[Dx-qsl] More on IRC Redemption

[Dave Novoa W4DN]

My IRCs were all exchanged for $110 Global stamps. Regulations state that: 
"IRCs purchased in foreign countries are exchangeable at U.S. Post Office 
facilities toward the purchase of postage stamps and embossed stamped 
envelopes at the *current* maximum First-Class mail international 1-ounce, 
letter-size price per coupon, irrespective of the country where they were 
purchased".   Quoted from the International Mail Manual, 380 Supplemental 
Services, at section 381.2(b), emphasis added. There is no mention of the 
date when the IRC was purchased, as long as they are still unexpired. 
Unused IRCs purchased in the U.S. have  a different treatment. They may be 
exchanged "by the original purchaser for U.S. postage stamps at a discount 
of 1 cent below the purchase price".  IMM section 381.2(a)If the coupon 
shows that you paid $1.05, then you get $1.04 in any kind of U.S. stamps. Of 
course, if you purchased your IRC in Minnesota and try to redeem it in 
Florida, you better have the original receipt for your purchase.
But, anyway, I do not think that the local stations enforce that rule 
strictly, as I have exchanged recycled IRCs.
Most clerks and some supervisors are not familiar with IRCs.    I recently 
had a bunch of coupons rejected because they were not stamped at all, were 
stamped on the right hand square or were purchased in the U.S.  I went back 
yesterday and had no problem with getting Global stamps on a 1-to-1 rate.
So, Len, the USPS owes you 5 cents per Global stamp that they gave you in 
exchange for your IRCs.
73, Dave, W4DN