Distributing the magazine is not a difficult task as it simply involves delivering a magazine and perhaps a leaflet or two inserted in the magazine to all the houses in selected streets indicated on a route map provided. They need to be delivered within 5 days and when done, a report submitted online. It is important that all distributors complete the job on time, accurately and report back. More time will be given if bad weather is prolonged or if the distributors asks for extra time due to illness or specific circumstances.
The rate of pay is higher than that offered by other magazines and distribution companies. As a result of this, the drop out rate is fairly low; many distributors have been with me since the beginning in 2007. However, I will have no hesitation in terminating a distributor’s engagement if he/she is regularly late, inaccurate or found to be dishonest.
Non compliance will result in the route being withdrawn as reliability, responsibility, honesty and accuracy is monitored carefully.
How to Apply:
1. Please read the following information about being a distributor
2. Complete the online application form at the bottom of this page
3. Download TERMS & CONDITIONS & AGREEMENT & HEALTH SAFETY GUIDELINES.
How to Qualify
- Minimum age : 13 (you will need a Youth Employment form if under 16 – see below)
- Self employed basis ie. you are responsible for your own tax
- Mobile and email account holders given priority
- Porch or dry area where magazines in boxes can be delivered to in case of rain – given priority
INFORMATION ABOUT DISTRIBUTING – FAQ
How big will my route be?
Each route includes approximately 400 homes. Some routes are smaller and some larger – it depends on the logical boundary of your area, nearby routes carried out by other distributors as well as your age, preferences and circumstances. Magazines are delivered in boxes of about 120-150. Your route might change slightly each time but you will be advised beforehand and a new map provided.
How often?
The magazine is published monthly, alternating between the East edition one month and the West edition the next month so it is likely you will only be asked to deliver once every other month. Magazines are delivered to you usually on the last Friday of the month. You have 5 full days to complete your delivery which will always include a weekend so if you received the magazines on Monday, for example, you will have until Sunday to complete the route, giving you effectively nearly 7 days.
How much will I get paid?
The rate paid per route depends on whether you are under or over 16 and how many houses are allocated to your route. The rate quoted is per 100 magazines. When you apply to be a distributor you are asked for your age, if you under 16. The rate for age16 and over is £5 per 100. Proof of age is requested for teenagers when applying. Leaflets inserts are paid at 50p per 100 magazines. If a route is particularly hilly or the houses are far apart with long drives the rate is increased by £1 per 100. Unless authorised, late completion incurs a penalty of £2.50 per day which will be deducted from payment due.
If you recommend someone to be a distributor, who completes a minimum of two rounds, you earn a £10 finders fee.
Government Guidelines on Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage is £4.92 an hour for 18 to 20 year olds and £5.93 an hour for 21 year olds and over. Employees aged 16 or 17 (who are older than Mandatory School Leaving Age) are entitled to £3.64 an hour. Those who are of compulsory school age are not entitled to the NMW.
Delivering your Route Accurately & Safely
You will be provided with a print out of the streets to deliver to, number of homes per street and a map. On average, it takes as hour to distribute 100 magazines. You will be asked to sign a Health & Safety Guidelines Form which is required for insurance reasons. You are not allowed to ask someone else to do the route for you who has not signed the H & S form. This person is not authorised to carry out distribution work and is not covered by the company’s insurance. Payment is made by BACS direct to your bank account on the 15th of the month. Distribution is an important element of delivering a quality service to the magazine’s advertisers so late completion, dishonesty or repeated incidences of poor communication will result in the route being withdrawn immediately.
If you wish to stop being a distributor I ask for notification before you start your route for the last time because I will give you a stack of “Distributors Wanted” to be included in the magazine (for which you are paid to distribute!). This way I will be able to fill your role if I don’t have a person on the waiting list already.
If you are Under 16
You will need an Employment Permit which is issued by Hampshire County Council or Southampton City Council – depending on where you live. Applications are made by the company but a parent/guardian needs to sign the form and return it with the Terms of Engagement and Health & Safety forms.
For Hampshire residents except Southampton City Council residents
HCC Youth Employment Application Form
For Southampton city residents:
Southampton City Youth Employment Form
What’s the process?
You will be given the choice of a trolley or a shoulder bag to carry the magazines. You will be advised by text and/or email of when the magazines are due to be delivered to you. You must acknowledge this communication as confirmation of your availability. When the route is delivered you are required to report online with the date you completed and details of leftovers or shortages. Payment will be made when confirmation is received and spot checks carried out.
Complaints or Grievances
This is a two way process. There are occasions when complaints are made by residents about a distributor’s behaviour, for example. These are dealt with directly with the distributor and not the parents of a distributor under 16. Likewise, if a distributor (under 16) engagement is terminated for any reason, communication will only be with the distributor and not parents. Reasons for termination are most commonly lack of communication; not responding and not submitting a delivery report as well as not delivering the magazines as instructed; either late or not through the letterbox as required.
Any other questions?
Please call 023 8026 6388 or email.