I have noticed that many new hams in the United Kingdom are not aware of how to send QSL cards to ensure they get a 100% reply. So here are a few tips to help you along the way.
1) Use a Self-Addressed Envelope SAE for the QSL to be returned to you.
2) Enclose US$2 – this pays for postage, ink, labels and other items that are needed in QSL management. Never send a QSL without covering the return costs.
NO stamps or IRC’s Sorry!
3) All QSOs should be neatly listed either on one QSL card or on a piece of paper attached to the QSL card.
Now let’s look at what should be on your QSL card. Many QSL cards are used to claim awards, this means that your QSL card should contain at least the very basic details.
1) Your call sign, name and mailing address. Call sign should also be on the back.
2) The country name “England” should be clear. Not everyone will know that Hinckley Bottom is in England.
3) IOTA (Islands On The Air) MUST have the Island name printed on the QSL so “Mainland Great Britain” should be shown. You can also add the IOTA reference: EU-005.
4) CQ Zone: 14 ITU Zone: 27 should also be on your QSL for CQ & ITU Zones awards.
5) It is also helpful to add your Maidenhead locator: mine is IO92fj it is common that the last two letter suffix be in lower case.
6) WAB: Worked All Britain is another award where it is helpful to show your WAB area mine is SP27. You can also add your book numbers too.
7) This is most important! If you are using a photograph on the QSL, use HIGH RESOLUTION digital images. Low resolution or scanned images will not work in QSL reproduction, they will be pixelated or grainy or both. The same for logos, use high resolution logos.
Do not assume that the QSL printer will add such detail. To be honest QSL designers / printers that do not add the data or advise you about such information should not even be designing or printing QSL cards. So think about your design AND what text must be written on it.
