[Dx-qsl] When to use a QSL service or ARRL outgoing Bureau?

[Ron Notarius WN3VAW]

Clint,

I've used both the ARRL Outgoing Bureau & WF5E's service for many years with relatively good results from each.

In both cases, you must learn patience.

Les tends to get faster turnaround, in part because he sends (in bulk I assume) directly to the DX stations, whereas the ARRL Outgoing Bureau sends to bureaus in other entities.  

Les also costs more, though he's well worth it!  He's gotten me a few cards that I'd given up on.

In general, I'd say that if you want the card back the fastest, deal direct.  That's also the most expensive route.

If you need the card in a reasonable time and/or don't know who the manager or route is, use WF5E.

If you just want the card eventually, use the ARRL Outgoing Bureau.

Oh yes, one last thing:  Les sends your cards back via the ARRL Incoming Bureau, so make sure you have envelopes or $ on file with yours.  In some cases, when you don't get your cards back via Les, the bottleneck isn't Les, it isn't the DX, it's your bureau sorter.  But that's an all-volunteer effort, so what can you do?

73, ron wn3vaw

From: Clint Sprague <clintws1v at yahoo.com>
Date: Tue May 16 08:43:51 CDT 2006
To: dx-qsl at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Dx-qsl] When to use a QSL service or ARRL outgoing Bureau?

I've read the "When to use IRC" threads ... lots of
good info... thanks!!

Now I'm wondering when you may preferr to use the
ARRL outgoing bureau or a QSL service like WF5E's?
What have your reponse rates been using either or both
of these?

73,
Clint
WS1V

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