Who is a Real Change vendor?
A Real Change vendor is a self-employed person who sells the weekly, award-winning Real Change newspaper. Vendors earn an income selling the paper, and the majority of vendors are presently or formerly homeless. All are low income. For more information about vendor demographics, you can check out our Annual Reports.
How do I become a Real Change vendor?
New vendors are welcome at Real Change! Please visit this page to learn more. Once you complete a brief orientation, and agree to the Authorized Vendor Guidelines, you can start earning an income with Real Change!
Where does the money go to when I purchase a Real Change paper?
Vendors purchase the paper from Real Change for $0.60 each, and sell it for $2.00. Vendors keep all proceeds and tips. When you purchase the paper via Venmo, the vendor collects the full amount the next time they visit the Vendor Center.
What is the average amount a vendor earns Selling Real Change?
The amount of money people make selling Real Change depends on several factors. How long they sell for, how often they sell, and how long they have been in a particular community. Real Change staff support vendors in finding locations and building a regular customer base that contributes to their success.
How can I nominate my favorite vendor for Vendor of the Week?
Thanks for shouting out your favorite vendor! Vendors of the Week are profiled in the paper and receive a $25 prize. To nominate your vendor, please submit feedback here.
How do I know who is and is not an authorized Real Change vendor?
Active vendors will have a badge bearing the Real Change logo, their vendor number and the current year on the bottom left corner. The badge color for the year 2023 is Pink.
How can I report a problem or incident I’ve had with a vendor?
Responding to customer and community concerns is a top-priority for us. You can submit feedback here, or contact Executive Director Camilla Walter at 206-441-3247 x107 or [email protected]. We take your concerns very seriously.
Are there specific locations where vendors are authorized to sell?
Vendors have a first amendment right to sell the paper on any public, common space such as a public sidewalk. Vendors selling on private property (for example, outside a grocery store but not on a sidewalk) must get permission from the property owner or manager. Vendors who sell more than 300 or more than 600 papers a month are considered “club” vendors, and have reserved selling locations. A map of current club posts may be found here.
What hours is Real Change open?
You can see our current open hours on our contact page.