How to Get Better Returns From your QSL

To obtain that wanted QSL you must first send your QSL, quickly and accurately. Immediately after the QSO sit down and write out the QSL or print the label from the computer. If the stationt you work as the Logs's on-line, you can check the  bands and modes you have worked. In this way you can check and double check on the date  and the time GMT. The only time touse is UTC (Universal Time Clock) or GMT (Greewich Mean time). If youdon't have your log on a computer, or if you  are not sure of the correct time check directly on WWV, Hams are one of the largest users of WWV, but when one sees  the many incorrect times put on QSL's (and log's) it seems all they do is listen to the tick.                                                                                 

It may not seen important to be so accurate, but rapid DX operator may work 10 or 15 stations a minute.

Make sure, if you are changing your local time, to change de date also, if necessary. But why not keep the clock in GMT, myself I've on my station 2 Clocks (1 at Local time , I change for sumer time and winter time and the other with UTC Universal Time I neverever change) . The next most important item on the card is the band , if you don't want your card refused or returned marked "not in log", make sure the band when recording. Many stations in contests particularly, keep the logs by bands. 

The mode you are using on transmission is very important also, as many awards are for Phone, or SSB, or CW, FSK, PSK31 separately. Thes signal report is the next item of important and necessary to complete de confirmation of the QSO.

It is unfortunate that there is not a standard form used for QSL design. The easiest design to read quickly is the log form type with all of printing on one side only . The log form type is made up with a simulated line from the log sheet printed on the card. If you use a computer you can just print for a label and fixe on the qsl card.    

It has been said that a QSL is the final courtesy of a QSO. This is certainly true. QSLing is no burden to the amateur who works several statiuons a week, or even a day, but think of the station who is working 10 or 20 stations a minute in contest style. He is working in this manner to give as many as possible the chance for a QSO and ultimately a QSL.  ASLing for this station indeed is a chore. It is only right that we should assist this station in his QSL task in some manner. The usual considerate  way is to send along with your card a SASE Self-adressed-stamped-envelope. The SASE saves most of the work for the station in not having  to adress an envelope or card, and also postage involved. Of course if postage for differnt country you can send a IRC International Reply Coupons along with the adressed envelope. Also, it is not asking  too much to enclose a small donation to help cover the cost of the card or the gas for the generator in the case of a DXpedition station. Those who go on DXpedition do so for several reasons. First, the enjoyment of travel an operating as a rare DX. Seconf, to give the contacts to those who needed them on different bands or modes. The QSL card is necessary evil erising  from the second reason. 

One on a DXpedition never expects  to make any money on the trip  or to even have his travel expenses paid. But somehow those who want the QSL's should assume some small expense involved. The cost of printing  a decent special or picture QSL to do a DXpedition justice is around EUROS 90,00/1000 or US Dol 90,00 per  thousand and much more in other countries. It is certainly not asking too much to enclose along with the SASE a small contribution to help cover this expense, anywhere from a dime to a dollar is appropriate. While some hams revolt at the thought of "paying for a QSL" these individuals think nothing of paying to enjoy  a couple of beers and coffees or their other hobbies such DVD´s Collections, or fishing and hunting . 

QSLing is just one of the small expenses in enjoying the greatest hobby of them all Amateur Radio.

When working a station ask him where to QSL or if he is working contest style, listen and he will announce every few minutes QSL information. If he announces the call letters only of the QSL Manager or perhaps his home call be sure you have it correct.  Then be sure that you look up the QTH in the CallBook or internet QRZ.COM or Buckmaster, you can check on any magazine or DX NEWS Informations. If you do not have one which is recent, borrow one from some one else or look for the correct QTH  in your local Radio Club. 

There are some QSL Managers who can provide Cards from "RARE" Stations and DXpeditions, most of them belong to the QSL MANAGER'S SOCIETY . This is a non-profit Orhganization on Promotion and Preserve the Amateur Radio.

Good example How should be your SASE envelop there is no information that this envelop Belong to a HAM, just put your Name and adress on the envelope. It's enough!

The envelope with QSL, SASE, and the contribution should be mailed by air-mail if going out of the country. Ther are many other secrets used to obtain QSL's such as writting a letter to the station, along  with your QSL Card in his native language, enclosing pictures , commemorative stamps, and even to sending him a QSL already made out to you just waiting for his signature. Blank cards can be obtained for this purpose. Remmember if he return your QSL card signed by himself  and confirming the QSO, this card is "valid".

There some "OLD" IRC's like those ones, NO LONGER Valid:

THIS CURRENT AND VALID IRC International Reply Coupon

Be attention all coupons as a Valid DATE as you can see on the bottom :

Be carefull if you send cards directly to some countries special in Africa or on East Europe with Post Office Boxes without confirmation. 

Please don't use "beautiful" stamps , ask on your Post Station for a tax stamped machine instead a normal stamp, some "beautiful" and colour stamps are very appreciated on these countries and some indocent people destroy your letter to get these stamps. 

While the above mentioned procedures may seem elementary to many readers, all QSL Managers will agree that most of them are violated daily on cards receivfed.

Take pride in your QSL card and QSLing procedure and your results will be pleasing.

Nice and simple QSL card with all information 

SOFTWARE FOR QSL CARDS, MANAGERS, LABELS, etc.