Why Providing Proof & Evidence Is Vital In A Flyer Distribution Job
by Admin Joe
published – June 22nd 2020
The majority of flyer, leaflet, poster and catalog distribution work generally involves carrying out tasks almost completely unsupervised.
It can be a lonely job for sure, believe me. For this very reason, it’s all the more important that distributors are able to provide proof and evidence of their work.
It’s not that distribution employees aren’t trustworthy so don’t get all paranoid at me. Don’t accuse me of accusing you of labeling anyone a cheat or scoundrel either. That’s a lot of accusations *phew* let’s take a step back shall we?
The truth is, most flyer distributors are hard workers who just want to do their best. Furthermore, I’m sure this includes you too.
Although, there are a small group of unscrupulous or lazy workers out there who just want to take short cuts. Either this or they just don’t care about putting in the time to do the work properly.
In my opinion, this is probably the biggest reason why proof and evidence is such a necessity in this line of work.
“What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.”
Christopher Hitchens (Writer & Journalist)
I believe Mr. Hitchens is on to something here. It’s not enough for someone (in this case, a flyer distributor) to simply claim that they have done their job. In parallel, if there is no proof then the employer can just shrug this off without a single thought.
Flyer distribution employers need to be able to trust their distributors to do what they’re being paid to do. I’m sure you can understand this and also why precautions have to be taken.
Flyer distributors need to be able to provide evidence that shows that they are working to a decent standard. If they can’t do this then bosses might view it as suspicious. In turn, flyer distributors might find that they have issues receiving wages and so on.
It’s not always easy for distribution bosses to monitor their employees. However, there are a few different ways of proving that you have been doing your job properly. Let’s explore what they are and how they work exactly.
Why is proof & evidence necessary in flyer distribution work?
Certain unscrupulous flyer distributors tend to dump their load before the job is done. They may then pretend that they have completed all the work and accept the payment.
Doing this essentially gives them an out to take the rest of the day off and sit on their hands. This unfortunate practice has been the main thing that has brought on the need for proof and evidence in the flyer distribution industry.
Do flyer distributors always need to provide proof?
Some flyer distributors can prove with certainty that they have completed the work. If this is true then these checks and balances won’t always be necessary.
Do distribution employers always want evidence?
Certain flyer distribution employers won’t be as thorough with their checking of evidence. This is because it can cost them extra time and labor costs as a business to send someone to verify the work properly.
It may not be worth it for them. Bosses will often have no choice but to disregard proof. Instead, they will have to rely on the flyer distributor being honest with them which can be a risk.
Will flyer distributors be under strict supervision?
In my experience, the level of supervision depends a lot on the type of distribution job that you are doing. A freelance flyer distributor won’t really have any supervision whatsoever. They are performing a much more solitary job.
How much freedom do distributors have in their jobs?
Some employers like to keep a somewhat tight leash on their flyer distributors. Conversely, other bosses will give you much more leeway. Both methods have their ups and downs.
Do flyer distributors have to monitor other distributors?
You might be part of a large team of distributors handing out flyers and leaflets on a busy street. In this case, several other distribution employees will monitor you for the whole day.
There will be nowhere to hide. It will be up to all of you to keep tabs on each other. You won’t be separated from each other flyer distributors by a big distance. Your rate of work will generally be obvious to anyone paying attention, close by.
Having lots of other flyer distributors around you sort of removes the burden of needing to prove you’re doing the work. I find that you can all keep your eyes on each other. On the other hand, having zero supervision can have the exact opposite effect.
Are there roles for other employees to check on distributors?
Flyer distribution companies also have positions for individuals to check on distributors. They will have employees go to target locations to see if they can spot signs of delivered distribution material.
Do flyer distribution companies contact recipients for proof?
For door-drop distributors, additional employees will possibly call in on households at random. They will then ask them if they have received any advertisements or not for the sake of proof.
This is another way distribution companies will know if their flyer distributors are performing as well as they should be.
They may also choose to phone the household and conduct a quick telephone survey. These individuals will ask questions regarding how the door-drop went.
This kind of practice happened in my time as a leaflet distributor. If the resident hasn’t received anything then this could arouse suspicion.
