Q&A for How to Survive a Paper Round in the U.K

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  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Question
    How do I get a paper round?
    Community Answer
    You can sign up for a paper round online. You can also go to your local newspaper's office and ask them if they have a job open. If they don't, give them your details and ask them to contact you if a position opens up.
  • Question
    How old do I have to be to do a paper route?
    Community Answer
    You have to be a minimum of 13 by law. You should also be able to prove you are a legal citizen.
  • Question
    Do I have to be able to ride a bike in order to do a paper round?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. It depends on where the houses are. If they are all really close, then there is no point but if they are further apart, then it might be useful but you don't need to be able to ride a bike.
  • Question
    Do I have to pick the papers up from the employer or do they deliver them to me and I distribute them?
    Community Answer
    Generally, if you deliver a local paper then you have to collect it but if you deliver national ones (The Sun, The Mirror, The Times, etc.) then they deliver to you because it is a lot of papers.
  • Question
    Where do I go online to look for paper routes?
    Community Answer
    Try going to the websites of the newspapers in your area to see if they have job openings.
  • Question
    Around how much pay is it if you only do the weekend round?
    Community Answer
    For just a weekend paper round, i.e., one Sunday morning (or similar), probably within £2-3 of £10.
  • Question
    If you need to quit a paper round, how would you do it?
    Community Answer
    Tell a member of staff (preferably the manager) that he/she will need to hire a new paper boy/girl, as you are quitting. Say that you'll work the rest of the week or until he/she finds another applicant.
  • Question
    Can you do the paper round in the evening?
    Community Answer
    It depends on who you work and deliver for. It's up to the company to decide.
  • Question
    Where will I know where to go to give the papers to people?
    Community Answer
    When you get the job, they will give you a route to follow.
  • Question
    Should I take a bike or walk?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how close the streets are. Maybe time yourself on your bike, then try walking your route to see which is the quickest.
  • Question
    What is the earliest time 16 year old paper boys/girls can go out to do a paper round?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the shop, but usually around five or six PM.
  • Question
    Is a paper round still a thing in 2018? Can I ask for paper round jobs at a convenience store?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they are still very prevalent. There are fewer paper rounds available as there were 5 years ago, but many convenience stores still offer them. Working weekends (Sat/Sun) you can expect between £5 and £10 and working weekdays (Mon/Fri or Sat) you can expect between £10 and £20, depending on paper count and how generous your boss is. Generally you can deliver between 40-80 papers an hour, depending on the route. Count your hours per week and divide by your pay to work out your hourly wage. If it is below £2, you are being ripped off.
  • Question
    Do I have to have an interview to apply?
    Community Answer
    Not usually, as it requires little to no experience. However, if they do ask for an interview, take it, and tell them how determined and hard-working you are.
  • Question
    What if I can't find someone to cover for me when I go on holiday?
    Community Answer
    Tell the people who have employed you that you won't be available on the dates you are on holiday and they can find someone to cover for you. They always have a list of people waiting to do a paper round.
  • Question
    Do I need to bring my own bag?
    Community Answer
    You can, but typically you're given a neon-yellow or orange bag designed to carry papers. Using that makes it easy.
  • Question
    How much do you get paid weekly or monthly?
    Community Answer
    They usually pay weekly. Recently a shop was paying about £20 a week.
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