[Dx-qsl] It Never Ends

[Boris Knezovic T93Y]

Nenad Stevanovic wrote:
> -----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   
> 
Nenad,

I am DX'er myself and I send money for postage or IRC's if I expect a 
direct answer. Otherwise I send card via the bureau...

Sending envelope without postage to me is waste of time and money and, 
not because I am cheap but because of the above, I would never answer 
that request direct. Instead, operator can save money by sending E-mail 
QSL request for bureau card...

73's Boris T93Y
-- 
Boris Knezovic T93Y, P.O. Box 59, Sarajevo BA-71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
E-mail: t93y at lol.ba or boris at t93y.com
WEB Page: http://www.t93y.com
--