The big issue

[strange6]

Have you noticed how many foreign people there are selling this now? Our native homeless must have been housed I imagine

 

[CarterUSM]

Have you noticed how many foreign people there are selling this now? Our native homeless must have been housed I imagine

I don't think you have to be homeless to sell it though!

 

[strange6]

I don't think you have to be homeless to sell it though!

I think you had to be when it first came out but you're probably right. Times have changed beyond recognition

 

[me123]

You either need to be homeless or "vulnerably housed" to sell it.

They make £1 per issue; buying it for £1 and selling it for £2. Other than getting a small number of magazines to start themselves out, they get no handouts. They need to manage it like a small business, so they don't just get a hundred magazines, they only buy as many as they feel they need. As you can imagine, the magazine won't sell very well. There's a huge stigma attached to the Big Issue, and therefore most people won't buy the magazine. It's really quite sad, actually, because it's a really admirable organisation that supports people back into work. As such, by the time anyone does get proper accommodation, you wouldn't be able to support yourself from the magazine sales alone and you'd need to have a higher paying job.

 

[SS4]

At least it puts paid to the myth that Johnny Foreigner jumps directly to the top of the housing list

 

[strange6]

You either need to be homeless or "vulnerably housed" to sell it.

They make £1 per issue; buying it for £1 and selling it for £2. Other than getting a small number of magazines to start themselves out, they get no handouts. They need to manage it like a small business, so they don't just get a hundred magazines, they only buy as many as they feel they need. As you can imagine, the magazine won't sell very well. There's a huge stigma attached to the Big Issue, and therefore most people won't buy the magazine. It's really quite sad, actually, because it's a really admirable organisation that supports people back into work. As such, by the time anyone does get proper accommodation, you wouldn't be able to support yourself from the magazine sales alone and you'd need to have a higher paying job.

I would have no problems buying it if it was decent to read. The articles are always rubbish in my opinion. Perhaps if they had male (films, cars, sport etc) and female editions (gossip, problem columns, fashion etc) or sections, with plenty of money off vouchers,then it might sell.

 

[me123]

^ I agree with you there. I can't stand it. But I have nothing but the utmost respect for the people who produce it, and the people who sell it.

 

[HST Power]

^ I agree with you there. I can't stand it. But I have nothing but the utmost respect for the people who produce it, and the people who sell it.

I agree. I did buy it once, but I don't ask for the magazine if I do happen to donate whilst passing by!

 

[12CSVT]

I do buy it from time to time, not sure why there should be a stigma with the magazine as the majority of sellers are making a genuine effort to get back on their feet after falling on hard times.

 

[Dai.]

I do buy it from time to time, not sure why there should be a stigma with the magazine as the majority of sellers are making a genuine effort to get back on their feet after falling on hard times.

Yup.

I buy it everytime I see it being sold, try to buy it from a single homeless person who is a good friend of mine and I try to help out often.

Why buying it is a problem for some people I have no idea. These people are trying their best (some of) to get back on their feet from being thrown out onto the street. You'd be surprised if you actually stopped to talk to some of the homeless people how many of them just want a warm bed and a shower :/

 

[strange6]

Yup.

I buy it everytime I see it being sold, try to buy it from a single homeless person who is a good friend of mine and I try to help out often.

Why buying it is a problem for some people I have no idea. These people are trying their best (some of) to get back on their feet from being thrown out onto the street. You'd be surprised if you actually stopped to talk to some of the homeless people how many of them just want a warm bed and a shower :/

I don't have a problem buying it; it's just a lousy read. I often give my 2 pounds to them for the service of not giving it to me AND to ease my conscience of just walking on by.

 

[Dai.]

I don't have a problem buying it; it's just a lousy read. I often give my 2 pounds to them for the service of not giving it to me AND to ease my conscience of just walking on by.

I wasn't aiming my post at anyone and it's nice to know that you just give them the money for it, considering they have to buy it beforehand.

 

[Andrew Nelson]

At least it puts paid to the myth that Johnny Foreigner jumps directly to the top of the housing list

No it disney, as was said earlier, You don't have to be homeless to sell it, so, proves nothing.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

No it disney, as was said earlier, You don't have to be homeless to sell it, so, proves nothing.

Yes you do. You have to be homeless, or vulnerably housed (i.e. on the brink of being made homeless).
http://www.bigissue.com/How_We_Work_14.php

 

[Andrew Nelson]

Yes you do. You have to be homeless, or vulnerably housed (i.e. on the brink of being made homeless).
http://www.bigissue.com/How_We_Work_14.php

As carter usm et al said, not any more.

And You believe your own propoganda?

Never mind.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

As carter usm et al said, not any more.

And You believe your own propoganda?

Never mind.

???

The Big Issue themselves the people who manage and run this scheme say what I have said. Why are you refusing to believe that?! Are you deliberately being belligerent?

 

[HST Power]

I can't help but laugh at the fact that there is a debate going on about who does and who doesn't sell a magazine on street corners!

 

[Hydro]

I can't help but laugh at the fact that there is a debate going on about who does and who doesn't sell a magazine on street corners!

It'll degenerate into God versus Atheism, sexually suggestive puns, and Tories versus Labour soon enough. Just let it run it's course.

 

[HST Power]

Tories versus Labour soon enough.

I'll stick around then, it might turn interesting!

 

[ralphchadkirk]

It'll degenerate into God versus Atheism, sexually suggestive puns, and Tories versus Labour soon enough. Just let it run it's course.

Most likely HST: DMU or LHCS?

 

[Hydro]

Most likely HST: DMU or LHCS?

You sonofa...You've done it now. Pandora's box has been opened.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

You sonofa...You've done it now. Pandora's box has been opened.

Let the arguing commence!

 

[SS4]

Does this mean disused locos will sell it to get a shed

 

[Andrew Nelson]

???

The Big Issue themselves the people who manage and run this scheme say what I have said. Why are you refusing to believe that?! Are you deliberately being belligerent?

Yes.

.

 

[transportphoto]

I do note some sellers in my area now wear red jackets which have printed (along the lines of) If you buy a magazine, please take it'

 

[me123]

I've never just given them money; I've always taken a magazine. They're not begging, they're working. As such, I think it's better to actually buy the product (even if it is rubbish) than just give them money. Indeed, I reckon a lot of them would be insulted by the suggestion. I do however sometimes tell them to keep the change (although I did this more often when it was £1.50).

They are on the streets to work, not to beg. You wouldn't go into Tesco, give someone money, and walk out.

 

[jon0844]

And even though you think you're helping, if you don't take the mag - advertisers will eventually catch on that the circulation isn't there and pull their ads, which will cut the money for editorial and then axe the mag completely.

 

[strange6]

I've never just given them money; I've always taken a magazine. They're not begging, they're working. As such, I think it's better to actually buy the product (even if it is rubbish) than just give them money. Indeed, I reckon a lot of them would be insulted by the suggestion. I do however sometimes tell them to keep the change (although I did this more often when it was £1.50).

They are on the streets to work, not to beg. You wouldn't go into Tesco, give someone money, and walk out.

Good point
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

And even though you think you're helping, if you don't take the mag - advertisers will eventually catch on that the circulation isn't there and pull their ads, which will cut the money for editorial and then axe the mag completely.

Another good point. Ok, I'll take the mag the next time. Any change for a fiver?

 

[SS4]

I've never just given them money; I've always taken a magazine. They're not begging, they're working. As such, I think it's better to actually buy the product (even if it is rubbish) than just give them money. Indeed, I reckon a lot of them would be insulted by the suggestion. I do however sometimes tell them to keep the change (although I did this more often when it was £1.50).

They are on the streets to work, not to beg. You wouldn't go into Tesco, give someone money, and walk out.

Indeed, although from what I understand if they're claiming benefits their earnings selling the big issue are taken into account in the same way as normal earninga