Working as a roundsperson involves delivering and selling goods and services to homes and businesses, usually by van. This may be on a self-employed basis, or as a franchisee, working for a company and paying a percentage of the earnings to them.

Areas in which roundspeople work include:

• making home deliveries of milk and other dairy items
• providing a sandwich service to businesses
• selling ice-cream or fast food
• running mobile shops selling goods ranging from foodstuffs to books and cleaning products.

The work also involves collecting stock from wholesalers, handling cash and keeping accurate records.

Hours and Environment

Most roundspeople are self-employed, and although the hours are flexible, they must work at times to suit customers. It is common to work 40 to 48 hours a week, including evenings and weekends. Part-time work may be available.

Some roundspeople, such as milkmen and women, have a more structured day, although this does involve an early start. Running a mobile shop requires staying in certain places for a set length of time. Some rounds are seasonal, such as those involving fast food and ice cream, and hours will vary.

Skills and Interests

To be a roundsperson you should:

• be reliable and focused on the needs of your customers
• enjoy dealing with the public
• be well organised, with good time-management skills and some general business skills
• have basic computer and maths skills
• be able to keep accurate records and deal with large amounts of cash
• have a good knowledge of the area in which you work and be able to read maps
• be reasonably fit, able to get up early and be prepared to work in all types of weather.

Entry

You do not need academic qualifications to become a roundsperson, but a good basic standard of education, particularly in maths, is useful.

You will need a full driving licence. Although you can drive from the age of 17, most companies prefer applicants over 21 for insurance purposes.

Experience of work involving driving or sales is an advantage. School-leavers could find work helping with deliveries.

Training

If you are selling fast food, you will need a licence to trade from your local environmental health department. You will also need a food hygiene certificate or food safety award (see Improve website in Further Information for more details).

A number of relevant NVQs/SVQs are available at Levels 2 and 3, including Customer Service and Sales (NVQ only) .

Many roundspeople train on the job; others working as franchisees, such as milkmen and women, are given specific training about their job and the products they are selling. They may also shadow a more experienced roundsperson.

Some franchising companies hold seminars to upgrade skills. This can include ongoing product training, training in new technology, and courses in computing and running a small business.

For self-employed roundspeople, courses may be available at local colleges, covering areas such as selling techniques, book-keeping and other skills needed to run a business.

Opportunities

Possible employers include:

• wholesale distributors
• manufacturing firms
• service companies
• dairies.

Demand for roundspeople is more likely to be in rural areas.

There is a steady demand for franchisees all over the UK. Taking on a franchise will usually involve putting in some money yourself.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The income for roundspeople starts at around £10,000 to £12,000 a year.
More experienced roundspeople can earn around £15,000 to £18,000 a year.
Some roundspeople may earn £20,000 or more.

Further information

40 Duke Street
London
W1A 1AB
Tel: 0800 093 5001 Thames View
Newtown Road
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 1HG
Tel: 01491 578050 Providence House
2 Innovation Close
York
YO10 5ZF
Tel: 0845 644 0448