I understand that there are at least two new newspaper home delivery trials underway (or about to get underway) in Australia where flat pack delivery is being (or to be) trialled. Outside of the physical challenges of delivering newspapers flat is the challenge about who owns the bag. The bag in which the paper is delivered is valuable in the hands of a smart business person.
Five years ago, the ownership of the bag, regardless of who paid for it, was non negotiable. The newspaper publishers made it clear that they controlled the bag, what was printed on it and what was delivered inside the bag with the newspaper.
For entrepreneurial newsagents to make the most of the home delivery opportunity, they need to have mechanisms through which they can add value. A flat pack bag is one such mechanism – the OH&S and time challenges of flat delivery notwithstanding.
mark
flat wrap might be vialable in city areas but what about a run that goes for 40 km? comments
I’d be more worried about the throw itself. A round bundle flies well, and for some you need a good throw. With the flat wrap you will need to ‘frisbee’ the blessed thing which might well be the added stress on the arm that the driver does not need. Believe me I’ve thrown my fair share.
I’d like to see the Saturday SMH flat wrapped. You would only be able to stack 10 on the passenger seat and they would touch the roof!
Opinions/Views requested!
We operate in a small rural town, delivering between 400-600 papers. We have frequent spates of newspapers being stolen. Sometimes one or two houses, sometimes whole streets and in the case of subagents, bundles.
We bought the business nearly 2 years ago and it seems the prev owners were in the habit of cutting the heads off papers and giving the customer the paper. When we took over, we audited the round and spent 6 months fine tuning it. We have 3 excellent drivers. We constantly come up against customers who expect a replacement paper ‘when we haven’t delivered it’. (On many occassions the driver has driven up to their house and found it for them.)
When we explain that the driver has delivered the paper and we will not give them a replacement, they become unbelievably irrate. (could just be this town!!)
In the case of subscription customers, we have had to argue our point with the Advertiser.
Its an ongoing battle, a saturday morning regime I hate. I get really distressed when the young girls I have working for me , cop a mouthful of abuse after explaining very politely our stance. Its also highly embarrasing for other customers waiting to be served.
Would really appreciate feedback on how to tackle this and if anybody else has this problem.
I have a client who delivers flat wrap SMH’s 1,000 M to F 1,300 Sat and 1,100 Sundays. Says no trouble whatsoever. They are delivered to him already wrapped from Fairfax. Customers he says love it.Has been doing so for 12 mos.
Graham does he throw them out the car window or deliver to mainly office blocks? thanks
99% Home Delivery
Tammy,
I’d put an information sheet on their bills stating your side of the story and how you lose out if you were to replace them.
I’d also have on it that you would like people to inform you if they see people stealing them – Your in a small town, imagine the gossip if someone was caught!(Which would also put off the perpetrator if there is one).
I don’t do deliveries so that’s the most I can help.
If the same houses are getting pinched can you booby trap a paper? What we would do in that situation is fill an old paper with flour as bait. Gives thieves the message pretty quick.
Tammy, establish a process, communicatee this and stick to it. Push back against lazy customers wasting your time. Consider exiting the run if it is not paying its way.
I’d be demanding some support from the publishers in this situation. It’s not their fault, but it sure isn’t yours either.
If the customers have a problem, refer them to the publishers, who can at least parrot terms and the extent of the responsibility of the agent. Last I looked, policing wasn’t in the contract.
If it’s so bad for the customers, perhaps suggesting they terminate their delivery arrangement could be helpful.