Doggone POST OFFICE (lost QSLs)

[KE5FRF]

Since I got on HF abt 6 months ago, I have done my very best to QSL reply 100% on hard QSLs recieved in the mail. I had issues with eQSL, and stopped using it in favor of REAL cards. They just seem to be more personal.

Well, I just finished a QSO with a fellow that I chatted with back in May, who had sent me a very nice card, and I had replied. His call stuck out because of the nice card, so I mentioned his nice card and asked if he had recieved mine...

NOPE.
His logging program keeps records, and none was indicated that he had entered. He went through his box...nothing.

Now, in 6 months I have recieved about 100 QSL cards, and replied 100% on all. I have sent out a good number myself that I never got a reply on. Some even included an SASE because I really needed that particular state.

About a month ago I was sent a QSL card that never made it, and I know this because it was a QRZ poster that sent it, and we discussed it via PM. He had to send me another one, which I did recieve.

OK, given these two instances...I have only logged a handful of QSOs on CW with QRZ folks, and made QSL exchanges with just TWO. Odds would seem that if lost mail is RARE, the cards that got lost wouldn't be so easily discovered and it wouldn't be a QRZ MEMEBER...and to boot, I don't have just a pluthera of second or third QSOs in the logbook where I get the opportunity to go back and ask if they recieved my card...what are the odds that the onsies and twosies that come along would turn up saying they never recieved my card as was the case in the QSO this evening...

My frustration...how many QSL cards have I sent that were lost that I will not know about? 5, 10, 30? ....I really feel like I make a new friend each time I QSO and especially when I exchange QSL cards. What if I offend someone when they never recieve my card? Will I never hear them reply to my CQ again? I doubt that is the case, I think it is not forefront in most peoples minds if they don't get a reply, but yet, it is still a concern.

Just venting here...what is your experience?
And this doesn't give me confidence when it comes to paying bills by mail either. I think I am going to start using the internet to pay bills when I can.

[af2cw]

5 tries to get my HV4NAC card!! #4 to the manager in Italy, one direct to the op, who just happened to be an ARRL staff member, and lives in CT. #Finally received the card, from the manager in Italy!! Where the heck is the one from CT?? #I'm in NY and could have walked to his house and back in the time it took to get the card from Italy. #

The manager stated he never received any other cards from me but one. #So much for direct, with SAE and a green stamp to boot!

As far as USPS goes, I plan on cards getting lost. #That's why I usually email the other guy after receiving their card to thank them, and to see if mine had arrived. #Unless of course I hear them on the air, then I let them know their card was received and thank them for it.

[KE5FRF]

Well, Rich, I won't hesitate to mention that your QSL card was one of those to which I refer, and you are aware of that occurance and we fixed it...but that is the point...in our case, we had a SKED and agreed to send QSLs...We both sent them, and you had even told me that mine was on the way. So in our case, we were actually EXPECTING each others QSOs, so when yours didn't arrive, it was easily resolved. But I personally can't afford the postage for sending thank you notes for each QSL (besides, the QSL is supposed to be the "thank you")...It is a darn shame that we have to go back and double check to see if the cards make it...it should be "expected".

The USPS is supposed to be run like a business, not a governement agency...and they don't hesitate to raise prices at the drop of a hat. Seems like better customer service ought to be a goal for them.

Ah, I guess I'm becoming crabby.

[K9STH]

Postal workers in foreign countries often watch for envelopes addressed to amateur radio operators because there is usually some money (normally United States dollars) included. They open the envelopes, remove the money, then throw the contents in the trash.

Best thing when sending a QSL card to a foreign destination is to make sure that any money enclosed cannot be detected from outside the envelope and do NOT put any information on the outside that indicates the person to whom the envelope is addressed has anything to do with amateur radio.

Glen, K9STH

[w4hwd]

Quote[/b] (K9STH @ Aug. 05 2006,10:08)]Postal workers in foreign countries often watch for envelopes addressed to amateur radio operators because there is usually some money (normally United States dollars) included. #They open the envelopes, remove the money, then throw the contents in the trash.

Best thing when sending a QSL card to a foreign destination is to make sure that any money enclosed cannot be detected from outside the envelope and do NOT put any information on the outside that indicates the person to whom the envelope is addressed has anything to do with amateur radio.

Glen, K9STH
Good advise. Those foreign civil servants LOVE the almighty dollar. When I send QSL cards/SASEs to overseas managers I do not put their calls on the outside of envelopes, and my return address is my PO box, zip and "USA". Keep the amateur relationship on the "down low" and your envelope has a better chance of arriving at it's overseas destination intact.

[WA9SVD]

Also bear in mind that (right or wrong) some stations demand a certain proceduer for QSLing. Some insist on the Buro, others use a manager; some refuse to answer direct. (And for that matter, while it may be rude, some just don't QSL for love or money.)
It's best to ask during the QSO if it really matters to you.
And Glen is correct; make SURE the contents can not be seen, whether it's a "green stamp,", IRC, or any other form of compensation. Usually folding it into an extra sheet of paper works. And of course, only use name and address on the envelope, including your RETURN address. Leave the call signs to the card itself. And remember NOT to put your own call on the return addressed envelope!