Use return envelopes with “peel and stick” seal flap
Leave small unsealed opening at each corner of envelope. Most quality envelopes will do this without you needing to do anything other than seal it properly.
Print your address CLEARLY on your return envelope
Print a return address on your return envelope
Either station sending to or your return address
Avoid folding your return envelope in the sending envelope
If you must fold, NEVER put the folded part facing the top
Consider “nested” envelopes from William Plum or other sources
DO NOT place your card inside of your return envelope
For US to US mailings
Place proper postage (in proper location) on your return envelope
Be aware of pending postage increases, include sufficient postage to cover or Forever Stamps
Tips For Using a QSL Manager
Utilize the Online QSL Request System (OQRS) if one is available for the station you need a card from. In general, this reduces the “touch time” for answering your requests. Be aware this may be via ClubLog or the manager/station may have their own OQRS site setup. QRZ.COM is usually a good place to find out QSLing instructions for a station.
Patience
A busy QSL manager can handle hundreds, if not thousands of direct requests per month
We often have to wait weeks to receive logs
Many times QSL cards have to be designed/ordered/printed
DO NOT send an email 2 weeks after sending your request
Always send at least an SASE to stateside managers
Simply sending a card will almost always result in no return or at best a return via the bureau if you are lucky
Follow basics/envelope tips on earlier slides
Most of them are designed to optimize manager efficiency
QSL Managers are not mind readers
Despite popular belief, special orders don’t upset us, but if you don’t tell us, we won’t know
Most common example – K5XYZ works 9V1YC on RTTY/CW/SSB, sends one card for each QSO and expects the manager to send him a separate card for each mode, BUT, he doesn’t enclose a note requesting this. Result: K5XYZ receives one card with all QSOs on one or more label(s)
When sending requests for multiple stations to one manager
Be prepared to wait until the manager has logs, blank cards, etc from ALL stations before receiving your cards… UNLESS
You provide separate SASEs for each call requested (and a note)
Do Not tape ANYTHING to anything else in your request. It really slows us down
There are times for email
If you receive a card in error, the manager will almost always resend without another SASE if our mistake
If an extended time period (2+ months) has elapsed since sending your request with no response, mail does get lost
Watch the “tone” of the email – it’s easy to inadvertently sound confrontational or demanding
Donations
QSL managers have expenses (cards, envelopes, labels, rubber stamps, printer ink, bureau expenses, etc), usually not covered by the DX station
In my home state of south Louisiana we would call this practice Lagniappe, “A little something extra” – Trust me, we DO appreciate it and it helps a lot!!!
