Actual Stamps vs. Licensed Reproductions
We now offer two image options for creating our postage stamp products.
You can now choose an actual, mint-condition, uncirculated postage stamp OR a licensed reproduction for your products.
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What's the difference?
- Real stamp products are created with authentic postage stamps. We do not use stickers, labels or reproductions of any kind on these products. While a few current stamps are available at U.S. post offices, most of the stamps we use on products are out-of-circulation and must be purchased through dealers or third parties.
- Licensed stamp reproductions, on the other hand, make use of a copy or replica of the stamp on the product. A trademark/copyright notice appears on each reproduction product along with the "Official Licensed Product" logo. The stamp denomination may also have a hairline mark through it. Aside from that, reproductions are virtually identical to actual, real postage stamps in terms of color, design and even the presence of stamp perforations along the edges.
Why use one over the other?
Because of "real stamp" scarcity, cost or availability, you may be able to save on products created with reproductions. Faster production times may also be possible with stamp reproductions.
Some customers like the idea of using real, vintage stamps incorporated into their products-giving them the opportunity to own an authentic piece of history.
On the other hand, because we are not authorized to reproduce some stamps because of joint ownership licensing restrictions, we must use real stamps.
Finally, some items must be manufactured with reproductions-mugs, rulers and posters, for example. If we don't have permission to use the stamp reproduction, it is not offered.
We make this process easy for you on our "build your own" product pages. Only available options for each stamp are offered and no substitutions are made without your permission.
