Hi, Peter... thanks for the very detailed and informative message... that
stuff is good to know and keep in mind.
One question.... you wrote: "Comments have also been made about the LoTW.
Unfortunately, until LoTW is able to be accepted and accessed at no cost
by
Awards Managers outside of
the U.S.A., the requirement of hard copy qsl cards will remain a
necessity."
What are the costs for a manager outside the US to accept and access LOTW?
Does the ARRL make you pay to use LOTW?
73, Jerry K3BZ
----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Forbes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <dx-chat@njdxa.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 2:55 AM
Subject: [DX-CHAT] Australian QSL costs - some clarifications from VK3QI
Australian Postage Charges for QSLS
There has been a recent discussion thread about the cost of postage to
various areas of the world. Currently the following applies:
(1) A SINGLE card (not folded type) sealed in an envelope and stamped
CARD
ONLY costs A$1.10 airmail to anywhere in the world.
(2) More than one card sealed in an envelope to Pacific rim countries
and
Pacific Islands (except KH6 and South American Pacific Islands) costs
A$1.20, Airmail for up to 50 grams weight.
(3) More than one card sealed in an envelope to Rest of World costs
A$1.80
Airmail for up to 50 grams weight.
There is NO Economy or Surface Rates on Letters available.
If the weight exceeds 50 grams and up to 125 grams the cost doubles for
(2)
and (3), that is A$2.40 and A$3.60 respectively.
Typically the 50 grams weight limit means between 10 and 15 cards
maximum,
depending on board weight and whether cards are folded and/or use
stick-on
labels.
Exchange Rates
1 US Green Stamp is approximately A$1.30 after exchange charges are
included.
1 IRC will generate stamps to the value of up to A$1.80 postage.
Card Costs
Generally an envelope is about 10 cents.
QSL cards vary from around 10 cents to 25 cents, depending on quality and
production run numbers.
Buro Membership in Australia
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) as the official IARU buro for
VK,
does provide pickup points (at cost to the non-member), however
membership
of the WIA is not compulsory (and legally could not be made so in this
country). A manager who chooses not to collect inwards cards from the
buro,
is quite within their rights to do so.
Note that the WIA also has NO obligation to return unclaimed cards to the
originating buro. (see IARU website and minutes regarding this matter)
The Original Post
If you read the original post from Art RX9TX, you will note that there
was
a
reference to a "Package" of cards. The particular qsl manager is not
identified.
If in fact, there were multiple requests and cards sufficient to put the
combined weight greater than 50 grams, then the actual cost could well
have
exceeded A$ 4.00 in postage (A$3.60 and cards at 10 to 25 cents each).
This would equate to between 3 and 4 green stamps or 2 IRCs, the amount
that the manager was indeed requesting.
Our Position VI3JPI, VI5WCP, VI5BR and VI5PN
Over the last 3 years, our IOTA group has activated the above calls and
over
25,000 qsos. All members of the team are WIA members and we readily
accept
cards via the Buro or Direct.
Interestingly, the typical direct request now contains either 1 IRC, 1
IRC
&1 Green Stamp, 2 Green Stamps or an International Business Reply
Envelope
(especially from JA).
However, a significant number do not include an SASE or postage.
Fortunately, due to the generous nature of many fellow countrymen from
around the world, there has been sufficient surplus to allow us to reply
to
these requests directly.
In the case of buro cards received and replied to, the average time of
arrival in our hands is between 12 and 15 months and in most cases the
buro
reply has been made within 3 months, as this is the normal clearance time
for the VK3 outwards buro to the major ham population areas such as JA,
W,
G
DJ, I, EA, F and UA. This means a total buro time, of around 18 to 21
months.
To my knowledge, fortunately there are only a handful of active VK
operators
who don't accept buro cards, for reasons known only to themselves. In
some
cases, these relate to operations from VK9 and VK0 where permanent
residents
are not involved and wisely, a manager has been used.
I hope the above information helps to explain the high and ever
increasing
costs associated with qsling out of VK land.
Comments have also been made about the LoTW. Unfortunately, until LoTW
is
able to be accepted and accessed at no cost by Awards Managers outside of
the U.S.A., the requirement of hard copy qsl cards will remain a
necessity.
Peter Forbes VK3QI
Manager for VI3JPI, VI5BR and VI5PN
and VK3 WIA Buro Outwards Manager.
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