What Happened To Postage Stamps Being Old From Machines Outside Shops?

[Caran]

It made me think today when I used my last stamp for a crossword.
I don't want to have to go into the post office to get some more.
When did they stop selling them from machines?

[Caran]

Sold not old!!!

[hellywelly4]

Probably when people started to steal from them?

[douglas9401]

The modern public are not to be trusted with vending machines any more, not since the decency gene withered and died decades ago.

[brainiac]

I think it must be years ago. There's an ancient one outside my village PO, but it looks positively Victorian.

Sending off crosswords is getting expensive now!

[jno]

buy online cheap

https://www.discountedstamps.co.uk/product-category/1st-class-stamps

[Sam1960]

Nearly twenty years ago Caran according to this ....
https://www.selectabase.co.uk/2019/08/stamp-vending-machines-a-brief-history/

[Hopkirk]

Probably about the time that cigarette vending machines disappeared.

[douglas9401]

Playing a bit free and easy with the word 'cheap', jno.

[naomi24]

You don't need to go to the post office to get more. Supermarkets sell them and so do most newsagents.

[Mamyalynne]

I buy mine in bulk online as I use so many.

[Caran]

I know it's getting expensive to post crosswords.
I do six each weekend. Then at least another three each month from magazines. Plus any extras I find along the way.
Expensive hobby!

[jno]

you don't have to buy them by the thousand, douglas. But remember to buy 1st or 2nd class stamps, not ones with the price on; that way they'll still be okay even if charges go up.

There may be even cheaper ones elsewhere.

[Jackdaw33]

Ever since decimalisation I would think.