Leaflet distributor

Leaflet distributors hand out flyers, leaflet and advertisements in order to inform people or sell products and services. They distribute these leaflets either directly to the people on the streets or via mailboxes.

The duties of a leaflet distributor include, but are not limited to:

• Handing out flyers to the general public at strategically chosen locations
• Distributing flyers through residential front doors or to businesses
• Having an in depth knowledge of the information they are handing out and be a point of information for people with queries
• Being enthusiastic about the event or establishment they are promoting
• Covering as many people/houses as they can in order to market as widely as possible

Leaflet distributors often work outside in all weathers and are strategically placed to gain the most exposure. They usually work in teams, covering different areas in order to promote in the most efficient manner.

The job can include a great deal of walking if flyering is door to door. The hours can be during the day or late into the night – hours are usually related to what the leaflet is marketing and the target audience.

Distributors will be the face of a company or event in the general public and therefore will constantly be interacting with different people. This means that flyer distributors must be prepared for all kinds of reactions, including negativity and rudeness.

Door to door flyer distributors will deliver leaflets on foot and therefore walk significantly long distances. This requires them to be physically fit, to be prepared for varying weather and to wear suitable footwear or to ride a bicycle. They must also be prepared to deal with pets that may be in gardens or come to the door.

Sometimes a uniform is supplied for flyer distributors such as a sweatshirt of t-shirt as extra promotion of the event or establishment.

In cases where a uniform is not supplied, specifications may be given by the employer on what is suitable to wear, or the distributor may have to make the personal decision. Clothing should be suitable for both the event and the weather.

Distributors are responsible for their own safety and, when working on night shifts, should be conscious of danger and position themselves in the safest places within the confines of their given location.

Leaflet distributors can be paid hourly for their time, or paid per the amount of leaflets delivered.

The following job titles also refer to leaflet distributor:

door to door leaflet distributor
door to door leaflet distributor
flyer distributor
marketing assistant
marketeer
leaflet distributor

No formal educational credential is required to work as a leaflet distributor. However, previous knowledge of the establishment or the event being promoted are useful.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Leaflet distributor is a Skill level 1 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to leaflet distributor.

bicycle courier
advertising installer
fruit and vegetable picker
shelf filler
aircraft groomer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of leaflet distributor. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of leaflet distributor with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

fishing net maker
delivery driver
aircraft fuel system operator
leather goods manual operator
taxi driver

Leaflet distribution is one of the earliest forms of advertising. An example of direct marketing, it has managed to survive the technological revolution thanks to its ability to reach large numbers of people at a low cost. This explains why it continues to be widely used as a form of local marketing in practically every sector, including fashion, real estate, automotive, politics, events organization, and the restaurants and hospitality sector.

As a consequence, some entry-level roles in advertising or marketing, such as advertising assistant, or market research interviewer, are an option on the long term for leaflet distributors.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of leaflet distributor.

• Geographic areas: Know the geographic area in detail; know where different organisations carry out operations.

These skills are necessary for the role of leaflet distributor.

• Work in outdoor conditions: Can cope with the different climate conditions such as heat, rain, cold or in strong wind.
• Demonstrate professional attitude to clients: Demonstrate responsibility and professional duty of care to clients which will include communication skills and a focus of customer care orientation.
• Deliver leaflets: Put leaflets, flyers and advertising materials into mailboxes. Make sure you cover the entire area assigned to you.
• Hand out flyers: Give flyers and leaflets to passers-by on the street.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of leaflet distributor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Characteristics of products: The tangible characteristics of a product such as its materials, properties and functions, as well as its different applications, features, use and support requirements.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of leaflet distributor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Hang advertising posters: Collect advertising posters and hang them on the respective advertising space. Affix posters in a professional manner, without folds, moulds, or overlaps.
• Set up advertising material: Prepare the urban furniture and fix the advertising material to it, following all safety precautions and working standards. Check the lighting and overall appearance and identify possible defects during the application procedure.
• Follow written instructions: Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
• Liaise with advertising agencies: Communicate and cooperate with advertising agencies in transmitting the goals and specifications of the marketing plan. Liaise to develop an advertising and promotional campaign that represent the aim of the marketing plan.
• Operate GPS systems: Use GPS Systems.
• Demonstrate products’ features: Demonstrate how to use a product in a correct and safe manner, provide customers with information on the product’s main features and benefits, explain operation, correct use and maintenance. Persuade potential customers to purchase items.

9510 – Street and related service workers

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References

1. ESCO
2. What Are The Duties & Responsibilities Of A Flyer Distributor? – Athomegrind
3. Flyer Distributor Job Description | JobTed UK
4. Flyer Distributor – MyJobSearch
5. Featured image: Photo by cottonbro