Rules & ResourcesNewspaper Support Center
Business/Traveler Circulation Guide—U.S. Newspapers (Effective October 1, 2010)
Hotel Copies - Guest Refund Based
Definition
Guest-refund based hotel copies represent newspapers included with the guest’s room charge, and where a refund is offered if the guest wishes to decline the newspaper.
Qualification Requirements
In order to qualify these copies for inclusion in the business/traveler paid circulation category, the program must be executed in accordance with the following guidelines:
- The hotel guest must receive notification at check-in that a newspaper is included with the room charge and may be declined for a refund or credit.
- This notification must occur on either the registration form, the key cardholder, or a sticker affixed to the top of each day's newspaper.
- Examples are available on ABC’s website.
- A sign, poster or tent card at the front desk or in the room isn't sufficient notification.
- The notification must inform the guest how to decline the newspaper and state the amount of the refund or credit if it is declined.
- The guest refund instructions must be clear and simple.
- The refund amount must be at least one cent, net of all considerations.
- The newspaper must be delivered to the guest’s room.
- The delivered newspaper must be the current issue.
- Copies declined and refunded are considered returns and must be excluded from paid circulation.
Electronic editions served to hotels are not eligible for inclusion on ABC documents.
