Advice on Advertising in Sponsored Publications

There are many legitimate and reputable businesses selling advertising in sponsored publications. Unfortunately, there are also those less scrupulous, willing to take advantage of businesses wishing to support a ‘good cause’. The following is a 10-point checklist for you to check callers’ authenticity (though if the caller is still on the line after question number 4, they’re probably genuine!).

If you are approached to subscribe to sponsored crime prevention or associated publications, make sure you:

1. Ask for the full name of the person authorising the publication, their position in the organisation or in what capacity they act e.g. if it is stated that Lancashire Constabulary gives authority, ask if there is a ‘letter of authority’. If there is a letter of authority, ask to see a copy before committing yourself to the venture.

2. Ask for full details of the publishing firm:
· If the firm operates as a ‘Sole Trader’ ask for the name of the proprietor,
· If a partnership, the names of the partners,
· If a limited company, the registered name, address and registered number of the company and the name and position of the person contracting on behalf of the company.

3. Check out the exact form of the publication in respect of size, materials, colour, number of pages.

4. Is the publication an event programme? If so, ask for the name, date and venue of the event.

5. Check out the number of pages of advertising to appear in the publication and the number of pages of editorial.

6. Ask who will be providing editorial material.

7. Check out how many copies of the publication the firm is authorised to produce.

8. Ask for the date when the publication will be completed and distributed and how, where and who will distribute the publication.

9. Ask what proportion of the advertising revenue will pass to the authoriser.

10. Ask if there is a ‘cooling off’ period after receipt of the invoice. Is there any provision for cancellation if you change your mind?

If you would like further information or clarification of any of the above points please feel free to contact the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime team.