Inbetween jobs? Leave from your studies? Or just want
to make a bit of extra cash? Then you might want to give leaflet distribution
a try.
What is Leafleting?
Leafleting is known by many other names including
leaflet distribution, letterbox stuffing, flyer delivery, flyer distribution,
leaflet delivery and letterbox marketing, but in short it all means
the same thing, delivering business cards, leaflets, magazines, newspapers
or flyers from door to door or handing them out at specified points,
such as exhibitions or underground stations.
What will be my role?
As a leaflet distributor you will be required to drop
a specific number of leaflets, flyers or publications through the letterboxes
of households within an agreed vicinity.
Who hires Leaflet Distributors?
Businesses such as local restaurants, supermarkets,
health clubs, taxi services, gardeners, hairdressers and many other
companies use leaflet distribution to advertise their goods or services.
Do I need any special skills?
No qualifications are required for this type of work,
so if you are reasonably fit and enjoy walking you're good to go. Do
bear in mind that if you are given a big job or are hired to deliver
magazines or newspapers you may need to carry a shoulder bag, which
might be fairly heavy. Because this is outdoor work you must be prepared
to work in all kinds of weather conditions. Some clients may want their
leaflets delivered at a certain time of day or on a particular day of
the week, so you must be prepared to work evenings and possibly weekends.
You must also be reliable and trustworthy and ensure that ALL publications
are delivered to the correct premises as agreed. If you can show your
clients that you are honest and diligent then they will recommend you
to other local businesses or use your services again.
Getting started
Get yourself some comfortable shoes, such as trainers,
and a waterproof jacket, preferably with a hood because you don't want
to abandon ship if there's an unexpected shower or downpour. It might
be a good idea to buy yourself a sturdy shoulder bag to carry all your
leaflets in especially if you are given several hundred leaflets or
brochures. You may need transport to get yourself to the delivery locations
- if you've got a car then this would be ideal but a bike is equally
adequate, failing that you could just use public transport but make
sure that you keep all your leaflets secure in your shoulder bag.
How much will I earn?
Most clients pay on a per 1000 dropped basis. It's
estimated that leaflet distributors can deliver between 150-200 leaflets
per hour, depending on physical fitness and weather conditions, which
means that 1000 leaflets will take between 5 - 6.5 hours to deliver.
Depending on what basis your client requires for their drop, i.e. 'Solus'
(their leaflet only) or 'Shared' (along with other leaflets), and what
type of item you are delivering (business cards, leaflets or newspapers)
you should be paid between £25 - 60 per 1000 drops. For instance,
if you are delivering several leaflets at the same time then you can
charge anything from £15 - 25 per 1000 dropped. Naturally if your
client requires 'solus delivery' then they should pay you a higher rate.
Prices increase or decrease depending on publication delivered, for
example, business cards are easier to carry and weigh less whereas a
newspaper or magazine will take longer to deliver, this will be reflected
in your fee. If you work for a leaflet distribution agency then pay
may vary as some pay per 1000 'households' rather than per leaflet.
Make sure that you find out what their rates and terms are before you
agree to work for them.
Finding work
Get in touch with local businesses and ask them if
they use freelance leaflet distributors or an agency. In addition to
this check the classified section of your local newspaper as some businesses
will advertise for leaflet distributors there. You should also consider
joining a leaflet distribution agency or a field marketing agency, both
of which should be able to offer you work at normal rates. Get yourself
a free website at Moonfruit
and market your services online.
Your own leaflet distribution business
If you'd like to set up your own agency then
you will need to market your services. You won't need a great deal of
capital if you are going it alone but you will need a car or van plus
a sum for advertising your business. You might want to set up your own
website too. You can create a free site at Moonfruit.
Some established leaflet distribution agencies sell franchises. This
might be the ideal option as training and resources are offered with
the plan. You can find out more about franchises on our franchise
section.
Tax and National Insurance
As a freelance leaflet distributor you will
be responsible for your own income tax and may have to pay some income
tax and national insurance if you earn over the threshold. Find out
more about tax for the self-employed on our
Income Tax Page
SUMMARY
Pros
Lots of walking so you will get fit and tone up your
muscles
Get lots of fresh air
Fit around school runs
Flexible hours
Casual work
Cons
Not highly paid
Not a reliable income
Can be tiring as you'll be walking for many hours
You may come across irate houseowners who consider
leafleting junk mail
Can get monotonous
Share this article:
