Summary

A newspaper is a very short-lived product. Unsold newspapers are recovered not only for the purpose of supplying the used paper recycling loops they also supply valuable information for both the distributor and the printer. This Special Report examines both the routes followed by unsold newspaper copies as well as the various control and counting operations that are required. The circuits followed by unsold copies are of two different types: firstly, there are the major wholesalers who are responsible for distributing different press products (newspapers, magazines and similar products), and secondly there are the distributors who handle only certain titles. The latter is the case for the investigated newspapers. The volumes of products to be handled by the different circuits vary greatly. Consequently, the solutions offered to the distributors also vary to a major degree. Moreover, the data produced by this control has many different applications. Not only does it allow verification of the accuracy of the volumes stated by the retailers and reliable invoicing, but also a better knowledge of the readers on the basis of events and distribution zones as well as supplying precise information for sales records statistics. Some regional daily newspapers have developed a control system for unsold copies based on bar code reading. Within the framework of this investigation, several such operations in Europe were visited that are well attuned to the needs of these newspapers. For the major distribution centres, it is essential to limit as far as possible the volumes of returns to be handled, as this operation represents a major cost factor that cannot be recuperated elsewhere. But this is not a simple task due to the diversity of the products to be controlled. For this reason, the counting systems selected by wholesalers work on the basis of optical recognition of the front page. The various problems encountered are analysed in a functional matrix that focuses on the functions to be carried out at the different stages of the control process. Moreover, the emphasis was put on the problems that remain to be solved and on the adapted solutions that could be considered. The facts presented in the following are based on numerous on-site visits, the accounts of which are included at the end of the report.