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TIPS
FOR SUCCESSFUL QSLING |
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We have put
together the following list that will help you be more successful in
receiving the needed qsl card.
- Make sure you include enough postage on the
envelope to cover the delivery of your QSL request! The QSL Manager
should never have to receive cards with postage due. Remember, the
manager has volunteered to process your QSL requests. The QSL
Manager spends many hours filling out QSL Cards for Amateur Radio
operators and SWL's worldwide.
- Only include a US $1.00 to managers in
countries that accept US Currency. If you
know it will cost more than $1.00 to return your SAE, go to your
bank and get some $2.00 bills. Sending a $2.00 bill rather than 2 -
$1.00 bills, the envelope is lighter and not as bulky.
- When sending IRC's (International Reply Coupons),
make sure they are the latest coupons and are stamped correctly.
Do Not
send foreign currency. Many managers do not have locally available
foreign currency exchange.
- Write or print the address of the qsl manager
very clearly on the envelope. Place your address clearly in the
upper left corner of the envelope.
- Always Enclose an
SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) with enough postage stamps to
cover the return of the needed QSL Card. DX stations should include
an SAE (Self Addressed Envelope. NEVER
put your countries postage stamp on card requests going to a manager
in another country. One countries stamps are no good in other
countries. A great idea is include the basic stamp on the SASE, with
another stamp or stamps taped inside for the manger to use if there
is too much weight for basic postage. If it can come with a basic
stamp, the manager can keep the stamp for requests without proper
postage. If your SASE needs more postage he can use the stamp.
- The SASE or SAE should be large enough to hold
the card or cards requested. Sending your SASE envelope in a larger
envelope to prevent having to fold it helps your mailing envelope
not be suspiciously bulky, drawing unwanted attention. A 6x9 manila
envelope is good for sending a 5x7 manila as a return envelope. The
manila is also harder to detect money inside. You can also use a
security envelope available from many QSL card printing companies.
- Very Important
- Make sure you have the correct date and time based on UTC or GMT.
(Remember at 0000 UTC the date is actually the next calendar date,
not the current date for most places.) Also indicate which is the
month and which is the date. This will help the Manager locate and
confirm you are in the log much quicker and save him time.
- Write only the callsign that you made contact
with on your QSL card, writing it clearly on you card in the contact
info area of the card. Having the callsign on the information side
of your card helps the manage only have to look at one side of the
card.
- Write very clearly and if you make a mistake,
throw the card away and start over. Awards managers will not accept
a card that has been marked and corrected. They do not know who
corrected the card.
- When using a computer label for your QSL
information, sign you card with your signature across the edge of
the label so it is on the card and label. You could also use a QSL
Verified rubber stamp. These are usually small round stamps
- You do not include contest exchange info. on your
qsl card.
- When sending a qsl request to a Manager, NEVER
put the stations call, name, or address on the envelope. Only put
the correct address of the QSL Manager.
- Always be patient while waiting on you requested
qsl. Many times there is a delay in the cards being printed or the
arrival of the logbook files to the manager. This can tak a few
weeks to several months. Also, it is important to remember that you
are not the only station requesting a qsl card.
- If your card is going to a humid area or coming
from a humid area of the world, include a return envelope with a
removable strip to seal the envelope. Should you not have access to
this type envelope, include wax paper between the glue edges to keep
them from sticking together and making the envelope useless. Use a
pen or marker that will not smear with moisture.
- If you work a station multiple time on different
bands and modes, include your request for all contacts together.
- If you work several dx stations who use the same
manager and send all QSL Card requests to the manager in one
envelope with one return envelope, the envelope will not be returned
until all your requests can be verified. One delayed arrival of a
stations logbook data to the QSL Manager could delay all your needed
cards being sent for months.
- When placing the address on the envelope to the
manager, include his Country on the last line. On you return
envelope be sure to include you Country on the last line of your
address. This will help foreign postal workers better sort outgoing
mail. Help the QSL manager by placing his return address on the
upper left of the envelope he will send your return card with.
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