Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

not to buy the Big Issue again??

62 replies

ptumbi · 24/12/2014 15:51

I walked past a Big Issue seller just now; I usually buy if I have a few quid. Gave her a fiver (cover price £3) chatted a bit about Xmas, went on.
On way back popped into waitrose (for reduced stuff) and as I had a spare fiver, thought I'd get another Big Issue for dp; good deed and all that. Gave another fiver,
She called after me, she has rent due tomorrow, £80, can I help? I've just bought 2 Big Issues, for £10 that prob cost her £2 , that is obv not enough. What more can I do?
Go on, tell me I should have paid her rent! Tis the season. Should I have done more?

OP posts:
YoullLikeItNotaLot · 24/12/2014 17:59

Yes, but you're quoting what the prisoners say about Big a Issue sellers as if it's some kind of privileged information. It's common knowledge that a lot of Big Issue sellers use drugs and a lot have a roof over their head. They are still technically homeless and the initiative is still a good idea.

Chippednailvarnish · 24/12/2014 18:00

I've stopped buying the big issue as most of the sellers where I live aren't British.

I feel by buying the Big issue I am encouraging people who can't support themselves to stay in Britain. That in turn also puts British Big Issue sellers under more pressure because of the level of competition. I would report the seller OP.

Dons hard hat...

Hatespiders · 24/12/2014 18:59

Youllikeit, I don't offer it as 'privileged information' at all. But nobody I know in rl was aware of these things until I started visiting prisoners. I had no idea myself, so it's not necessarily 'common knowledge'.

run2 · 24/12/2014 19:06

Just because no one you know was aware doesn't mean it's not common knowledge though.

neme · 24/12/2014 19:14

I knew that not all BI sellers make wise choices with their lives. Got fuck all to do with me though. Either buy one or not, report any behaviour you think is contravening the guidelines for sellers.

RoastingYourChestnutsHurtsAlot · 24/12/2014 19:17

I saw our big issue seller get one of those Galaxy note phones out when I was in town the other day. Put me off ever buying another magazine again!

OodKingWenceslas · 24/12/2014 19:22

Does anyone actually know anything official about the Big issue? I always assumed it was a temporary job but there's a woman that sells it here that has been doing it for at least 8 years (when we moved here).

Oakmaiden · 24/12/2014 19:23

Roasting- - was that just before he jumped into his gold plated BMW?

I really don't think that selling the Big Issue is something people do when they have loads of money really. Bloody soul destroying way of earning a pittance...

WD41 · 24/12/2014 19:24

You gave her a tenner in a short space of time, so she assumed that you were either very generous and/or very wealthy, and so just tried her luck. In all honesty I don't really blame her, if you're selling the big issue you're obviously down on your luck.

I wouldn't give it a second thought and I certainly wouldn't report her as some posters are suggesting. I doubt the seller tries it on like that often - she only asked after the second fiver didn't she

RoastingYourChestnutsHurtsAlot · 24/12/2014 19:25

No it's before he casually leaned against the wall and nonchalantly said 'bisssshhhhoooo' I know what I saw and wasn't impressed by it

Back2Two · 24/12/2014 19:32

This reply has been withdrawn

This post has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns

waitingforgodot · 24/12/2014 20:50

How do you mean Back2Two

Alisvolatpropiis · 24/12/2014 20:58

Wasn't the big issue essentially set up to aid those who were homeless/insecure accommodation and/or drug addicts/alcoholics get back on their feet?

I don't understand why it would be shocking to anybody that a Big Issue seller had substance issues, not anybody who knew anything about the scheme anyway.

fluffling · 24/12/2014 21:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CaroleLJ · 24/12/2014 21:17

I also find this thread depressing.

Of course, many sellers will have issues, and some will scam the system just as a lot of people in "proper' work do. How many people pinch paper clips , or do a bit of welding on the side, or make calls from work? Let he who is without sin etc....

There are very strict rules governing Big issue sales people, and if you do think they are being broken then report it. www.bigissue.com/contact-us Big Issue gives people who are homeless a way to break out of begging and/or crime. It's not going to work for everyone, but has made such a significant difference to many many people. I'd much rather help people help themselves, than shore up the top heavy admin of many charities.

Besides, it's a very good read.

MinceSpy · 24/12/2014 21:19

Vendors of the Big Issue buy them for £1.25 and should sell them for £2.50. That 100% profit is their's to do with as they wish and doesn't affect their benefits or attract tax. Sadly this woman took advantage of your generosity.

jellybeans · 24/12/2014 22:28

I don't buy it anymore as my local one is well known for being absolutely loaded and somehow still gets his pitch!

HoHonutty · 24/12/2014 22:33

The one who sells it near where I work is a cunt.

Original poster
ptumbi · 24/12/2014 22:37

I was v sad by this- I really thought I was doing achristmassy thing. A tenner is a lot for me, I would hope it went to a good cause.

OP posts:
OOAOML · 24/12/2014 22:38

to counteract the negativity, the guy who I used to buy it from was lovely, asked after the kids, and has now moved on to working in Social Bite www.social-bite.co.uk/

AgentProvocateur · 24/12/2014 22:54

OOAOML, Social Bite is great. The one in glasgow was open exclusively for homeless people today from 1 till 4, giving them a meal and carol singers etc. I think the edinburgh one is opening in Christmas day too.

GoneGirlGone · 24/12/2014 22:59

You're being totally unreasonable. I work in central London and buy from a variety of vendors and without fail they have all been polite, decent and hardworking. I constantly think how tough it must be to stand out there in all weathers, hats off to them all for making an effort to improve their lot. I have got to know a few of them now and all o can say is there but for the grace of God go so many of us. I'd like to see people make it their new year resolution to buy a Big Issue.

OOAOML · 24/12/2014 23:04

It is great isn't it Agent? I used to buy the BI from him most of the time, and it was a bit weird when he stopped selling it but so good that he got that opportunity.

Alisvolatpropiis · 24/12/2014 23:45

If you're only after giving to the "worthy poor" then the Big Issue probably isn't the best bet for you, op.

Personally I think helping people who have had substance issues is a very good cause. Lots of homeless people develop these issue because they're homeless.

Balaboosta · 25/12/2014 01:10

Bloody hell. So many of these responses are grim! Dreadful lack of compassion and understanding on display here. Way to go at Christmas, people, way to go...