As our client The Big Issue rolls out contactless payment systems to its vendors, we speak to managing director Russell Blackman. We find out what effect this is having on magazine sales.
Street newspaper The Big Issue has teamed up with contactless payment provider iZettle. In a bid to keep up with an ever-increasing “cashless society”, it now issues homeless vendors with card readers.
Founded in 1991, The Big Issue sets out to help homeless individuals, or those at risk of homelessness, earn a legitimate income. With their “hand up, not a hand out” mission, the social business helps its vendors reintegrate into mainstream society.
Card for cash
The shift towards contactless kicked off in December. In an eight-week trial, 20 The Big Issue vendors across London, Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, and Nottingham tested the technology to see how it impacted sales.
And sales are essential. As entrepreneurs, making a decent living hinges on the number of transactions they make. Vendors purchase The Big Issue magazine for £1.25 to sell it for £2.50. Thus, having access to the right payment is key.
“Ultimately we want to help to give our vendors an income to help them to lift themselves out of poverty. Cashless payments are helping them to keep up with the times,” says The Big Issue’s managing director, Russell Blackman.
“Now there are a number of good-quality free publications available on the streets, we need to stand out,” he says. “By making it as easy as possible for the public to buy the magazine there’s a greater chance that people will do just that,” he says.
Meet Ian 👋
Ian is taking part in our @iZettleUK trial which enables him to take contactless payment for his sales of @BigIssue. Ian and his trusted dog Boycie can be found selling outside @LushLtd in the centre of Bath. Go tap ‘n’ pay today! #SupportYourVendor pic.twitter.com/xs1jlz2Wnw
— Big Issue SouthWest (@BigIssueSWest) December 14, 2018
Times are changing
But how rapidly is the number of cash carriers dwindling? According to data collected by The Guardian, 2006 saw 62% of all payments in the UK made using cash. In 2016, it had fallen by 40%. And this number is only set to decline further.
“People simply don’t carry cash around on them anymore,” says Russell. “Although it’s still early days and it’s the first time we’ve done a substantial pilot in this space, the trial has proved a great success. So much so that we hope to roll it out to more and more vendors nationwide in the coming months.”
Though you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s Father Christmas, this is @BigIssue vendor Mike! 🎅🏼
Mike is now accepting contactless payments on his pitch in Bristol Temple Meads station. Mike would like to thank his customers for their support and wish you a very merry Christmas 🎄 pic.twitter.com/Lx7ZyPWfNO— Big Issue SouthWest (@BigIssueSWest) December 17, 2018
However, one significant barrier stands in the way. In order to set up a bank account to link to the card reader, the vendor must have a permanent address. “To overcome this challenge, we’re working with FinTech companies who are tackling this problem,” says Russell.
“We’re working hard to break down the barriers to give our sellers the best opportunity to sell The Big Issue how they like. Not having cash will no longer be an issue.”
Find out more about our work with The Big Issue.