Returns System FAQs - Consumer Magazines
Submitting Consumer Magazine data to us can sometimes be daunting, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you.
Below are some of the most frequent questions we're asked with guidance.
What numbers do I fill into my return?
We recommend you work out your circulation figures before looking at the return. You’ll need to create an ‘issue by issue’ worksheet of your own design before you start. Once you have that sheet showing issue by issue figures split by category, totals and averages, filling in the return is easy.
We recommend you have separate worksheets for ‘Print’ and ‘Digital (depending on what you are claiming).
What tabs do I fill in first?
The return has been designed to work from the left to right but you may go back and forth in any order you like once the initial setup is complete.
I'm claiming a category for the first time - I can't see where to include them in the return?
The Setup your Return page lists the categories that you can claim. If you have completed a return before it will be preselected with what you did last period. You can add and remove new categories on this page. They changes will then be reflected on the rest of the return pages.
We recommend you have separate worksheets for ‘Print’ and ‘Digital (depending on what you are claiming).
Can I leave the return and come back later?
Yes, you don’t need to fill it in all at once. Just remember to press ‘Save’ before you leave to save data you've entered. You’ll be able to leave the return and come back another time.
I want to see the data from the last reporting period’s return.
In the ‘Returns Navigator’, the menu on the left under ‘Select Status’. There is a box - ‘Released’. Check that box and you’ll be able to choose which previous returns to view.
My return doesn’t add up – I can’t work out why. Please help!
We are always here for help. There is a ‘Summary Data’ tab on the return which is a ‘view only’ page to help you identify problems with the data you’ve entered into the return.
If you’d like more specific advice please contact us.
I’m estimating retail sales for unclosed issues this period. Am I doing it right?
If you are filling out your return and have issues which are still unclosed through retail, you need to make an estimate for those copies in your figures. Include the estimates on your worksheet and make a note of which issues are estimated.
There is no absolute formula for estimating the figures, but we recommend it is as accurate as possible based on historical information. You’ll tell us the ‘actual’ figures for those estimates and reconcile them on the next reporting period’s return.
It’s taking ages for me to enter all the data by hand. Can I upload instead?
Yes, you can. Most tables in the return have a function to download an excel sheet. You then fill the sheet in and upload the excel data straight into the return. We have a handy guide to the Table Upload feature.
I’ve submitted the return but I’ve spotted a mistake. What do I do?
Don’t Panic! You’ll be emailed a draft certificate. If you spot an error, please contact us and we can ‘open’ your return so you can amend and re-submit.
Please check your certificates carefully and promptly, as there is only a short time window for this to be completed.
I still need help
Check out our knowledgebase that contains lots of tips and guidance.
Alternatively, we're always available to offer advice, so please contact either your Account Manager or, our operations team on
