Iso Numero is a Finnish street magazine and social enterprise. We publish an independent magazine that people can buy and resell directly to their own customers, creating a flexible way to earn income.
Our model is simple: sellers buy magazines from us and sell them independently in public spaces. The difference between what they pay for the magazine and what they sell it for is theirs.
At the same time, Iso Numero is an independent journalistic publication. When someone buys the magazine from a seller, they get something worth reading – and their purchase directly supports the work of the person selling it.
Since 2011, more than 1,500 people representing over 15 nationalities have sold Iso Numero. Together, they have earned more than two million euros through magazine sales. Thousands of readers and customers have made this possible by buying the magazine.
As a social enterprise, we use our income to continue publishing Iso Numero, develop our activities and create opportunities for more people to earn money through selling the magazine.
How it works
Iso Numero sellers are independent sellers. They decide themselves when, where and how often they want to sell.
People from all backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to sell Iso Numero. You don’t need previous experience or Finnish language skills to get started.
New sellers receive guidance on how selling works, practical sales tips, a seller ID and a vest. They also receive a limited number of free magazines so they can try selling without having to make an initial investment.
After that, sellers can buy magazines from our office for €7.50 each and resell them directly to their customers.
The suggested retail price is €15, but sellers agree the final selling price directly with each customer. The difference between the purchase price and the selling price belongs to the seller.
There is no fixed schedule or minimum amount that anyone has to sell. Some people sell occasionally for extra income, while others sell regularly and build their own customer base.
Sellers choose their own sales locations. If they want, our team can share information about places where Iso Numero sellers have previously sold successfully and offer practical advice based on our experience.
Iso Numero sellers sell independently and are responsible for their own taxes and other personal obligations.
Part of an international street paper movement
Iso Numero is a member of the International Network of Street Papers (INSP), a global network of street papers and magazines that create opportunities for people to earn income through selling publications.
Through INSP, Iso Numero is connected with street papers around the world. Members share journalism, knowledge and experience while working towards a common goal: producing quality journalism and creating opportunities for people to earn an income through street paper sales.
Iso Numero has been part of the international street paper movement since its early years.
Governance
Iso Numero is published by Isot Tekijät ry, a Finnish non-profit association. The association is responsible for publishing the magazine, developing the Iso Numero model and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our activities.
Iso Numero operates as a social enterprise. Any surplus is used to develop our activities and advance the social purpose of the organization rather than being distributed to private owners.
Our goal is to combine independent journalism with a practical way for people to earn income on their own terms.
Iso Numero carries the Social Enterprise Finland label.
