Frequently Asked Questions

Can you distribute my free publication?

Is it necessary to have a budget for retail promotions for my new magazine?

What fee does COMAG take for distributing my magazine?

Does COMAG deliver direct to retailers?

What happens to the copies that aren’t sold?

How far in advance of my planned launch date should I contact COMAG about distribution?

How long does it take to get my magazine on sale?

Can COMAG help me arrange my advertising?

I want to launch my magazine just in one region of the UK. Is this something COMAG can help me with?

Where can I find Just Ask! artwork?

Can you distribute my free publication?

No, COMAG only distributes paid-for titles through the newstrade. If you have a free publication, there are specific companies who can help with your distribution. To find out more, in the first instance we would suggest you contact the PPA.

Is it necessary to have a budget for retail promotions for my new magazine?

Yes, this is absolutely essential for any new launch. The promotions are booked by COMAG on your behalf and the cost of the promotions booked for a new launch is usually payable in advance.

What fee does COMAG take for distributing my magazine?

We do not work to a fee. Publishers are paid a percentage of the cover price of copies sold (a remit), depending on the estimated retail sales value of the magazine. Factors affecting the remit include:
• Potential copy sales
• Cover Price
• Frequency
In addition, you need to budget for the cost of carriage to deliver copies to supplying wholesalers (you would usually get the cost of delivery from printer to your distributor's delivery points quoted as part of your print deal). If you have a new launch you would like to discuss with us, we will talk you through the carriage costs in more detail.

Where does COMAG distribute?

COMAG distributes magazines worldwide.

Does COMAG deliver direct to retailers?

No, COMAG uses a network of wholesalers who then deliver to retailers in their area.

What happens to the copies that aren’t sold?

The retailer returns the unsold copies (returns) to their supplying wholesaler. The copies are then scanned as returns and securely destroyed. Unsold copies are not returned to the publisher.

How far in advance of my planned launch date should I contact COMAG about distribution?

The easy answer is as early as possible! Ideally before you have produced a dummy issue, so that we can advise on changes. From the point we decide to work together, it usually takes about 4 months to complete the necessary activities prior to launch. Obviously there are instances when we can work to a tighter timescale, but 4 months or more is ideal.

How long does it take to get my magazine on sale?

If we receive copies at our distribution centre, COMAG Forward, on a Monday by 5pm, a monthly magazine will be on sale on the Thursday the same week.
If your magazine is time-sensitive (this would usually only apply to magazines published on a weekly basis), then different timings and services would apply and this is something we would discuss with you in more detail.

Can COMAG help me arrange my advertising?

No. This is something you need to arrange yourself, although we’re happy to talk through options you’re considering.

I want to launch my magazine just in one region of the UK. Is this something COMAG can help me with?

It depends on the likely sales within the region, but your best option in the first instance is probably to talk to your local supplying wholesaler about supplying relevant local retailers.

What is Just Ask! all about?

The ‘Just Ask!’ initiative was designed to increase the number of readers placing orders for magazines from their local newsagents, by promoting to potential readers that newsagents can order any magazine of their choice.
Launched as a COMAG initiative in February 2004, ownership of ‘Just Ask!’ has now passed over to the PPA (Periodical Publishers Association) to maximise its usage amongst publishers and increase exposure within the newstrade.
More and more publishers are incorporating the logo and a shop save order form within their magazines. The support of the industry helped ‘Just Ask!’ to win the 2006 ACE Press Award for Outstanding Circulation Innovation, but its future success relies heavily on continued support from publishers by promoting to readers in each and every issue.
COMAG remains a highly active supporter of ‘Just Ask!’ which has gained support from all areas within the newstrade.

Where can I find Just Ask! artwork?

‘Just Ask!’ artwork can be downloaded from the PPA website www.ppa.co.uk or received by contacting:
Kate McElroy
020 7400 7529
kate.mcelroy@ppa.co.uk