After 20+ years of QSLing via bureau, here are some hard-learned lessons:

• Always include your callsign on BOTH sides of the card - speeds up sorting
• Write dates in full format (12 October 2024, not 12/10/24) to avoid confusion
• Include county/grid square/IOTA references - many want your card for awards

You can write "Wait 10" on your incoming bureau envelope to save money - your manager will wait until it's full before mailing. Cards are distributed every 3-4 months, so expect 12-16 weeks turnaround in some areas.

Great tips! I'd add that don't send foreign stamps as they could be out of date - IRCs or dollars are better. Also learned the hard way that some countries like Germany and Japan only deliver bureau cards to national society members.

You don't need to be an ARRL member to use the incoming bureau system which is great for new hams. Keep your QRZ.com email updated since many sorters use that to contact you if there are issues with your account.

The economics matter too - typical costs are $1.25 per envelope plus additional postage, with minimums around $10-20 depending on your activity level. Worth supporting since these are all volunteers, many for over a decade!