Stamp vending machines- *What* profit?

[Geek Mecha]

In one of the Straight Dope books (forgive me, I forget which one), there was a question regarding to whom the profit from those stamp vending machines goes. The answer was (basically) whoever owns the machine. This might be a stupid question, but, um, what profit? There's no price markup (15 33-cent stamps=$4.95). Is there some deal where if you buy stamps in bulk, they're cheaper?

[The Ryan]

If you know the secret handshake, you can get stamps for only a quarter.

[Geek Mecha]

Hmmm. When did you last wash your hands? :D

[spooje]

In most 7-11 stores, there is a stamp machine that will dispense 1 33 cent stamp for 50 cents. Also, most Mailbox ETC. type places no longer sell stamps at face value.

[Geek Mecha]

Really? :confused: The only stamp machines I see don't sell stamps individually, unless they're the $1.00 type.

Thanks for the reply.

[UncleBeer]

Here's the column, just for reference.
http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_354a.html

[RealityChuck]

The Postal Service has its own stamp vending machines (in their lobbies and sometimes on locations outside the post offices themselves -- there's one in a local mall, for instance). When you buy from one of them, you get the stamps at face value, since all the money goes to the USPS.

Their usually the size of a soda machine with a USPS logo at the top.

Other machines are owned by private vendors and usually charge a markup.

[Rhythmdvl]

The small white and blue boxes on a pole you see in pharmacies and 7/11s are privately owned - those are the ones that charge a bit more for stamps and operate at a profit.

The Post Office (generally) operates the larger snack-like vending machines. (No, the machine is not snack-like, but it looks like the type that normally sells Hostess-goodness). These don't operate at a profit, and typically only sell books of stamps.

[AWB]

Safeway used to charge a markup (IIRC, $6.75 for 20 33-cent stamps). But outcry caused them to now charge only face value. Good PR is more valuable than 15 cents' profit.

[sailor]

so the do not make a profit on them? so what? Stores routinely sell some articles at a loss just to attract cutomers. Compared to taht, selling at zero loss seems like a good deal.

[Greg Charles]

The Post Office did, at one time anyway, provide stamps at a small dicount to retailers. Now if we could just convince the mint to do the same ...