[Dx-qsl] Re: QSLing

[Jeff Stai WK6I]

fabulous post, Ron - you should really write it up as an article for one of the mags!

I have added a few comments...

At 09:01 AM 5/21/2002, Ron Notarius WN3VAW wrote:
>Scott,
>
>Well, I'll answer your question as best I can.  I'm also going to copy this
>over to the DX QSL reflector so that people who are more experienced at
>successful QSL'ing can also throw their 2 IRC's worth into it too.
>
>How to Succeed in QSL'ing:
>
>1.    Learn patience.  Cards do not return overnight.  Expect a minimum of
>10 days for domestic cards and 4 weeks for overseas cards.  In the cases of
>a major DXpedition, expect months for a return, since most of the time (and
>there are exceptions) cards are not printed until after the DXpedition
>returns and the managers literally have tens of thousands of QSL requests to
>check through.

Speaking as a procrastinator myself (I'd be a Registered Procrastinator, but 
I never get around to filing the papework) - allow a year. Even minor 
DXpeditions have printing delays - and answering all those cards can take a 
long time!

>...
>2c.  Learn where the Internet search engines for QSL information are and use
>them.  But keep in mind that sometimes the wrong information or out of date
>information gets listed even in the best of them.

I file all messages from this reflector into a folder and search the folder 
with my email program - that often nets me a working route.


>3.  Make sure the DX station has your call correct, which can sometimes be
>difficult in a big pileup.  It's been suggested that if you are in doubt,
>log the calls of the stations worked before and after you so that you have
>some "proof" you made the Q & the call in the log is busted.

Never complete the exchange until you hear your whole call repeated back to 
you correctly - it may make you sound like a newby or something, but it gets 
you in the log!

>...
>4.  Use "security" envelopes, even domestically.  Or wrap the contents of
>the envelope in a thin blank sheet of paper.  Or both.  Cuts down on
>potential theft, and the sheet of paper "smooths" the envelope out a little
>so that there's less chance of postal machinery snagging on and destroying
>an envelope.

Security envelopes, absolutely. I use a heavy sheet (normal 'copier' paper) 
to smooth it out even more - makes it seem like a multi-page letter.

4a: Use SAEs that fit into your larger envelope without folding - nothing 
sticks out more (literally) than a folded envelope - the folded paper can't 
smooth it out enough, and it can get caught in the machinery.


>5.  Minimize use of call letters on the envelope.  You're usually OK on
>envelopes going to stations in the US, Canada, and most of Western Europe.
>But the sad fact is that there are way too many areas of the world where
>people handling the envelopes covet cash, and have learned that call letters
>indicate an amateur radio related piece of mail, like a QSL card request
>with dollars and/or IRC's.

This goes for your SAE as well - your request can be a victim of foul play 
on the return leg, too - but help the DX by writing your call in pencil in 
the space where the flap will cover it when sealed.


>5a.  Consider having your envelopes printed professionally with a return
>address, or use a good quality laser or ink jet printer to print them on the
>fly.   Consider strongly making them look like a professional letter, not a
>personal one.  Some people have gone so far as to make them appear to be
>"junk" mail ("congratulations!  you may have won 2 IRC's by opening this
>letter!"  ... ok, only Ed McMahon could get away with that one)
>
>5a1.  If you're not going to fake a company name and you're married, use
>your spouse's name (as in "Ron & Julie Notarius" not "Ron Notarius").
>Again, makes it appear to be something other than an a QSL request.
>
>5c.  Use your home printer to print the mailing address right on the
>envelope.  Hand written addresses do not look professional.  Mailing labels
>sometimes look like junk mail, but do not look professional.

Here's where I differ - all my "stealth" requests go out handwritten in 
fountain pen, both DX address and my return address. My return address I 
write like this:

STAI
POB 567
PLACENTIA 92870 USA

Both addresses are written in capital block letters. I dunno what difference 
the fountain pen might make, other than I consider it 'lucky', and you don't 
see that scratchy style much any more. (And there are so few opportunities 
to use a fountain pen these days ;-)

My card and green stamp(s) go into the SAE, I wrap the SAE in the paper, 
then stuff it into the larger envelope and stamp it with a plain 80 cent stamp.

By the time I am done it just looks like a letter to the folks back home. 
With this method, I have a better than 90% return rate on all-time new 
countries (235 worked, 18 not yet confirmed, but 15 of those were mailed in 
2002).


>5d.  Tape envelopes shut.  Prevents humidity and other factors from
>"accidently" opening sealed envelopes.

Yes, but don't mummify it. I use a simple square of tape at the 'point' of 
the flap.

>...
>7a.    Some areas of the world prohibit their citizens to possess US or
>other foreign currency.  It is usually a bad idea to send Green Stamps to
>these areas.
>...
>7d.  In some areas, a dollar buys more air mail postage than an IRC.  In
>other areas, the opposite is true.  And some places want more than one IRC
>to cover air mail back to the US.  How do you find out?  Ask questions on
>one of the many DX & QSL reflectors.  Also check out the fine IRC chart that
>Bill W9OL has put together at
>http://www.qsl.net/w9ol/ircchart.txt

For a new one, I will always send an extra dollar - it is worth it to me to 
ensure that postage and costs are really covered. I just do without a 
Snicker bar that day...;-)

Sometimes I will send $5 to small DXpeditions that I have made a couple 
contacts with, and more to the big ones. They have worked really hard to 
give me a lot of fun, so why not?


>10.  Reality is that there are some DX that either have most of their mail
>intercepted or are IRC/GS collectors.  So don't be afraid to ask  first.
>But don't be disappointed if some of these never come through, or if they
>reply years later through the bureau.  Some have reasons; they might be good
>ones (which is no excuse, though).  Some are just... what they are.

10a: If the DX sends you your card, and a few cards for some other hams, 
just forward them along. Be happy that you have been able to help a fellow ham.


>14.  Don't give up.  Things happen.  It took me 12 years, for example, but I
>finally tracked down and got my EL7X card -- the original request had been
>lost during civil disturbances, and it was a long time until I found that
>the amateur had escaped and was still alive AND still had his logs.  Some
>Silent Key logs are lost, but others are put in manager's hands and cards
>can still be obtained.  ASK if in doubt.
>
>15.  Patience!

yes, and listening!-)


>Some things that I know others do that I don't:
>
>1.  I have hardly ever bothered with the flimsy light-weight air mail
>envelopes.  They made sense when air mail was weighed by the 1/2 ounce, but
>not by the ounce.  And sometimes the cost of buying the envelopes and
>handling them is more than the cost of postage.  Those who swear by them
>will no doubt disagree with me on that!

Me either - but it may be something I will try on a resend. I have noticed 
some DX will discard my SAE and reply with the flimsy. I am thankful they 
were willing to do this, but sad that they had to take the extra time...

Anyway Ron - fabulous, like I said - and hope my comments are helpful.

73 and GL - jeff wk6i


Jeff Stai       Twisted Oak Winery LLC
Email           jds@twistedoak.com
Amateur Radio   WK6I
ROC Web Page    http://www.rocstock.org/