FAQs
- How does the vendor benefit from selling the magazine?
Big Issue vendors are independent salespeople. They purchase the magazine for R7 and sell it for R14. When they first "badge up" (sign on as vendors) they receive five free magazines to get them started and from then on vendors are expected to manage their own money, the idea being that it's a hand up not a hand out.
- What is THE BIG ISSUE Social Development model?
While job creation for marginalised adults is the primary objective of THE BIG ISSUE, a critical component of this process is capacity building and skills development, and the provision of a social services support network. The success rate of the vendor is measured initially through income earned and ultimately through readiness to "move-on" into the formal job market.
- Who are THE BIG ISSUE's vendors?
A Big Issue vendor is any adult who is living in poverty, who is either homeless or a shack-dweller, who is unemployed with no other legitimate means of earning an income. There is no discrimination based on race, religion, nationality or gender.
- Who writes THE BIG ISSUE magazine?
THE BIG ISSUE is compiled, and written for, by a small team of dedicated professional journalists with contributions by reputable freelance journalists, photographers and columnists.
- Why can you only buy THE BIG ISSUE magazine from street vendors?
THE BIG ISSUE's unique job creation model requires that each magazine must generate income for a vendor and that vendors are actively working to earn an income, therefore magazines can't be sold at newsstands and newsagents.
- Where can I get the magazine?
The magazine is available from vendors at traffic lights, selected roadside pitches, parking lots and some shopping centres in and around Cape Town, with a small distribution in Johannesburg.
- Who owns THE BIG ISSUE?
THE BIG ISSUE is not owned. It is a registered Non Profit Organisation, Section 21 company and Public Benefit Organisation. The operational management of the organisation is vested in the Managing Director who is assisted by a Management Committee consisting of the Managing Director, the Editor, the Social Development Manager, the Distribution Manager, the Finance/HR Manager and the Marketing Manager.
- How is THE BIG ISSUE funded?
Our core business model is that all income from sales of the magazine and advertising is used to produce a better magazine and to provide jobs and social support for poor and homeless people. Income from the magazine does not, however, cover operational costs and we are still substantially reliant on donor funding.
- What is the vendor Code of Conduct?
On joining the programme, THE BIG ISSUE vendor is required to sign a Code of Conduct that clearly states the rules and regulations for vending the magazine. This Code of Conduct is strictly enforced by the distribution team. Vendors who do not comply may be temporarily suspended, de-badged or banned for life, depending on the severity of the offence. All vendors are issued a membership badge and bib which they are required to have on their person at all times when buying and selling the magazine. All security company's, the various CID police services and the Metro police are informed of the way THE BIG ISSUE operates, and are kept apprised of THE BIG ISSUE activities in their areas. Should you have any queries feel free to contact our distribution department on 021 461 6690.
- Why does the magazine come out every 21 days?
In response to the economic downturn, THE BIG ISSUE switched from a monthly to a three-weekly publishing cycle in April of 2008. The plan was to stabilise and increase vendor income, to alleviate the impact of the drop-off in sales at the end of each monthly sales cycle. Vendors now have 16 editions per year to sell, and the switch has worked. Despite the current tight economy, vendor income is considerably higher than it was before.
|
|
BITS & BYTES
LINKS
|
