Major changes in QSL handling

In South Africa, QSL Manager Francois Botha ZS6BUU has announced some major changes in the operation of the QSL bureau. These changes are aimed at streamlining the operation and rendering a better service to members.

As postage rates change annually, most envelopes currently held cannot be used to mail QSL cards. To overcome this problem, members are advised to purchase either DL or B5 envelopes from the post office. These envelopes are prestamped and do not expire when postage rates are increased. Currently the QSL bureau has a few of these envelopes sent in by members which will be used.

For incoming members cards, the new system will work as follows:

Sorting will take place as soon as cards arrive. This may take some time as the QSL bureau only has a few volunteers. Members are entitled to two free mailings of approximately 10 cards each per year. This will be done twice annually. If there are more than 10 cards, members will receive a note in the first mailing indicating how many cards there are waiting to be despatched and request the number of DL or B5 envelopes to be sent to the bureau.

Members may send additional envelopes and receive cards more frequently. Please only supply pre-stamped envelopes purchased from the post office.

The outgoing QSL bureau will operate as before, handling member cards free of charge with a limit of 3 kg weight per annum. After that, additional postage will be charged.

As a large number of QSL cards for non-members have accumulated, an once-off sort will be done and non-members will be advised how many QSL cards are at the bureau and requested to send the required number of prepaid post office envelopes to the bureau plus a specified handling fee which will depend on the number of cards. If after 60 days no response has been received, the cards will be destroyed.

In term of the IARU QSL conditions, the South African Radio League is not obliged to handle cards for non-members and will not do so in future. Cards for non-members will be destroyed on arrival. It therefore in any DXer's interest to be a member of the SARL and not let membership lapse.

For more information, please contact Francois Botha, ZS6BUU at 011 679-5260.

Source: The South African Radio League