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reduction of fixed credit is accomplished in this
manner, follow the procedures for returning all
stamps. Include the check or no-fee money order
with the PS Form 17, signed PS Form 3369, and
the stamp stock decrease letter. Ensure that the
check or money order and the stamps combined
equal the amount of the desired decrease.
EXCHANGING DAMAGED STAMP
STOCK
Learning Objective: Recall the procedures
for processing damaged stamps for return to
the source of supply.
Do not sell damaged stamps or stationery to your
patrons. Always ensure, before deliverin stamps to
customers that they are free from damage. If stamps
become damaged while in the customer’s possession,
they can be exchanged by the customer; however, the
exchange is always made in stamps, NEVER IN
CASH. The exchange will be an equal value of stamps
of the same denomination.
Stamps presented for
exchange must be in substantially whole condition
with the denomination evident.
Occasionally you will receive damaged stamps in a
stamp requisition. Sometimes a clerk will damage
stamps while separating a sheet, or when tearing a
stamp from the sheet. Do not sell damaged stamps to
the public. Return all damaged stock to the source of
supply for exchange (COPE, NPFO, PFO).
Prepare PS Form 17 in duplicate (see figure 8-3) to
return stock because of damage or for redemption.
Prepare the form exactly as if you were making a regular
requisition, except mark the Return stock box number 4.
The stamps you return are part of your fixed credit;
therefore, you must requisition replacement stamps
equal in value to the amount of the damaged stamps you
are returning.
You have the option to replace the
damaged stamps with stamps of the same denomination
or substitute them with a different denomination.
When you return stock on PS Form 17, you must
also prepare a separate PS Form 17 requisitioning
stamps (check clerk order box in block 7).
Submit requisitions for exchange of stamp stock
separately from regular requisitions.
The COPE,
NPFO, or PFO will replace the stamp stock and return
it to you like an ordinary requisition.
Remember, when returning stamps for exchange,
unless returning to the COPE, the stamps must be
returned by registered mail.
Q8-18. Window finance clerks should exchange cash
for stamps from the COPE at least how often?
Q8-19. The total amount of your window stamp stock
is $1,000. Replenishment is required when
your cash exceeds what amount?
Q8-20. A COPE should exchange cash for stamps
from the source of supply at least how often?
Q8-21. Stamp requisitions are prepared and
submitted on what PS form?
Q8-22. Stamp stock is recorded and inventoried on
what PS form?
Q8-23. When increasing or decreasing your
command’s fixed credit, it should be in
multiples of what amount?
Now turn to appendix I to check your answers.
POSTAGE METERS
Learning Objective: Recall the procedures
for operating, safeguarding, and accounting
for postage meters.
If you are assigned to a large command such as an
aircraft carrier or large shore activity overseas, your
duties as a finance clerk may require you to operate a
postage meter machine. Postage meters are furnished
by the USPS to military post offices to provide a means
of selling postage without the use of postage stamps.
WHAT IS A POSTAGE METER
A postage meter machine consists of two main
parts: a postage meter head (see figure 8-6) and a meter
base (see figure 8-7). While there are several different
makes and designs of postage meters, the operating
procedures are basically the same. The postage meter
and the meter base are separate pieces of equipment,
but can only be operated when used together and
engaged by the meter key. The postage meter is the
smaller of the two pieces and is designed to fit on the
meter base (see figure 8-8). The meter base holds the
ink, water, paper tape, and operates the meter. Only red
ink and tape issued by the USPS should be used in the
meter base. When operated, the postage meter makes
an imprint on a gummed tape and records the amount
of postage sold, in dollars and cents. You can print
any denomination of postage. However, do not issue
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