How much can you make delivering newspapers and catalogues in Australia?

Image courtesy of Naypong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Delivering newspapers and catalogues can be a fairly easy way to earn some extra dollars.  But how much can you earn?  And how many catalogues do you have to deliver to make it worthwhile?  

Here is some information for Australians who are may be interested in delivering catalogues and newspapers for extra cash.

How much do you get paid?

I've delivered both catalogues and newspapers.  When I delivered my community newspaper, I was paid .15 cents per paper.   

So, with a delivery area of around 300 houses, it worked out to be $45.00 

The lowest rate I’ve been offered has been .06 cents per community newspaper (smallish-sized paper).  Plus an extra .01 or .02 cents per extra leaflet.  So that would’ve equated to $18 for a paper run of 300 houses.

As you can see, there's a fair bit of variation, so it's best to compare companies before signing up with one.

Catalogues are usually a set amount for the first one, and additional catalogues are at a reduced rate (a couple of cents per catalogue).

The rate of pay generally isn’t huge, and rates vary depending on a number of factors, including:

 – The company you’re working for

 – Whether you’re delivering catalogues or newspapers.

 - The geography of the area (are there lots of steep hills?)

While the low rate per paper/catalogue can be off-putting, there are ways to increase your income, such as doing a couple of areas or delivering for more than one company at a time.  A friend of mine delivers two community newspapers, plus catalogues for one zone, which is a great way to increase your pay, without having to do an extra area.

This thread on Whirlpool is an excellent source for discussion about the job and current Australian pay rates.

How much time does it take?

It usually took me 1.5-2 hours to deliver 180 newspapers (Flat area, delivering by foot with a backpack and green bag over shoulder).  

The amount of time taken can vary a lot, however, depending on the type of area you’re assigned, and your method of delivery.  Bike or scooter will allow you to deliver more quickly; steep hills will add more time.

*If you choose to deliver catalogues, then time spent folding also needs to be taken into account.

Positive parts of the job:  

• Get Fit! If you enjoy walking or just need an excuse to fit in some extra exercise, then this can be a good way to fit in some extra steps.

• Extra Cash.  Even if you earn just an extra $20 per week, that’s $80 per month and $1,040 per year.  It all adds up!

Negative aspects of the job: 

• When it rains… As with other outdoor jobs, you may be faced with bad weather.  During my time delivering, delays in delivery were only accepted in the event of ‘Extreme weather’.
• Physical work.  It may not sound like physically hard work, but it can be.  If you are delivering by foot and carrying the items, they can be quite heavy.  Also, if your assigned area is hilly, it can slow down delivery and make it more challenging.
• Small hourly rate The pay isn’t huge.  If you’re delivering catalogues and get a week with only a couple of different ones, it almost doesn’t seem worth it.

Tips:

• A car is pretty much essential.  There are only so many newspapers and catalogues that one person can carry at a time, so you’ll need a car to store the rest, until you’re ready to ‘re-stock’.
•  Work out the most efficient way to deliver.  Some people find a bike is much quicker and easier, some prefer to walk with a backpack and shoulder bag, and others prefer a trolley or stroller to carry the catalogues. 

How do I find a catalogue/newspaper delivery job?

1. Register with the bigger companies, such as Fermax and Salmat.  They’ll get in contact with you when a delivery run becomes available in your area – usually before they advertise in the paper or online.  

Links to the job application pages are available here:
Fermax : http://www.fermax.com.au/walker-jobs/

Salmat: https://www.deliverfordollars.com.au

PMP: http://www.bepaidtowalk.com.au

2. Check the employment section of your local paper.  

Often community newspapers will advertise for walkers in the employment section.

3. Look at other options, such as Penny Miller.  

You could do this on top of  catalogues or newspapers, as often delivery contracts will allow you to deliver materials from multiple companies at the same time.  

The link to the Penny Miller job page is here: http://www.pennymiller.com.au/earn-money/

Another company to try is HomeCare: http://www.homecare.com.au/Earn.asp