The Backroads Newspaper Dealership

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Although most of the folks we deliver to are stable and reliable farmers, we have lost some money to people who live on small plots of land and work in town. We've learned to ask these families for payment in advance and you might be wise to do the same. Nothing leaves a bad taste in your mouth like the guy who moves out in the middle of the month without settling his bill.

And finally in the area of management, we think that—unless you're really up on the tax laws—it's a good idea to have an accountant figure out your tax return. If he's anything like ours, he'll more than earn his fee by helping you calculate the several breaks that you can realize on this business. (Such as—in addition to the obvious deductions for all your automotive route expenses—the percentage allowance you can deduct for telephone, heat, lights, and space in your home for an office.) Even if your "office" is only a corner of the kitchen, you're entitled to the deduction . . . you should take it . . . and your accountant can tell you how to do it.

IN CLOSING . . .

We don't claim that our little business is for everyone (getting up at 3:30 a.m. and returning at 6:30 just isn't in some folks' constitutions). Nevertheless, we like it. Wanda and I take turns running the route which means that, every other day, we can sleep late if we like. And even on the days when we do have to "work", we still have from 6:30 on to do chores around the farm, play with the children, or tinker with our own projects.

In short, if you have a hard time getting up early, hate being out on cold mornings, or sometimes nod at the wheel . . . either forget about delivering newspapers entirely or get yourself an afternoon route. But if you can get up before dawn, you find brisk mornings invigorating, and you think that delivering newspapers is more fun than work . . . then you might want to try our particular alternative to that 8-to-5 job in town!

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