I was just heading back to work after lunch, ambling along Division St, when I was offered a Big Issue by a vendor outside the Volunteer Shop... I acknowledged the vendor and said "no thank you" (I always at least acknowledge them)... he then said could he ask me a really cheeky favour- I figured it might be for a cigarette, as I was enjoying my post-lunch digestif- no, he asked me if I had any change! He said something about the office was about to shut and he had to go buy some more Issues before it closed.

Just wondered, are Big Issue vendors allowed to ask for change when they are "on duty"? Because to me, it seemed to be defeating the object of offering me a Big Issue?

You can read The Big Issue vendors Code of Conduct here:

http://www.bigissue.com/selling.html

It clearly says NO BEGGING and NO HARASSMENT.

If his behaviour disturbed you, you should get his number and contact the Sales Team via the numbers or e-mail address on the same web page.

it didn't disturb me as such, it's just as I walked off I thought about it and it seemed like the kind of thing they wouldn't be allowed to do. I wouldn't want him to lose his badge, he did seem like a nice chap, but I do think just asking me for change after I'd politely declined a big issue was pretty cheeky. I guess I'll revert to my "I don't have any change" line in future, instead of the more truthful "no thank you".

I've bought the Big Issue on a few occaisions or just simply passed over a pound and declined the magazine though I have been put off doing anything at all by one or two of the sellers who have passed comment if I have walked by saying no thanks.

I wouldn't report them I don't think, it wasn't overly nasty but I'm afraid some of them do make you feel like dirt should you not wish to buy it. There was/is a guy on the moor outside Sainsbury's who makes a sarcastic "and you have a good evening too" or such like remark which has made me want to avoid that side of the street as its been more than one occaision where he's done it. :mad:

I'm sure they're not allowed to beg. I was once approached by a couple selling the magazines though I'm sure the girl was not an official seller (this was before the bibs etc came about) She went on to ask for money for a cup of tea. I did give her about 50p at the time though knew I maybe shouldn't have :confused: