How to Survive a Paper Round in the U.K

Last Updated: May 29, 2022 References

If you want to get some cash then getting a paper round is a great idea! Almost anyone over 12 years of age can get a paper round. It's a common option for children, and some adults who can't or don't want to work more than a few hours a day. It is possible on a 7 day round to rake in over £100 a month - serious money for a preteen, apparently. Like anything else you get paid to do, it involves some risks and some responsibilities. Get started at step one below for how to survive a paper round.

Steps

1
Find a shop / newsagents that has a vacancy for a paper boy/girl. Don't just go to the first one you see. Find out how much they pay, when they will be open and how many papers you will have to deliver on a daily basis.^{[1]
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2
If you don't live near a suitable shop, inquire at your school to see if anyone in the local area runs a paper business. Sign your name up so even if you don't get one immediately, you'll get one eventually.

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3
Make sure you get a work permit from your guidance counselor because if you don't, you'll be classed as breaking the law. A guidance counselor, parent, or a guardian should give their permission if applicable.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
Go to source}
4
Learn your route like the back of your hand. Learn the easiest and quickest way around all the homes and businesses you need to deliver to. Ensure you know which street, lanes and roads are where because being lost is one of the worst things that can happen. Ensure you deliver on time because if you're late, you might not get as much pay.
5
If it is a long round consider taking a bike. If the houses are all next to each other then don't bother, unless you want to. However it goes quicker with a bike.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
Go to source}
6
Get prepared the night before. If you had to be there at 7:00 a.m. get up at 6:00 to 6:15.^{[4]
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Research source} Have something to eat before you go. Something like a banana and a glass of water.^{[5]
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Research source} This gives you enough energy and hydration to keep you going.
7
Be prepared for the weather. If it's cold, wear a warm coat or suitable jacket. This is the most important thing. Make sure it is waterproof. The worst thing that can happen is that you get soaked to the bone or covered in snow.^{[6]
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8
Have lights if it's dark. It will mostly be cold and dark, unless it is between March and September. Put lights on your bike, it's the law, and carry a torch. Keep your bike in full working order and cycle safely.
9
Wear a high visibility jacket or fluorescent arm bands. You may look silly but you'd be bloody terrified going down a busy road when cars don't expect you to be there and they can't see you. It's really not worth the risk. And besides, who's going to know? Put on suitable shoes too. You may have a long walk. If it's icy, try to wear shoes or boots that give you some grip. Remember pavements and drives won't be gritted.
10
Try to be safety conscious. It's dark, often, you are alone, and possibly wandering around isolated farm houses or down unlit driveways. Have a mobile phone with you if possible. Don't accept lifts back home from strangers, or cups of tea from customers you don't know, however cold it is. Make sure that you are usually finished and home around the same time so people know to look for you if you are delayed, if your bike got a puncture for example.
11
Be friendly but not familiar if you meet a homeowner you deliver to. Say good morning. It might help you earn a tip at Christmas.
12
Note that weekend rounds are by far the hardest in the week. The papers are heavy with supplements and you'll probably need to take your time and split the round into two bags. That only really matters if you have a seven day round. Week days are the lightest.

Community Q&A

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.

Warnings

Never leave the paper outside someones house in bad weather. The only excuse you have is if their dog is banging against the door or biting the letterbox. People will understand.

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Helpful 39 Not Helpful 7
Be wary of traffic at all times.

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Helpful 40 Not Helpful 9
Dogs can sense fear, if they do they'll just bark louder.

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Helpful 34 Not Helpful 8
The best thing is to show the dog no fear. After all it's behind a huge wooden door. It's gonna have to be bloody strong to get through.

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Helpful 36 Not Helpful 12
Although not required by law at any age in the UK, it is advisable to wear a bike helmet.

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Helpful 22 Not Helpful 13
If you are scared of aggressive dogs or just dogs in general then don't do a paper round, seriously!

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Helpful 20 Not Helpful 36
At night, use lit front and rear lights and have a red rear reflector - it's the law.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Official UK government website
Official website for the public sector of the UK government
Go to source}

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