Parcel stamps, do you collect them too?
On January 2, 1995, PTT Post introduced a new form of franking: the parcel stamp. From then on, domestic parcels no longer needed to be franked with postage stamps; a large sticker sufficed. Four different parcel stamps were issued on that day, for parcels of different weight classes.
The stamps did not feature a value indication, but rather the designation 'Frankeringbetaald Nederland' (Postage paid Netherlands) and a large number (1, 5, 20, or 25) indicating the weight class. The stamps were sold not only individually but also in booklets of 5 or 10, at a slightly lower unit price. The parcel stamps were only valid for domestic mail. Stamp collectors have paid little attention to the parcel stamps. For the mint collector, they are quite pricey, and used, they are difficult to fit into a stamp album.
A large number is printed on the central part of the parcel stamp indicating the weight class of the parcel, such as 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, and 30. Furthermore A circle is left blank in the central section for a stamp impression, and the unique stamp number is displayed on it in the form of a barcode. Every time the package comes into the hands of a TNT Post employee, the barcode is scanned using a scanner. All this information is recorded in a central computer for the benefit of the customers as well as TNT Post itself. The customer can track the status of the package via the barcode. This is known as 'track and trace'.
On January 2, 1997, an increase in parcel post rates brought about a change. Although no rate is indicated on the parcel stamps, and one could therefore have continued to use the existing stamps, a new series of parcel stamps nevertheless appeared at the counter. The number was replaced by the indication 'up to and including'.
In the meantime, quite a few types of parcel stamps have appeared, even special stamps for the Christmas period, illustrated by Dick Bruna. These were issued on November 27, 1995. Furthermore, there are stamps combined with specific additional services. And did you know that on January 21, 1997, a parcel stamp was issued as a scratch-and-scent stamp on the occasion of Valentine's Day? What is your opinion? Do parcel stamps belong in a stamp collection? Let us know! 
'@Cees
You can find an attempt to map the parcel stamps on my website:
http://www.galeoptix.nl/fila/nl_pak00.htm
As you well know, I am of the opinion that these are ordinary stamps with a limited scope of application – just as the postage due, service, airmail, and special flight stamps, etc., were…
Therefore, they simply belong in the catalogue, just like registered mail stamps, guaranteed postage stamps, and prepaid express stamps.
Just like with stamps, you can buy them in advance and use them at the moment and place you need them.
A poll about what people here think about it is all well and good and fits perfectly with the culture of texting and having someone from Big Brother send messages, but of course it never replaces a reasoned decision on whether or not to include something in a catalog based on criteria.
A Netherlands collection can never be complete if, for example, it does not include postage due stamps, but neither can it be complete if the aforementioned stamps are missing.
Everyone is free to decide what they want to collect, but if something is going to be “evaluated,” it is perfectly acceptable for criteria to be established and applied.
It is high time for a panel of judges to seriously consider this without prejudice….
A postage stamp is proof of payment issued by the postal service for the amount required by the postal service as consideration for a service to be performed. I agree with Rein that the parcel stamp meets this description. Does this stamp belong in a postage stamp collection? It is sometimes said that philately begins where the postage stamp catalogue ends. If you agree with that, this stamp does not belong in a postage stamp collection, but in a philatelic collection. It is postal, so exhibiting it should be possible.
'@Willem
So you agree with me that a parcel stamp is a postage stamp. And what belongs in a postage stamp collection then? All postage stamps, surely?
‘@Rein
Do you collect all the stamps then?
@ Rein, just a bit irreverently: the average stamp collector is someone who ticks off what they have in their catalog. Nothing wrong with that, because that is how everyone starts. So as long as the parcel stamp isn't in the catalog (and isn't depicted by DAVO et al. in a pre-printed album), I'm afraid this stamp won't appear in many stamp collections. And at (philatelist) Hogendoorn? I have one, because I've given up striving for completeness, but I do want to have a bit of every “type.” The album containing this stamp is recognizable by the “R” for Rarities 🙂
The point is that a large number of stamp types are incorrectly not listed in the Dutch PZC. As a result, the PZC provides a very limited picture of the stamps that have been issued and is therefore a misleading source for collectors striving for completeness.
The NVPH SC thus provides a very limited picture of the types of stamps that have been issued and is therefore a misleading source for collectors striving for completeness.
Yes, they strive to decide for themselves what to include in their collection and what not, and essential information is being withheld from them. The NVPH, as guardian of the Dutch collecting flock, knows best what is good for that flock. Keeping them ignorant and not letting them think for themselves can never hurt, and that is how you will get through the next 80 years as well...
'@Willem,
I would not want to call them “Rarities,” but examples that belong in the overview of the Twelve Philatelic Elements.
That is much broader than the “catalogue”.
http://www.everyoneweb.com/twaalf
'@Tone
With all due respect for the attempts to involve the youth through Oomens Twelve, I do find the Twelve to be quite a hodgepodge! But you already knew that about me 🙂
Just let it go. Went to the Van Gogh Museum yesterday, highly recommended for everyone, and in a folder, album, shoebox, whatever it turns out to be:
the entrance ticket
the snatched piece of paper that was lying on the trays in the canteen
the brochure about the museum at the exit
the tickets purchased in the store
The purchased poster is too big
the sheet of Van Gogh stamps 2003
a number of cards with stamps that I still need to send for cancellation, so that they become the so-called maximum cards
The letter from main sponsor KPN with that embossed postage paid stamp on it. I'm definitely not going to collect that, but I'm taking it along anyway.