Do supervisors check on distributors throughout the day?
Even if a flyer distributor is working alone, they may be tracked down by managers and supervisors at times during their shift. The distributor can then report to them and they can check on progress.
Do employers check how many flyers workers have left?
It might be your job to distribute big pile of flyers or leaflets. In this case, your employer might count how many flyers you have remaining as evidence at the end of the working day. They will be able to judge your rate of work fairly well this way.
How do employers keep track of their flyer distributors?
Flyer distribution bosses have several different methods of keeping track of your work. This might include making use of recording or navigation devices.
Instead of this James Bond spy guff, they will sometimes just send employees in person directly to keep tabs instead.
Can employers use technology to track flyer distributors?
What sort of evidence is required in flyer distribution work? In the modern age, lots of distribution employers have embraced more high-tech ways of tracking flyer distributor performance.
This kind of technology wouldn’t have been possible for distribution companies a few decades ago. It was barely in its infancy when I first started doing this kind of work.
Can employers track flyer distributors with GPS technology?
A flyer distribution employer might ask workers to carry around a GPS tracking device with them during their shift.
They can be surer than ever regarding distributor whereabouts with this tool (almost creepy, I know). In addition, it’s a great deterrent to prevent employees from bunking off.
GPS tracking is much more common and relevant in door-drop distribution work. Bosses can monitor flyer and leaflet distributors as they go from residence to residence.
How does GPS technology work with a flyer distribution job?
Flyer distribution employers will:
- Power up and give the distributor a GPS tracking device at the start of the day
- Ask them to carry it around throughout their shift
- Take the device back from the distributor and analyze the data
Bosses can then view the tracking information and use it as evidence to see which distributors are performing well. They will also be able to prove who is shown to be spending a stationary 2 hours at the local cinema. You know who you are.
How does GPS help prove anything in flyer distribution work?
A GPS device will help prove to flyer distribution employers that their distributors are doing what they are supposed to be doing.
It will show that they are going where they are supposed to be going too. This is a smart move on their part as I’m sure you might agree.
How precise is GPS technology in a flyer distribution job?
The tracking is surprisingly accurate. It’s very difficult for unscrupulous flyer distributors to pull the wool over their boss’ eyes if they feel like slacking off.
In this instance, GPS technology is precise enough to track a worker down to a specific street. This is pretty incredible. If a distributor isn’t doing as ordered then questions will be asked.
Is a GPS device necessary as proof in flyer distribution work?
Your flyer distribution job might involve being stationary in one spot and allowing recipients to come to you. If this is true then a GPS device won’t be all that necessary. What would be the point in tracking a distributor who isn’t moving?
An example of this might be a flyer distributor occupying one busy high street all day. This is something that I have done before. In this job, there will be barely any movement for a GPS device to track. There would be no point in utilizing this technology here.
Should a flyer distributor carry & use a camera for proof?
I would highly recommend flyer distributors taking a camera with them on the job. Although, not so that they can make a thrilling short film about the world flyer distribution.
Why do flyer distributors need to take a camera on the job?
The real reason flyer distributors might need a camera is so that they can take both photos and videos to use as evidence later on. Distribution employers should provide cameras for their workers at the very least unless they are working freelance of course.
How do flyer distributors provide evidence? Your boss may ask you to provide proof in the form of:
- a video
- a photo
- a series of videos and photos
Again, this is just to reassure the client that the distributor is doing what they are asking them to do.
Why do flyer distribution employers like photos & videos?
You might be planning to post a flyer or poster on a notice board in a park, for example. In this instance, it gives the client peace of mind if you take a snap or two as evidence.
They can then see their pride and joy surrounded by all the other posters and notices. From this, they will then know that you are the real McCoy.
If you’re distributing anything, photos are useful. This is because clients also like to know how their advertisement appears to the public. They need to whether or not the location it’s in is suitable as well.
Why are photos & videos important in flyer distribution work?
A photograph or a video is probably the best piece of visual evidence you can use to prove anything, in my opinion. If you can do this then there will be little or no controversy or questions asked over the validity of your distribution work.
Does a flyer distributor have to provide their own camera?
