How to Throw a Paper Route

There was a time when most paper routes were thrown by young boys ages 10 to 12 years old but now we see adults, both men and women. People who throw a paper route can earn some extra cash. Also, throwing a paper route allows a person to work a schedule that gives them more time to spend at home during the day.

Instructions

1. Contact a local newspaper and talk to someone that can give you a route. Choose a route by area or size.

2. Set up a start date with the newspaper. Ride along with the route manager for a few days to get a feel of the route. You will get cue cards with addresses and turn-by-turn directions for your route.

3. Follow the cue cards as they are written at first. Then you can make adjustments in the route to make shortcuts as you get to know the streets.

4. Watch the cards to see which customers want you to throw their paper on the porch or if it doesn't matter.

5. Buy enough laundry baskets for the folded newspapers you have for your route. These baskets will stack nicely in your car, placing one in the passenger's seat. As they empty, switch it out with a full basket until you are done.

6. Fold the papers spine side first using a tri-fold technique for weekday papers and a bi-fold for Sunday papers. Waxing is a term used for the plastic bag the paper goes into. Double-waxing is done when the weather is wet and rainy.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing the plastic strips from the papers is easy when you pull from the bottom first.

• Always have hand cleaner on hand. After folding the papers, your hands will be black.

• Know which gas stations are open between the hours of 12 midnight and 6 a.m., in case you need gas, coffee or donuts. All these things are very important to the paper route professional.

• Paper routes are hard on your vehicle's brakes. Be sure to check them often for wear and if they need to be replaced.