Do you want to become a Roundsperson? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
Print Page
Bookmark or recommend this article:
Roundspeople deliver or sell all kinds of goods and services to customers at their homes or places of work. The work involves:
• driving around an area in a van or truck, or occasionally on a motorcycle
• carrying goods to the customers' doors and taking signatures for deliveries
• stopping in the street, often at the same place at the same time, to serve customers who come out to the van.
Hours can be long and require flexibility. Roundspeople on employee contracts can have early starts and late finishes. Self-employed roundspeople usually work five-and-a-half or six days a week. Overtime is common and part-time work may be available.
The job involves working outdoors in all weathers, and in some cases, climbing stairs carrying heavy objects.
Starting salaries range from around £10,500 to £12,000 a year. Experienced roundspeople can earn up £22,000 including overtime.
A roundsperson needs to be:
• confident when dealing with the public
• prepared to start work early and/or finish late
• self-sufficient when working alone
• able to organise their own work plan
• interested in working in the local community.
There is a steady demand for roundspeople throughout the UK. Possible employers include parcel distribution companies, wholesale distributors, manufacturing firms, government departments and dairies. In remote areas, roundspeople may also deliver many other services, such as library and banking services. The demand for home deliveries is increasing in rural areas, but declining in urban areas.
No academic qualifications are needed to become a roundsperson. Some companies set entry tests. Most companies prefer applicants over 21 years of age (sometimes over 25 years). A driving licence is essential. Some jobs require a C1 licence (for 7.5 tonne vans).
There is no maximum age limit for this type of work, but drivers must be fit enough to carry the loads. Previous driving or retail experience is useful.
Many roundspeople train on the job, starting off as van assistants and eventually driving on their own. They may receive specific training about the products they are selling. There are relevant NVQs/SVQs available.
Promotion to supervisory levels is possible within larger companies.
Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing 
