Posting From Melbourne, Australia?

[joelman]

Hi All, :o
This is my first post and I am sorry if I am breaking a posting rule. I live in Melbourne, Australia and I am looking to get an autograph from Zach Braff (J.D from Scrubs)
Theres no problem with the address or anything which is:

Zach Braff
Industry Entertainment Productions Llc
955 S. Carrillo Drive
3rd Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90048
USA


But I want to know what to send and I am especially confused about this IRC thing. I would also like to know a rough estimate in price if I were to send a letter of request and an SASE. Also what size SASE should I send.

Thanks
Joelman

P.S: Once Again Sorry If This Post Is Not Allowed

[Shambler]

Hey, this is the right place to post {thumb2} I hope someone else can help you out with regards to IRCs as I'm clueless about them (never used any!), but I can give you a money-saving tip - just fold the bigger (roughly A5 sized) s.a.s.e up a few times to fit in your smaller envelope along with your letter! ;) I do that with all my requests and it saves me just under one British Pound every time!

[Madame_Malfoy]

G'day joelman,

Welcome to fanmail.biz! It's a great place to be! I'm an Australian too so hopefully I'll be able to help. The IRC thing confused me when I first started out but I think I've got it pretty covered! {thumb2} Oh and don't worry, your post is the reason for this section of the boards, we're here to help so ask any questions you need answered!

First of all, there are a number of topics on the first page which should help you regarding what to include in your request. Some really knowledgeable people have already put post up about questions that a lot of newcommers have. You can check them out here:

What is an IRC? : http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic ... 17&t=14171

What is a SAE, an SASE and a SSAE? : http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic ... 17&t=14169

What do I need to include in my envelope? : http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic ... 17&t=13986

Basically what you want is a letter of request, try and keep it to about 1 page long, 2 at the most. Celebrities are very busy people and while they must love hearing from fans they simply don't have time to read essays. Admin has posted a really good guide to what to write. You can read it here: http://www.fanmail.biz/mboard/viewtopic ... 117&t=5719

IRC cost (here in Tasmania for me - I imagine they're the same for you in Melbourne) $2.70AU and you'll want a $1.95AU international Australian stamp. Just put your IRC in the stamped envelope with your letter and make sure that they've stamped it at the post office with the date you bought it. It's also wise to include a Self Addressed Envelope. I agree with Shambler, I'd buy a 25 pack from the Post Office of C5 size envelopes, write your name and address on the front, fold it up and put it in with your letter and IRC.

Well, I hope that helps, feel free to PM me with any additional questions! And good luck!

Cheers,

Madame_Malfoy

[Smuck]

Hey there!,

If you're not sure about what you should post about, check out the stickies. There are also some very helpful ones that you should read, too.

IRCs..Since you're posting from Australia, You'd need about 2-3 IRCs that are available at your post office. Those cost..$1 each, I believe? You'll also need to pay postage, which I have no idea how much that would be for you over there.

Just don't stick the IRCs on anything. Just put them in your envelope.

Smuck {liam} (I feel like I'm forgetting something in this post..)

[nowandagain]

Hi joelman

Welcome to the forum ... and sorry for a late reply I'm also from Melbourne.

First of all, you're not breaking any posting rules that I am aware of.

Secondly, this is how you'll go about your request:

1. Write your letter
2. Get 2 envelopes. One for your SAE and one to address to Zach
3. If you are sending something to sign, send a SAE large enough to fit your items. If you are not sending anything, my suggestion is to send a large A4 envelope. Address this envelope to you.
4. Address your other envelope to Zach (this envelope can be any size, provided it fits your letter, SAE (and photos/items to be signed if applicable)
5. Purchase the correct stamps and IRC's. In Australia, the current postage price to send overseas is $1.95 (for 50g). IRC's cost $2.70 and you will require 2 if you send a large A4 envelope. Smaller, standard envelopes require 1 IRC.
6. Put your IRC with your request and SAE (don't put it in your SAE as it may not be seen) in your envelope addressed to Zach and seal it up.
7. Stick the relevant amount of stamps on your envelope addressed to Zach, add an AIR MAIL sticker to (or write on) the envelope
8. Post away

It's a good tip to write "DO NOT BEND" on your envelopes, as it may reduce the chance of your photo coming back not bent.

Also, to clarify ... a SASE (or SSAE) is a self addressed stamped envelope. You can only send one of those overseas if you have the relevant country's stamps you're sending to (e.g. US). Otherwise you will need to send a SAE (self addressed envelope) and IRC(s)

nowandagain [rockon]