Thinking of stocking newspapers & magazines?
Great shout! Newspapers and magazines don’t just sell themselves - they also bring in loyal customers who are likely to grab a few other bits while they’re in your store. That means more footfall and bigger basket sizes. Win-win!
Want to make the most of it? Stock a solid mix of titles so there’s something for everyone - from daily papers to niche hobby mags. Just order through your wholesaler, and they’ll handle the deliveries and returns.
We’ve pulled together this handy guide to help you manage your newspaper and magazine range like a pro - from display tips to stock tweaks and everything in between.
Let’s get you set up for success.
Get started with InPost Newstrade
You’re one step closer to bringing newspapers and magazines into your store (and all the extra footfall that comes with them). Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Apply
Drop us an email at [email protected], and a member of our team will get you set up.
What you’ll need to get going:
A £1000 deposit (or £600 if you're going for newspapers only)
A target Minimum Sales Value of £235.32 (based on net trade price - that’s supplies minus returns)
A weekly Carriage Service Charge of £47.01 for delivery and collection (this is reviewed each year)
A signed Direct Debit mandate
What happens next?
Once we’ve got your completed form:
We’ll aim to set up your account within 7–10 days
You’ll get your new account number
We’ll confirm your start date
And we’ll let you know how to pay your deposit
Managing your account
Once you're up and running, you can manage everything easily through i-Menzies - your one-stop shop for orders, returns, updates and more.
Managing your deliveries
Your delivery time (RDT)
We’ll agree on a delivery time that works around you — taking into account your opening hours, counter sales, and any home delivery needs. This agreed slot is called your Retailer Delivery Time (RDT).
If your trading hours or needs change, just get in touch with our Customer Service team. We'll do our best to adjust your delivery time — though some changes might not be possible due to:
- When we receive stock at our depots
- Your location on the delivery route
- Impact on other stores nearby
Track & trace your supplies
We scan your parcels at the depot and again when they arrive at your store - so you know exactly where your delivery is. Just log in to i-Menzies and use ‘Track My Delivery’ to check the status each morning.
Delivery accuracy - what to do
To keep things running smoothly:
- Check labels – All parcels should show your customer number.
- Check your delivery note – Match the titles delivered against your paper delivery note (available to download from i-Menzies).
- Report any issues quickly via i-Menzies or call Customer Services.
Timelines for reporting discrepancies:
- Newspapers: Within 2 hours of receiving your delivery or opening your store
- Magazines: By 3pm via phone, or 4pm via i-Menzies (same day)
You’ll get a claim reference number for any issue you report — make a note of it for future follow-up.
Managing your display
A good display = better sales. Once your newspapers and magazines arrive, here’s how to make them work for your store:
Newspapers
Most papers are daily, though some are regional or weekend-only.
Some include supplements - these should be inserted before you put the paper on display.
Aim to face each front page outwards so it’s easy for shoppers to spot and grab their favourite.
Top tip: Replenish regularly throughout the day to keep your stand looking fresh and full.
Magazines
Magazines stay on sale longer than newspapers and come in at different times during the week/month.
When a new issue arrives:
Take the old one off your shelf and set it aside for return.
Replace with the latest edition.
If it’s a new title, display it near similar genres to help customers find what they’re into.
Replenish at peak times across the day/week/month to keep up with demand.
Managing your supplies
We aim to get your supply just right - balancing publisher guidelines, your sales history, and any changes you make.
Making changes
You can change your order at any time - just be sure to:
Use the format: “Make supply X copies” (avoid saying “add” or “remove”).
Confirm weekend changes by 5pm Wednesday and all other days by 1pm the day before.
Submit via i-Menzies or call Customer Services.
Let us know of any special events or local factors (like roadworks!) so we can adjust your future supply.
How allocations work
News UK and Mail Newspapers provide their own allocations.
All other titles go through Menzies’ i-News system.
We’ll check everything before it goes out, using your net sales data to spot anything unusual and correct it.
If you request a big change to your standing order, we may ask for a quick reason - this just helps us fine-tune future deliveries.
Constraints & firm sale titles
You can request a constraint on how many copies you receive.
We’ll try to meet that, but if a title is in short supply, we may need to reduce your copies - we’ll never increase without good reason.
Firm Sale titles can’t be changed - but if you get extra copies unexpectedly, you can return them as usual.
If a specific issue doesn’t sell (e.g. due to local disruption), let us know - we’ll make sure it doesn’t affect your future allocations.
Returning Unsold Product
Stay on top of your newstrade returns with our simple step-by-step process. From newspapers and magazines to vouchers, here’s how to return unsold product efficiently and get credit back fast.
Newspaper Returns
Daily newspapers must be returned at the end of each trading day. Returns are collected from the same location and at the same time as your next delivery.
How to prepare newspaper returns:
- Record the quantity being returned on that day’s delivery note for your own records.
- Label each parcel using the parcel labels included in your supply pack. This ensures your return is linked to your account.
- Bundle your returns securely with string. Each bundle should weigh no more than 18kg and be around 30cm deep.
- Have returns ready before your driver arrives.
If your returns are missed, please log an issue via i-Menzies or contact our Customer Service Centre.
Magazine Returns
Magazine returns should be processed when new editions arrive.
How to prepare magazine returns:
- Remove old issues as you display the latest ones.
- Record quantities on your magazine recall note, or use the Returns tab in i-Menzies to submit electronically.
- Double-check your displays against your recall note and collect all listed issues for return.
- Pack your returns into the empty tote boxes received with your last delivery.
- Place an old parcel label on top and seal the tote.
- If no totes are available, bundle magazines securely with string and attach a parcel label to each.
- Returning early? Add the title, issue number, price, and quantity to the bottom of the recall sheet.
Voucher Returns
Vouchers (paper or electronic) are issued by publishers and accepted as part or full payment for newspapers or magazines. To receive credit, please follow the steps below:
How to return vouchers:
- Store all collected vouchers safely throughout the week.
- Each Tuesday, you’ll receive a voucher envelope and recall note (if returns were submitted the previous week).
- If you don’t receive a voucher envelope, contact the Customer Service Centre to request one.
- Count and record voucher quantities on the recall note.
- Complete the front of your returns envelope, insert vouchers inside, and seal it (please do not staple the vouchers).
- Place the sealed envelope inside a magazine return tote for secure collection and processing.
Your Paperwork
Understanding your paperwork helps you stay in control of your account and credits.
Delivery Note (Daily)
- Lists all titles delivered each day.
- Totals feed into your weekly invoice.
- Includes unsold credit processed up to Saturday.
Final Delivery Note
- Issued when extra copies are delivered after the main delivery note.
- Includes adjustments for any costed changes or credits.
- Contact us via i-Menzies within 5 days if a credit you expected is missing.
Credit Advice Note (Daily/As Needed)
- Details all processed returns and associated credits.
- Check for discrepancies and raise queries via i-Menzies or the Customer Service Centre within 5 days.
Magazine Recall Note (4x Weekly)
- Lists items to return with space to record quantities returned.
Invoice (Weekly)
- Includes six key sections:
- Delivery charges
- Credit for unsolds
- Adjustments
- Sundries
- Invoice total
- Invoice summary
Also includes:
- VAT breakdown for Carriage Service Charge (CSC)
- Minimum Service Value (MSV) details and charges (if applicable)
- Deferred charges and due dates VAT summary for additional services
Statement (Weekly)
- Provides total balance brought forward, charges for the period, deferred payments, and total due.
Get in touch
Drop us a message and a member of the team will be in contact: [email protected]
Communication, Help & Support
We aim to provide a reliable, responsive service with simple processes that support your business.