Stamps’, firms have the option of customising the entire stamp.

However, they have to place a minimum order of 5,000 sheets. Each sheet comprises 12 stamps and costs Rs. 300.

Selfie stamps

Similarly, patronage for the ‘selfie’ stamps also seems to be steadily growing.

The selfies are scanned and printed as stamps of Rs. 5 denomination. Of the nearly 500 sheets of stamps sold every month at Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road head post office, ‘selfie stamps’ contribute nearly 10 per cent, said Mervin Alexander, Postmaster General (Chennai City Region).

Nearly 16,000 sheets of ‘My Stamps’ have been issued so far since it was launched in May 2013. Customers also order it online throughwww.chennaipost.gov.in, officials said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Posts is also creating awareness on philately by reaching out to school children.

At present, there are nearly 3,400 philatelic deposit accounts at Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road head post office, and about 200 in Pondicherry head post office.

The philatelic deposit account holders will get information on commemorative stamps and covers of their preference and the material will be dispatched once a month based on their order.

Under the scheme, institutions have to place a minimum order of 5,000 sheets each with 12 stamps