About Opie's Private Post

FAQs, etc.

1. What is a local post?

A local post is a small, private postal or delivery service that operates within a limited geographical area. Historically, local posts delivered mail where regular postal service was limited or inconvenient—and through the late 1800s, often in ways that supplemented or competed with government mail service. (Learn more here.) Today, local posts are a fun way to collect, celebrate, make, and share stamps, art, local history, and other fun stuff. 📫

2. Are local posts still a thing?

Absolutely! Modern local posts come in many forms. Some actually carry mail over short distances; others primarily issue their own stamps for collectors. Either way, they keep the wonderfully odd tradition of local posts alive! 📩

3. What makes a local-post stamp different from a USPS stamp?

A local-post stamp is issued by the local post—not by the U.S. Postal Service—and is either sold as a (decorative) piece of art, or as a reciept for the local carrier service provided—in Opie's case, into the USPS mailstream by way of Barrett's Too. When a local post sends something into the USPS mail stream, it typically applies appropriate USPS postage. 📨

4. So...does Opie's actually deliver mail?

Yep! Opie's North Loop Private Post provides a weekly(ish) “liaison” service for small items like letters and postcards. Mail dropped in Opie's magical mailbox is carried to the local U.S. Post Office, where it enters the regular mail stream and continues on to its finaly destination. 💌

5. Where can I find Opie's North Loop Private Post?

You can find Opie's at Barrett's Too, the lovely little coffee shop at 103 N Loop Blvd E in Austin's historic North Loop neighborhood. Choose a postcard or some stamps, apply them and address them normally, and drop your mail into the magical mailbox. If you want to order stamps for your collection, drop us a line. 📮

6. What are Opie's stamps for?

Opie's special stamps are part mail art, part neighborhood fun, and part nonprofit fundraising project. Buying them pays for the local-post service, but also raises money for community nonprofits we think are worth supporting. Our stamps also give you a fun little piece of North Loop to put on your mail, send to a friend or loved one, or just add to your collection. 🔎

7. What kinds of stamps does Opie's make?

All sorts! Opie's issues small runs featuring things we like or want to commemorate or celebrate: Opie and other dogs (duh), coffee, neighborhood life, and whatever else seems fun and worthy of a stamp. Some feature original artwork, and new issues appear regularly. Collect them, use them, trade them, or just admire them! 📨

8. Why does Opie's exist?

Because sending a letter should be a little more fun, and we all need a little more wonder and magic in our lives. Opie's is also about art-as-mindfulness, whimsy, connection, and community—and about celebrating the people and places that make North Loop special. Like Opie herself, our local post is tiny but mighty! ✨

BONUS! Why do I exist?

That's a complicated existential question religious leaders, philosophers, and others have grappled with for centuries. We can't say for sure, but Opie recomends sending more mail and siezing the magic in little things!