Survive a Paper Round in the U.K
If you want to get some cash then getting a paper round is a great idea! Almost anyone over 12 years of age can get a paper round. It's a common option for children, and some adults who can't or don't want to work more than a few hours a day. It is possible on a 7 day round to rake in over £100 a month - serious money for a 13-15 year old, apparently. Like anything else you get paid to do, it involves some risks and some responsibilities. Get started at step one below for how to survive a paper round.
Steps
- Find a shop / newsagents that has a vacancy for a paper boy/girl. Don't just go to the first one you see. Find out how much they pay, when they will be open and how many papers you will have to deliver on a daily basis.
- If you don't live near a suitable shop, inquire at your school to see if anyone in the local area runs a paper business. Sign your name up so even if you don't get one immediately, you'll get one eventually.
- Make sure you get a work permit from your guidance counselor because if you don't, you'll be classed as breaking the law, if you have a guidance counselor. If not, your parent or guardian should give their permission if applicable.
- Learn your route like the back of your hand. Learn the easiest and quickest way around all the homes and businesses you need to deliver to. Ensure you know which street, lanes and roads are where because being lost is one of the worst things that can happen. Ensure you deliver on time because if you're late, you might not get as much pay.
- If it is a long round consider taking a bike. If the houses are all next to each other then don't bother, unless you want to. However it goes quicker with a bike
- Get prepared the night before. If you had to be there at 7:00 a.m. get up at 6:00 to 6:15. Have something to eat before you go. Something like a banana and a glass of water. This gives you enough energy and hydration to keep you going.
- Be prepared for the weather. If it's cold, wear a warm coat or suitable jacket. This is the most important thing. Make sure it is waterproof. The worst thing that can happen is that you get soaked to the bone or covered in snow.
- Have lights if it's dark. It will mostly be cold and dark, unless it is between March and September. Put lights on your bike, it's the law, and carry a torch. Keep your bike in full working order and cycle safely.
- Wear a high visibility jacket or fluorescent arm bands. You may look silly but you'd be bloody terrified going down a busy road when cars don't expect you to be there and they can't see you. It's really not worth the risk. And besides, who's going to know? Put on suitable shoes too. You may have a long walk. If it's icy, try to wear shoes or boots that give you some grip. Remember pavements and drives won't be gritted.
- Try to be safety conscious. It's dark, often, you are alone, and possibly wandering around isolated farm houses or down unlit driveways. Have a mobile phone with you if possible. Don't accept lifts back home from strangers, or cups of tea from customers you don't know, however cold it is. Make sure that you are usually finished and home around the same time so people know to look for you if you are delayed, if your bike got a puncture for example.
- Be friendly but not familiar if you meet a homeowner you deliver to. Say good morning. It might help you earn a tip at Christmas.
- Note that weekend rounds are by far the hardest in the week. The papers are heavy with supplements and you'll probably need to take your time and split the round into two bags. That only really matters if you have a seven day round. Week days are the lightest.
Tips
- Christmas and Summer Holidays are jackpot times. Send cards to all the houses on your round. Don't go to a newspaper shop that puts all the money in one big bag and shares it out because that's rubbish, you deserve more than that. In the summer you can fill in for other peoples rounds and get double money. Plus you can start at 8 instead of 7 with some shops.
- Get someone to cover for you if you're ill or going away on holiday.
- The best time to start a paper round is in the week before school starts in a holiday. Then you can get to grips with your round and you will know when to get up so you're not late for school.
- Don't be late in the mornings. Make sure you're on time and you've done some stretches so you don't get cramps.
- Get some mates doing it too. It's a lot more fun.
- Enjoy your well earned cash, but don't spend it all at once. You could spend your wages once every 8 weeks. Any less and you won't have any money, any more and you'll just get bored.
Warnings
- Be wary of traffic at all times.
- Never leave the paper outside someones house in bad weather. The only excuse you have is if their dog is banging against the door or biting the letterbox. People will understand.
- Dogs can sense fear, if they do they'll just bark louder.
- At night, use lit front and rear lights and have a red rear reflector - it's the law.
- The best thing is to show the dog no fear. After all it's behind a huge wooden door. It's gonna have to be bloody strong to get through.
- Although not required by law at any age in the UK, it is advisable to wear a bike helmet.
- If you are scared of aggressive dogs or just dogs in general then don't do a paper round, seriously!
Things You'll Need
- Reflective jacket
- Watch so you don't lose track of time
- Gloves, hat, scarf; it really does get cold
- Clothes for every weather and situation
- Fluorescent arm-bands.
- a Torch
- Your list of houses
- Bike with Helmet (possibly)
Related Articles
- Make Money at Age 13
- Get a Paper Route in Your Local Community
- Walk Safely at Night
- Ride a Bike Safely
