The rumor put to me today is that Australia will have its first suburban free daily newspaper by the end of this year. I’ve been told to expect a newspaper which is mX like but for an older demographic, something which takes a statewide or national view of issues as opposed to what we see in suburban newspapers today.
I’m suspicious of the rumor as it would go against the trend of newspapers – but then there is the US model seeing hundreds of thousands of newspapers delivered daily to ‘subscribers’.
Whether the rumor is true or not, new newspaper models need to be discussed and debated by newsagents.
After reading your blogs, I was looking at buying a newsagency but thank god I did my research.
well done u have made my mind up!
Ben, I’ve just signed up to open another newsagency. While there are issues with some suppliers, overall newsagencies are good businesses. Cards, stationery and lotteries are all strong., magazines are going through change and hence some of the difficulties I document here. Mark
sorry if i sounded a little negative but before i read all your blogs from the very beginning, I was very positive about what i was adventuring into but after today i have serious second thoughts. I need to get back to the positive ! SOmehow
Ben, There is plenty of negative news impacting newsagents and poor behaviour by suppliers. I see these as opportunities and that’s why I still own a newsagency 11 years on and why I am investing in another in a shopping centre. I see a bright future, challenging yes, but bright nevertheless. Mark
What would small business be without challenges … welll, dull. And the newsagency industry is certainly not that.
If your looking to enter a sit back industry, where you can simply purchase a business to make a living, dont get into this one. You have to WANT to be in the business of being in business … if that makes sense. You are going to have to enjoy facing challenges and being intuative, otherwise, id wouldnt recommend entering the industry. But if that sounds like you, id really consider the possibility. The industry may be demanding at times, but it has a bright future (for those who work towards it) and is ultimatly rewarding if you want it to be.