Freight move increases cost of magazine returns
The move by magazine distributors NDD, Gotch and Network to Toll Holdings for freight looks set to significantly increase the cost of returning unsold magazines. One newsagent told me that their cost will go from $25.00 to $66.00. This is what they will have to pay for stock they did not order and which has failed to sell.
Newsagents are understandably angry at this cost increase imposed on their businesses. If distributors let newsagents return only then cover then the cost would be significantly less. NDD performs worst out of the three magazine distributors based on the data I see in terms of sell-through – meaning higher additional costs.
The magazine distribution model which makes newsagents liable for the cost of freighting titles which have not performed is flawed.