How do Big Issue sellers make money?

Big Issue vendors all over the UK are working hard in all weathers to earn a living. 

The Big Issue group exists to support people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, are long-term unemployed, or are in need of extra cash to avoid falling into debt. In these unpredictable times, we provide an opportunity for people to earn their own income.

Change a Big Issue vendor’s life this Christmas by purchasing a Winter Support Kit. You’ll receive four copies of the magazine and create a brighter future for our vendors through Christmas and beyond.

The Big Issue seller on your local high street isn’t earning an hourly wage while they’re standing out there in all weathers. They’re running their own micro-business. They have outgoings and have to turn a profit just like any other enterprise out there.

Vendors buy their magazines from The Big Issue for £2 each and sell them to their customers for £4 a time.

• Find your local Big Issue vendor on our interactive map
• Read more about our vendors
• Want to earn some extra cash on your terms? Find out how to become a Big Issue vendor

This Christmas, the magazine is packed with more pages and the cover price has gone up to £4.50. Sellers pay £2.25 to buy the magazine, pocketing an extra 25p for each magazine they sell to earn extra money over the festive period.

We’re also helping vendors bridge the digital divide.

Many Big Issue vendors now accept contactless payments as well as cash. Last year, our frontline teams helped 1,319 vendors to go cashless, including just over 400 new vendors all over the UK.

Readers can also subscribe directly to their local vendor if they are unable to go see them in person. Sellers still get 50 per cent of the net proceeds from subscriptions, just like buying it in person, and readers can find their local vendor and subscribe directly on the Big Issue vendor map.