How to Survive a Paper Round in the U.K

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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 preteen, 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

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Reach-the-Masses-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Reach-the-Masses-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Reach-the-Masses-Step-3.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Reach-the-Masses-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Apply-for-Scholarships-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Apply-for-Scholarships-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Apply-for-Scholarships-Step-11.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Apply-for-Scholarships-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sign your name up so even if you don't get one immediately, you'll get one eventually.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Find-a-Job-in-Dubai-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Find-a-Job-in-Dubai-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Find-a-Job-in-Dubai-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Find-a-Job-in-Dubai-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A guidance counselor, parent, or a guardian should give their permission if applicable. [2]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-30-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-30-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-30-Version-4.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-30-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-21-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-21-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-21-Version-4.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-21-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the houses are all next to each other then don't bother, unless you want to. However it goes quicker with a bike. [3]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Start-a-New-Day-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Start-a-New-Day-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Start-a-New-Day-Step-9.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Start-a-New-Day-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you had to be there at 7:00 a.m. get up at 6:00 to 6:15. [4] Have something to eat before you go. Something like a banana and a glass of water. [5] This gives you enough energy and hydration to keep you going.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Body-Odor-Naturally-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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. [6]
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Get-Rid-of-Garden-Snails-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Garden-Snails-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5e\/Get-Rid-of-Garden-Snails-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Garden-Snails-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Manifest-Anything-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Manifest-Anything-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Manifest-Anything-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Manifest-Anything-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Protect-Yourself-in-a-Thunderstorm-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Protect-Yourself-in-a-Thunderstorm-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Protect-Yourself-in-a-Thunderstorm-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Protect-Yourself-in-a-Thunderstorm-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Live-a-Good-Life-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Live-a-Good-Life-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Live-a-Good-Life-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Live-a-Good-Life-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Say good morning. It might help you earn a tip at Christmas.
  12. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-23-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-23-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-23-Version-4.jpg\/aid303007-v4-728px-Help-Save-the-Environment-Step-23-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    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.
    13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I leave the papers?
    Community Answer
    Some places you just leave them outside. But if you live in the UK you know how bad the weather is, so you have to post it through the letter box. If they don't have one, knock on the door.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 111
  • Question
    Can you do paper rounds after school maybe in the evening?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the newspaper company, as some companies don't allow you to do the papers after a certain time. Check with the company you'd like to work for.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 84
  • Question
    Do I knock on the door or just post it? If knock, do they give the money, or does the shop?
    Community Answer
    You just post it through the letter box, and it's the shop that gives you the money - but if someone in the house sees you, they might come out and give you a tip if you seem polite and nice.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 74
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
      • Get someone to cover for you if you're ill or going away on holiday.
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
      • 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.
        Thanks
        Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      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)

      You Might Also Like

      Making Money as a 13-Year-Old: Turn Your Skills into Cold, Hard Cash
      How to
      Get a Paper Route in Your Local Community
      How to
      Walk Safely at Night
      How to
      Ride a Bike Safely
      How to
      Ask if a Job Is Still Open
      How to
      Apply for a Job
      How to
      Manifest a Job
      How to
      Get a Job
      How to
      Work in the USA
      How to
      Ask About a Job Vacancy over the Phone
      How to
      Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate in India
      How to
      Get a Job With No Experience
      How to
      Get a Job at Starbucks
      How to
      Work at an NGO
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.e4s.co.uk/jobs/1-top-jobs-under-18s.htm#2
      2. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/local-council-rules-for-child-employment-permits
      3. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82
      4. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/300788
      5. ↑ https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20676415,00.html
      6. ↑ https://weatherstationexpert.com/what-to-wear-in-30-40-50-60-70-80-weather/
      7. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82
      8. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/employment-rights-young-people
      9. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/annex-1-you-and-your-bicycle

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 160,725 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement