New press distribution rules
The new Press Industry Code of Practice delivers a more scientific method of determining how many copies of each publication a retailer should stock.
15 August 2009
A new code of practice to govern the supply of newspapers and magazines to retailers will be introduced on 1 September. The code, for which organisations such as RGDATA and the CSNA have lobbied over the last two years, will set down new standards relating to the supply, delivery and sale of magazines and newspapers throughout the country.
Retailers will receive a copy of the new Press Industry Code of Practice with their Newspread deliveries on 25 August. The new code will prescribe a more scientific method of determining how much of each publication a retail business should stock, and will allow retailers greater control over what their stores carry.
CSNA chief Vincent Jennings described the development as “very positive” and said it is a significant victory for retailers after years seeking a fairer, more efficient means of procuring press products. If executed correctly, “the product you get is what is you jointly agree,” he said, adding: “it will actually eliminate the majority of waste and excess.”
Director general of RGDATA Tara Buckley also commented that “well run shops will be able to maximise the use of the code, and it will assist them in cutting down unordered products.” According to Buckley, suppliers will have to redo contract terms under the new code, and will also be bound to specified time frames in responding to customers.
Once in place from 1 September, the operation of the new code of practice will be monitored on a quarterly basis, “to ensure that it’s working correctly and working in an environmentally sustainable fashion,” said Jennings.
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