Smartphone users will almost certainly have a camera built into their phone. This sometimes saves the need for distribution companies to give cameras to flyer distributors in the first place.
Don’t worry If you’re still rocking the Nokia 3210, they will still give you a camera if you need one.
Which camera shots do flyer distributors need for proof?
You might need to take a photo of the front door of a house if you are a door-drop distributor, for instance.
How many different camera shots do flyer distributors need?
Flyer distributors should try to get multiple shots. They can then combine this with a variety of different angles. This includes close-ups as well as wide shots if possible. My philosophy is that it’s better to have too many photos rather than not enough.
No need for distributors to be too cinematic like Christopher Nolan and hire a helicopter for a sick aerial shot hahaha
Workers won’t always have to go overboard and take a tonne of photos for evidence. They just need enough to prove that they are doing what they’re supposed to be doing.
Do flyer distributors always need to carry a camera at work?
Sometimes having a camera with you at work won’t be all that necessary. Your distribution employer might consider it too much (like wearing five parachutes).
Flyer distributors probably won’t need a camera for proof if they are already being tracked with other methods like GPS.
Taking photos and videos can actually eat into quite a lot of your work time. It might be better or more efficient to let the GPS tracker do the work and gather the evidence.
Employees usually only need a camera if you are visiting multiple locations over one day.
What type of distributor needs to take photos as proof?
It all depends on which flyer distribution company you’re working for. Using a camera to take photos tends to be more a thing for freelance flyer distributors to do. They are much more independent and need that kind of proof.
Is video evidence necessary in flyer distribution work?
Some flyer distributors may find it useful to wear a body camera. This will record footage in your first-person perspective while you are doing your rounds. Some might see this as overkill, but it does provide that extra bit of clarity and evidence for the client.
Are catalog sales proof of completed distribution work?
A decent indicator of a catalog or brochure distributor doing their job properly is obtaining sales. However, getting people to buy from catalogs isn’t the easiest goal to achieve (I can assure you through experience).
This means that this isn’t 100% reliable as a barometer or means to prove completed distribution work or anything for that matter.
Who’s responsibility is it to keep the client updated?
It will usually be the burden of the distribution company to give their customers any necessary updates and proof of work. You only really need to worry about doing your job to the best of your ability as a flyer distributor.
The distributor will pass down information and evidence to the supervisor, to the employer and then to the client.
Do freelance flyer distributors need to deal with the client?
If you are working distribution on a freelance basis then obviously there will be no middle man. It will entirely be your responsibility to deal directly with client interactions and provide evidence for them.
If you are interested in doing a flyer distribution job or any other work as a freelancer then you can do so using platforms like Fiverr. Websites like this allow you to advertise your services to thousands of customers around the world and earn money.
How will the client be notified of developments with the job?
The client will receive confirmation before the flyer distribution work has begun. They will also be notified afterward in which a final report will be given when the job has been finished along with proof of completed work.
Apart from the evidence, your employer will normally arrange all of this themselves, from my experience. The report will walk them through how it went, in-depth. They might receive details such as:
- location
- time
- duration of distribution
- photos
You should now be able to see and have a deeper understanding of why having concrete evidence is so important in flyer distribution work. Proof can be vital for both the employer and the distributor.
There are a variety of different ways that flyer distributors can accomplish this. Distributors can use methods such as using cameras and GPS devices.
On the other hand, you can just have someone check and confirm the completed distribution work manually.
We can learn that these days flyer distribution employers have many ways to monitor their employees who work alone. We also know that the amount of evidence needed depends on the type of distribution job that you are doing.
Further down the road, it may be wise for distributors to invest in a camera. It doesn’t have to be an expensive DSLR, it can just be a cheap digital camera.
Additionally, it would be a smart move to go out of your way to learn more about flyer distribution work in general. You can do this by reading books and other articles.
We can see flyer distributors will sometimes need recording equipment with them to prove their work. You can also find out which other valuable tools you might need with you by checking out 5 Important Items That Flyer Distributors Can’t Live Without.
Do you think it’s a good idea for flyer distributors to provide proof of work? Which piece of evidence do you think is the most convincing in a flyer distribution job? Please don’t forget to share this with your friends and comment below. Thanks for reading!
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