In case some of you missed the news towards the end of last year, Swiss Post has launched a new SMS postage stamp service to allow customers to purchase stamps on their phone. The new service will run initially as a one-year pilot project, during which Swiss Post will test its acceptance amongst customers.
Available for domestic A mail items up to B5 format (25cm x 17.6 cm), weighing up to 100g and measuring no more than 2cm thick, the service works simply by sending the keyword “STAMP” via SMS to the number “414”. A code is then sent to the customer’s phone, which should then be written in the top right-hand corner of the envelope, before posting it in a letter box. The code is valid for ten days and may be used once only. It may also be requested via the Swiss Post smartphone apps for Android or iPhone.The fixed cost of franking, including the text message is set at CHF 1.20 including VAT, regardless of the subscription contract.
At the moment, the stamps can be obtained on phones with the following subscriptions: Swisscom, Sunrise, M-Budget Mobile, Lycamobile, Lebara, Talk Talk, Quickline, ALDI, Pro Juventute Primobile, Cablecom Mobile, Tele4you, and yallo. All costs will be deducted either from the customer’s phone credit or added to their bill.
For those of you who don’t know, Swiss Post also allows customers to purchase stamps online and print them at home via a service called “Webstamp”. Available since 2006, this service enables customers to design their own stamps, using company logos, photographs or text – essentially transforming the franking process into a message. The service is entirely free – all you pay for is the postage. It caters for registered mail and A Mail Plus with barcode and waybill included. Users can also benefit from Swiss Post’s collection service when sending parcels.
Click here for more information on SMS Postage Stamp.
Click here for more information on Webstamp.
