Receiving cards from the Bureau

QSL cards and a letter-box

The RSGB is extremely fortunate to have more than 80 dedicated volunteer sub-managers giving of their time to support the work of the Bureau.

Sorted UK cards are sent to the sub-managers for onward distribution.

If you would like to receive cards from the RSGB QSL Bureau, please read the points below to ensure that you get the most from the service.

Registering your call signs

The QSL Bureau system checks for current membership before processing outgoing cards. The system also checks details of those non-members who have purchased the pay-to-receive option before final distribution of incoming cards. Therefore, it is important to keep your membership details up to date, especially if your change or upgrade your call sign.

This means that it is vital to tell us about all previous or additional, call signs that you hold for your own personal use. Please make sure that you inform RSGB of your current, Primary call sign but also tell us of any previous or additional call signs; e.g. if you now hold an M0 call , but have previously been recognised by 2, M3-6 or RS call, you need to tell us of the changes, as you progress.

Your earlier calls then become Secondary call signs, under the same membership number. This will ensure that these calls are recognised and your QSL cards processed.

It’s important to remember that all clubs and special interest groups calls must be separately listed in their own right, using the club or group’s unique affiliated number and not attached as Secondary call signs to anyone’s personal details.

Updating can be done at any time, by logging into your Membership Services account or by phoning RSGB HQ on 01234 832 700, to make the changes. Remember also to supply and maintain stamped, addressed, envelopes to all relevant sub-managers for each one of your call signs.

Find your QSL sub-manager

Find your sub-manager from the list. Send stamped, self-addressed envelopes of strong material and of suitable size C5 (162 x 229 mm) is preferred. Print your call sign or SWL number on the top left corner of each envelope, together with your membership number immediately below. Use stamps showing “1st class” or “2nd class”, not those bearing monetary amounts. When sending your collection envelopes remember to put your return address on the package, in case your volunteer manager changes.

Postage

Currently, 1st and 2nd class stamps allow the same weight—100g–and up to C5 size to be posted as a “Letter”. Letters of this size must also fit through a postal slot of only 5mm in height allowing approximately 10 to 12 QSL cards to be sent, according to thickness, etc. Alternatively a “Large Letter” allows the same weight of cards to be sent but up to 25mm in height, which allows significantly more cards to be sent at one time, for only a small increase in stamp value. If you expect to receive a large volume of cards this should be considered before sending envelopes to your sub-manager. The envelope size should though still be restricted to C5 even if you use the “Large Letter” stamp.

Members must use SAEs, as sub-managers are not authorized or insured to accept money in lieu of postage stamps. RSGB is not liable in case of any loss or dispute.

Envelopes

The bureau system operates a ‘send-all-send-any’ policy, regardless of quantity, in order to reduce transit times and duplicate QSL requests.

All available cards are dispatched to members by sub-managers on a quarterly basis. Envelopes are only dispatched if cards are available. To reduce delays they are not held back until the pricing in proportion stamp value is reached.

Unwanted cards

Cards for amateurs who have not sent envelopes are destroyed after three months. Amateurs who do not wish to collect cards should notify their sub-manager.

Different prefixes

Amateurs who operate using a different prefix, for example G9ABC operating as GW9ABC, should send envelopes to the appropriate submanager. If you operate outside the UK , e.g. as F/G9ABC, make sure your QSL correspondents know to mark “via G9ABC” on their cards to you.

Non-members and short wave listeners

Full use of the RSGB QSL Bureau is a members-only benefit. However it is possible for UK-based, non-members to collect incoming cards in the usual way—but not send them—by joining the RSGB QSL receive service, for which there is a nominal annual fee. To join, simply follow the link from this page.