Getting Started
When you first become a vendor for the Big Issue, you receive 5 free magazines so you can start earning money straight away- giving those who are homeless, in temporary accommodation, in danger of losing their home or are unemployed- a chance to get themselves started to then buy more copies. To become a vendor, you need to go into one of the Big Issue offices across the UK to speak to one of the team, bringing a form of identification if you are a young adult- to prove that you are over 18. Then there is an induction process and you sign the vendor agreement. There is training and support offered to all new vendors. Vendors work from a fixed pitch, wearing a red tabard. There are 63 distribution points across the UK that are available. The vendors can also choose the hours that they work. Currently, over 83,000 copies of the Big Issue are sold each week. Vendor Agreement
The main points of the vendor agreement state:
You must only sell the current copy for the cover price of £2.50
Only sell on your authorised pitch
Do not beg or busk, use permitted selling techniques
Do not be under the influence of substances whilst selling/buying the Big Issue- represent it and yourself as positively as possible
If these rules are broken, the Big Issue will stop providing you with copies temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the case.
As a charity partnership with TPO, all vendors with a permanent badge, a free SIM card is given with £1 credit loaded on it. Calls to those on the TPO network are free of charge and top ups are half the price- like when buying the Big Issue magazine. The Big Issue also provides support with housing, financial and health issues to its members.
Furthermore, the vendors are given help to improve their skills and increase chances of employability in the future- helping individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations. They are given support in finding jobs and improving their CV's. Those with addiction issues/struggle with substance abuse are encouraged to partake and remain engaged with addiction treatment programmes, also given support to register with a GP and access mental health treatment if required.
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