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Single-Copy Promotions Guide—U.S. Newspapers (Effective October 1, 2010)

Sale of Single Issues with Announcements

The sale of single issues of the newspaper with announcements for death, wedding, engagement, anniversary, or birth.

Qualification

In circumstances where newspapers are offered in conjunction with the sale of an announcement, the following is required: (See ABC’s Policy on Sales with Other Services).

  • The decision to purchase the copies of the newspaper must be separate and distinct from the purchase of the announcement.
  • The consumer must take affirmative action (opt-in) to order the newspapers.
  • An incremental cost for the copies must be charged to the consumer above the cost of the announcement.
  • The promotional material, invoice or receipt must itemize the charge for the newspaper copies separate from the cost of the announcement.

In other words, the newspaper copies may not be automatically included with the purchase of the announcement. The announcement must be available for sale without the inclusion of the newspapers. The cost of the announcement on its own must be less than the cost with the newspapers by a qualifying price for the newspapers.

Pricing

The selling price must be at least one cent per copy, net of considerations.

Promotional Material

All promotional material must:

  • Offer the consumer the choice to purchase newspapers.
  • State the selling price for the newspaper.
  • Reflect a qualifying price.
  • Exclude any reference to the copies as being free, no additional cost, bonus, or other synonymous language.

Example



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