[Dx-qsl] It Never Ends

[Nenad Stevanovic]

-----Original Message-----
From: dx-qsl-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:dx-qsl-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Boris Knezovic

My favorite cases are people who send QSL card 
direct with no postage and note "Bureau OK" :-)

73's Boris T93Y
http://www.t93y.com





Boris,

Here is the same thing but from the angle
of observation of the QSL bureau manager.

Typical scenario of bureau user is as follows:

a. The sender does not send QSls every day
   but waits weeks, or months before actually sending
   batch of cards to the bureau.

b. If QSLs make it to the bureau it takes some time
   for the packet to be opened, and processed.

c. This does not mean cards are sent immediately.
   Usually takes another couple of weeks/months/years
   before  the batch is being sent to the DX burau.

d. Hopefully it arrives to the destination bureau
   (surface mail takes 4-6 weeks + 2-3 weeks 
   in customs).

e. Now it takes additional month or two before it 
   is distributed to the end sorter, who 
   communicates the arrival to the end user.

f. For the end-user it may take some time before 
   the QSLs are actually  claimed.

g. Now if the Rx happens to be QSL manager, he has to 
   process responses. May take days if not weeks 
   depending on the volume.

h. With response prepared, it still takes time 
   before the batch is sent to the local QSL bureau.

i. Now the items b.-f. happen in reverse order.

Bottom line. All of the above take 12-18 months.


RECOMENDATIONS:

1. End users! Send QSLs directly to the manager, or 
   manager's bureau depending on the volume. 
   Items a-f eliminated.

2. Managers! Send large volumes of bureau cards 
   directly to DX bureaus. Cuts waiting time in 
   half if not more. Remeber, most of bureaus
   surcharge large volume of cards. Item i. eliminated.

3. Do not be shy to use surface mail. It is faster
   than you think.

4. Make sure to use strong pakaging box. Most of 
   QSLs lost in transpotation are due to 
   poor packaging.


73  Nenad "The Manager" VE3EXY   

===========================================================
Snail Mail  : RAC Outgoing QSL Bureau 
              P.O.Box: 11156 Stn."H" 
              Ottawa, ON, K2H 7T9
              C A N A D A 
E-MAIL      : ve3exy at rac.ca 
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