I know many of you on here have probably heard this story before (so forgive me if you have

)
I am very pro-sending out SASEs. I always send them.
Every time - without exception.
But as a little test about 18 months/2 years ago I sent out a batch of 50 autograph requests (for charity) and did not enclose return postage (although I did send a self addressed envelope with each). After about 6 months I had only received back about 6 out of that 50 where the celeb/agent had paid the postage. I got a couple more back where they didn't put any postage on at all, and I had to pick them up from the post office and pay the postage (plus a £1 fine for each one).
Anyway, to conclude my little test, I then re-mailed the same 50 celebs (now 6 months later), but this time including the return postage with each one. Within about 4 months I had had the majority back, and from memory I eventually received about 40 out of the 50 back.
So although not scientific proof

I think my little test proves that the level of response is far, far greater, more productive and far cheaper in the long-run (not to mention more polite) if you pay the return postage!
Lecture over
Ian
I know many of you on here have probably heard this story before (so forgive me if you have ;-) )
I am very pro-sending out SASEs. I always send them. [u][b]Every time - without exception[/b][/u].
But as a little test about 18 months/2 years ago I sent out a batch of 50 autograph requests (for charity) and did not enclose return postage (although I did send a self addressed envelope with each). After about 6 months I had only received back about 6 out of that 50 where the celeb/agent had paid the postage. I got a couple more back where they didn't put any postage on at all, and I had to pick them up from the post office and pay the postage (plus a £1 fine for each one).
Anyway, to conclude my little test, I then re-mailed the same 50 celebs (now 6 months later), but this time including the return postage with each one. Within about 4 months I had had the majority back, and from memory I eventually received about 40 out of the 50 back.
So although not scientific proof :lol: I think my little test proves that the level of response is far, far greater, more productive and far cheaper in the long-run (not to mention more polite) if you pay the return postage!
[u][b]Lecture over[/b][/u] :mrgreen:
Ian