Denis Muscat, Attard.
Obsolete stamps
I was recently informed that postage stamps not bearing the euro equivalent will no longer be valid after January 31.
Since I keep a limited stock of stamps for post to America, Europe and Asia, I went to the nearest post office, from where I had originally purchased these stamps, with a view to exchange them. To my surprise I was told by a rather impolite clerk that they do not exchange stamps. When I enquired as to what I should do with these stamps, "use them" was the reply. I retorted that to use them I must have a purpose. Besides, 22c and 29c stamps are not used every day. I was then told: "Wait for a statement to be issued by Maltapost - in all probability you will have to go to Marsa to exchange them".
I wish to ask Maltapost officials why the whole of Malta will have to travel all the way to Marsa to exchange obsolete stamps and not to any post office. Haven't we already had our fair share of queuing at local banks to convert our euros? Why are they making it so difficult? Do they realise that there might be people who have to take two buses to make their way to Marsa?
The Maltapost slogan should be: "Dear Customer, remember that we have a monopoly and we simply do not care."
7 Comments
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Michael Ratushny
Feb 3rd 2008, 23:00
As a collector of postage stamps I have accidently come across this article and another regarding the changeover to euro in Malta. Having read it with interest, It appears that you will first have to fill out a form and apply for an exchange and then an appointment will be set up for you to go and exchange your stamps. Sounds like a lot of trouble to go through. You probably have to mail the form to them also, costing more postage. And they will not buy back the philatelic postage sold to collectors. Why not just allow people to go to the post office, complete a small exchange form and exchange postage there as most people will only have small amounts anyway. Anyway if you have grandchildren or know of someone who collects stamps maybe you can interest them in the stamps. Even a small loss is better than a total one.
Kenneth Pisani
Jan 24th 2008, 17:57
If Mr Muscat wanted more information he could have phoned Maltapost customer care and would have been told that stamps issued between January 1998 and June 2007 will be exchanged from February till March.Mr Muscat can obtain a form from any Malta Post branch.
Gordon J Grech
Jan 24th 2008, 15:18
No Need to fuss visit the Maltapost portal and download appropriate form. All info on the form.
Lino Gauci Borda
Jan 24th 2008, 15:02
I too went to B'Kara P.O. to exchange a significant number of 'soon-useless' stamps. I got the same reply from the clerk. Howeever, he was very polite and almost embarrassed when he explained to me that Maltapost will be issuing a notice for us to call at the Marsa office. I am sure that there will be many people who will give up and not go to Marsa - and Maltapost will have made an easy buck or two.
Tony Stivala
Jan 24th 2008, 12:15
I wonder if I have to come all the way from Gozo to Marsa to exchange a few outdated stamps. That is 6 buses & 2 ferries.
Alistair Farrugia
Jan 24th 2008, 12:07
Thank God for privatisation, no?
So much for improved service delivery!
Jean-Claude Pace
Jan 24th 2008, 10:48
I went through exactly the same experience. Seems to me that Maltapost are trying to make a quick buck out of the Euro changeover. NECC please note.