Cycle Sport, the leading UK magazine for fans of professional road racing does not sell well in my newsagency. Our sell through is usually around 40% meaning that around 60% of supplied stock is returned. Beyond the frustration of the inability of the publisher and distributor to get supply right and fair is that Australians can pay $15.50 for Cycle Sport in a newsagency or have it home delivered through magshop for $14.99 an issue. The same company controls the supply of Cycle Sport to Australian newsagents and operates magshop. They make newsagencies look expensive. The excess stock reduces space available for other cycling titles including Australian titles.
Let me recap – we are oversupplied, we are made to look expensive and there are barriers to us achieving a fair supply arrangement. While the magazine distributor – Network Services – will deny this, they ought to spend a month in a newsagency and experience life on the other side. This would help them, hopefully, work in partnership with newsagents.
I would like the UK publisher of Cycle Sport to explore a more direct relationship with Australian newsagents which permits us to compete on price and achieve equitable supply arrangements. At least then the key parties to the relationship have a common goal – selling more magazines.