Self Select Distribution ABC Audited

Self Select Distribution have received a renewed distribution service accreditation for 2022. Click here to view.

FAQs.

The following is a list of frequently asked questions that may help answer any queries you may have. If none of the following answer your question please feel free to Contact us, and we'll be able to answer anything you need to know.

Can I distribute my own publication direct to the supermarkets via SSD?
Due to the terms of our contracts with the retailers we're unable to allow publishers to self deliver copies to stores. Our distributors are highly trained and will display your publication professionally.
The supermarkets only allow bespoke branded free display units that have been fully tested and approved by each retail group into their stores. These units also carry multi-million pound public liability insurance to cover any incidents.
Due to the close relationship SSD has with the supermarkets we are allowed to approve titles that fall within 20 key categories, (e.g property, lifestyle, motors, and local news). If your planned publication is a unique concept or hasn't been produced as a free title before, SSD will then seek approval from each relevant retailer prior to distribution commencing.
The major superstores are generally serviced twice per week to ensure the units are stocked, clean and tidy. The days are dependent on the titles in the region but are generally Tuesday and Friday in many areas. The smaller convenience stores are usually serviced once per week, generally Fridays.
The stands are located in a high footfall area that has been agreed with the local store manager. Whilst the unit may not be by the exit and entrance, it will be in a high profile position such as behind the tills or by the newspaper kiosk.
The SSD distribution team rotate the range of available free publications in each store to ensure all our publishing clients get a fair share of the available space.
Customer demand varies by store depending upon the topic and quality of the publication. On average we suggest around 300 copies for a superstore for a week. Once we have assessed customer demand supplies can then be increased or decreased by store for the following editions ensuring an efficient cost effective, customised service.
Our distributors operate a handheld PDA device that is filled in with the amount of copies supplies and a time and date stamped digital picture is taken of your publication is taken at each store. This system has been carefully refined and is now approved by the regulatory industry body ABC.
SSD can make deliveries to the same high standard to a full range of additional miscellaneous outlets upon request. We also provide proof of delivery information and full statistics which allows publishers to focus on running their publication, rather than distributing copies to local outlets & advertisers.
Our distribution team can collect copies from any UK printer at very cost effective rates. Copies are then split and transferred to the relevant regional distribution depot ready for distribution to stores.

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Self Select Distribution - the UK's leading free supermarket pickup distribution company