Vendors

All of the vendors selling this paper have experienced homelessness and they keep the profit from each paper that they sell. They start out with free papers, and, if they like selling, they return and purchase their supply for 25¢ each, sell them on the street for $1 and keep the profit.

Vendors have the opportunity to earn additional free papers by pursuing greater involvement in The Contributor by writing stories, photographing events, recruiting other quality vendors, and attending monthly paper release meetings.

Vendors must agree and adhere to a basic code-of-conduct that is emphasized in vendor training:

  1. The Contributor will be sold for $1.00 and I agree not to ask for more than this amount, solicit tips, or solicit donations for The Contributor by any other means. Likewise, I will not ‘panhandle’ by selling with only one issue of the paper.
  1. While vending, I agree not to sell any other goods, services, or products.
  1. I WILL NOT SELL THE CONTRIBUTOR UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND/OR ALCOHOL. LIKEWISE, WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE I WILL NOT SET FOOT ON ANY PROPERTY WHERE THE CONTRIBUTOR MEETS OR HAS OFFICE SPACE, CONDUCT ANY BUSINESS WITH THE CONTRIBUTOR, OR DISPLAY ANY CONTRIBUTOR LOGO. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, MEETINGS, PHONE CALLS, OFFICE VISITS, DISPLAYING PAPERS, OR WEARING CONTRIBUTOR GEAR SUCH AS LICENSES, SIGNS, APRONS, BAGS, T-SHIRTS AND/OR STOCKING CAPS.
  1. I agree to stay off private property without permission. And, if someone complains about my presence or my activity I will attempt to educate that person about my rights as a newspaper vendor and the mission of The Contributor. If there are more concerns that my presence may be illegal I will move on or have them contact Tom Wills, Director of Vending at 615-829-6829.
  1. I understand that, in most cases, there are no set territories among vendors, and selling is allowed on a first-come, first-serve basis. I will respect the space of other vendors and remain one linear block away from other vendors whenever I am engaged in selling the newspaper. I understand that territories may be earned by meeting certain sales goals each month. If I am selling in a location that is another vendor’s official territory while they are absent, I will move on if they arrive.
  1. I will handle any conflict with other vendors in a professional and mature manner – completely refraining from violence. Should I need to contact The Contributor staff regarding another vendor, I will refer to the vendor by name.
  1. I AGREE TO TREAT ALL OTHERS – CUSTOMERS, STAFF, OTHER VENDORS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC – RESPECTFULLY, AND WILL NOT “HARD SELL” THREATEN, OR PRESSURE CUSTOMERS.
  1. I will only purchase the paper from The Contributor staff and will not sell papers to other vendors.
  1. I will not wear clothing that may mislead or provide advertising that could mislead customers into believing I work for or represent another organization.
  1. I understand that I am not a legal employee of The Contributor but a contracted worker responsible for my own wellbeing and income.
  1. I understand my badge, sign, and official contributor gear (bags, aprons, shirts etc.) are the property of The Contributor and I will not deface, alter or change them in any way. I must present my badge when purchasing papers and wear my badge in plain view whenever I am selling The Contributor. I understand that there will be a fee to replace lost or stolen badges, signs, or gear.
  1. The Contributor strives to be a paper that covers issues surrounding homelessness and poverty - while providing a source of income for homeless and formerly homeless individuals. I will try to help in this effort and to spread the word about the paper’s goal.
Below, you will find many of our vendors. If you have a question or comment about any of our vendors, please contact us.