Anyone can become a vendor. Here’s how you go about it:
Make an appointment at your nearest office (see addresses here). If you have problems getting to an office, you can contact us by phone and we will try to make alternative arrangements.
Attend an initial meeting: a member of our team will chat with you to assess whether or not selling The Big Issue is right for you and to look at any additional support you might need. We will also outline our vendor expectations by which we expect all vendors to abide.
Next steps: When you become a vendor, you will receive a Big Issue bib and badge so that people know you’re an authorised vendor and you will be be given 10 free magazines to get you started.
How does it work again? After your 10 free magazines, you buy magazines from your nearest office for £2 each and sell them on for £4, keeping the profit for yourself.
Where can I sell? We have many pitches available across the north of England (see map) and we carry out regular outreach sessions to see how vendors are getting on. You will find out about pitches at your initial meeting.
If you need further support: We help our vendors to access the services they need, including accommodation, training and education, access to GPs, dentists and other health and social support services, provisions such as breakfast clubs and home furnishing packages, and much more!
By selling The Big Issue, you can earn an income, get support and advice, and build up self-esteem, confidence and motivation. We help vendors to help themselves and change their lives.