A Van Gogh First Day Cover
Talk about a hodgepodge….
I mean: if I had had a vending machine stamp of Van Gogh, it would have entered too. But I don't have it, and I'm not going to go looking for it in desperation.
The twelve philatelic elements do not exist. At the time, when the compilation of 'guidelines' for young collectors to include a varied number of elements in a collection was discussed at a board meeting of Jeugd Filatelie Nederland (JFN), more than fifty examples were given. We then started cutting back and ended up with 12 examples. Naturally, there are many more! But this brief overview has stuck in the minds of young exhibitors at stamp shows. Later, they discover even more elements themselves that can be used and apply them accordingly. With that, one of JFN's objectives has been achieved! No hodgepodge! But a tool towards more.
In my opinion, the question is phrased incorrectly, and this increases the likelihood of an impure discussion.
The question should be: Are parcel stamps postage stamps, yes or no, and why?
In my opinion, the question of whether parcel stamps belong in a stamp collection is determined exclusively by the person assembling the collection in question and is therefore (virtually purely) subjective.
In my opinion, there is no doubt whatsoever that parcel stamps are genuine postage stamps. Willem Hoogendoorn provides the most direct and clear answer: the definition of a postage stamp applies without reservation to parcel (postal) stamps as well. This also applies to the other (postal) stamps mentioned by Rein, the various variants of personalized stamps, as well as to the ATM (automat stamps, from Klussendorf to Gunnebo in all forms and (printing) variants). Seek and you shall find nothing in the “Special” catalogue. Look instead for trifles such as the blueprints and the FDCs, and a “sea to drink” unfolds upon opening the magnificent book.
Why do so many people still buy this annual philately NON-WORTHY price list from a small group of dealers? Isn't it about time for a REAL stamp catalogue?
Hello Kees,
I would like to buy part 2 of your handbook Dutch postmarks on CD. How can I arrange that?
Regards,
Sander Wijnen
(sorry, I couldn't find your email address…)
'@JS why do so many people still buy this annual philately NON-WORTHY price list from a bunch of dealers? Isn't it about time for a REAL stamp catalogue?
Dear Johan, this year, after 8 years, I asked for and received a new 2009 version as a gift again, leafed through it a bit, and gave it to a neighbor girl, for all those pictures!!
Setting up a REAL catalogue, via the internet for example, does not seem like an insurmountable idea to me. We ourselves, family and acquaintances, work via the system as Mr. RvdB has set it up. Starting from scratch every year, no B types, no unlisted types, but all types!!! From slit to die-cut types, perforation and printing variations, phosphor variations, etc. etc. The beauty of Mr. RvdB's setup is that it is inexhaustible, ranging from simplistic to complete. Everyone can extract their specific information from it, whether it is: perforations, printing technical details, exact emission dates, gum, horizontal or vertical, yellow, white, orange or red vertical or L bars, single or double slit, etc. etc. From 1852 to the present, it IS and REMAINS a clear, annual, renewed, insightful catalogue, for the beginner, specialized, or seasoned COLLECTOR alike!!!!! For those who would like to stay informed about the prices estimated by traders, buy one of those monstrosities—I mean a price list—subtract 80% of the value (last 10 years, slightly less), and well done…………..LET'S DO IT!!!!
'@ OJ Quartz,
It will probably come as no surprise that I have not yet bought the wonderful 2010 catalogue. It is a pity, though, that I am now missing out on the blueprint for my collection of trinkets devised by catalog committee members who are counting their profits. The same will likely apply to the new Specialties Catalogue. As can be predicted in advance, it contains nothing new either, and the pricing has never been right. If everyone were to decide at the same time not to buy such money-wasting price lists, it might finally bring the realization to the dealers that their price list is of no value whatsoever. I do not expect it to ever succeed in any other way. Moreover, with the savings, you could buy some nice stamp material (for example, a number of personalized stamp sheets via the TNT application) or an album.
Dear Kees,
I already exhibited in Belgium in 2007 with the Dutch parcel stamp in the single-frame class.
Post history achieved 79%.
I have been working with parcel stamps since 1995.
I could get it for free through my work.
and so I started a collection of used parcel stamps;
To me, parcel stamps are postage stamps.
Regards, Ad
I happened to stumble upon the discussions about the Twelve Philatelic Elements again. However, my website has since moved and been expanded. It is now at http://www.filavaria.nl/twaalf.htm
While putting up the Christmas tree, I came across a PTT parcel stamp booklet with one unused stamp inside. I thought, just for fun, I'll scan this stamp in the Post NL app. And sure enough, the stamp scan was still accepted. Does anyone know if I can still use this to send a package, or are there other interested parties? The booklet used to belong to my parents' company, so all the stamps are gone, except for the last one… I'd love to hear from anyone or a collector. Happy Holidays ???????
Rolinde, on the Post NL website it says:
Parcel and service stamps are available for purchase in the webshop until August 1, 2020. You can buy these stamps at a PostNL point up to and including December 31, 2020, while stocks last. You can still use stamps you have already purchased up to and including March 31, 2021. From April 1, 2021, the parcel and service stamps will no longer be valid and can no longer be used for sending parcels.
'@Willem.
Just as guilder stamps are no longer allowed to be used, yet this knowledge is lacking at most PostNL points. I still regularly send packages with nice sheets of Fl 0.80.
I guess that if you have the parcel label scanned, it will simply be accepted by the attendant.
Ramon, can you stop doing that?