Newstrade

If you intend to sell your magazine to the public via the newstrade, it needs to be distributed to newsagents and other retail outlets.

For the vast majority of small publishing companies it is not practical or advisable to attempt this without help and there are distribution companies that specialise in this field, functioning as your sales and marketing department. Go to the PPA Supplier Listing to find a list of service suppliers.

The magazine market

The consumer magazine market consists of more than 3,000 titles, generating approximately £1.6bn retail revenue. In this dynamic market, competition is not only fierce but is increasing.
Every year, there are more than 1,000 proposed new magazine launches of which as few as one in three makes it to publication and the newsstand.
Launching a magazine is a highly competitive business, and sustaining it even more so: several hundred new titles are launched each year, of which only half become established magazines.
With more than 3,000 titles in the market, the pressure on shelf space for magazines at retail is a continuing challenge with many retailers restricting their ranges to include only the most profitable titles for their customer base.

Trade structure

The magazine distribution chain consists of five levels, starting with publisher, through distributor, wholesaler, retailer and consumer. It is, however, possible to undertake your own distribution, although you will need considerable resources to do so.

If you decide to adopt this route, you will have to negotiate terms with wholesalers, arrange the physical transportation from your printer, arrange invoicing and crediting, sell copies to wholesalers and retailers, monitor sales and employ the staff to perform these functions.

More information on newstrade can be found in the area for new publishers.

A campaign website has been set up to protect the supply chain for newspapers and magazines in the face of the recent OFT announcement which threatens it. Click here to find out more.