The Big Issue: The Role of the Vendor and Their Practices

The Big Issue -Vendor Agreement:

In order to become a vendor there are two main steps.

1. Drop into your local office or call 0207 526 3445 to sign up.

2. Then you will be given five free magazine and a pitch location, so that you can start earning straight away. The Big Issue will also provide thirty free magazines over the first four weeks.

The Big Issue will aim to provide a quality magazine to sell, and also assist people where possible (if someone has a disability, they will attempt to make reasonable adjustments to their needs).

There are nine main requirements that Vendors must follow:

1. Only sell the current copy of The Big Issue magazine for the cover price.

2. Clearly display valid Big Issue identification when selling.

3. Only sell on an authorised Big Issue pitch.

4. Always supply customers with the correct change and hand over the magazine.

5. Only sell magazines to genuine customers- not other vendors/ de-badged vendors.

6. Use permitted selling techniques- not those associated with begging/busking.

7. Sell independently on pitch- not with a gathering/ looking after children.

8. Ensure that you are under the influence of substances when selling or buying the Big Issue.

9. Always strive to represent yourself and The Big Issue as positively as possible, you will not behave in any way that may harm your reputation or that of The Big Issue.

10. 
    

What Happens if the Rules are Broken:

By breaking any of the rules, the Big Issue will be entitles to stop providing you with copies of the magazine on either a temporary or permanent basis.

Other Information:

1. As a big issue vendor you aren't an employee of the Big Issue and should not hold yourself out as being and employee of the Big Issue. Also, the big issue is required by law to pass on any relevant information it may hold about you to certain agencies including DWP and HMRC.

2. If you are in receipt benefits you may have a responsibility to notify the DWP and your local social security office of your income from selling the magazine and failure to do so may be a criminal offense.

3. The Big Issue Group will keep the personal information provided in connection with your induction. This information will be accessible by Big Issue front line staff and management.

4. You will consent for The Big Issue Group to share data with The Big Issue Foundation and other 3rd party agencies in order to access your supports needs, which may change over time, and to arrange for you to be provided with support.

There are also plenty of stories from Vendors as well as a day in the life of the Vendors to further show what it is like to be a Vendor. One that I found shares the story of Frank McGuken, who shares his story on his battle with addiction, and how The Big Issue has helped him over the 32 years of him selling the magazine.