THE PRICE OF SELLING MAGAZINES

Airport counter positions are in high demand

There's a high price to pay if you want your magazine in the eyes of potential buyers. 

Premium positions, such as at the counter in a busy international airport, can cost publishers as much as $1,000 per month or more - and when you consider the retailer and distributor will take up to 50 per cent commission plus the premium placement fee, a publisher really does have to sell a lot more copies 

Some retailers have a price list for various opportunities in their stores - ranging from around $200 for an end-of-aisle position upwards to the highly sought after counter placement. But even with that prominent position you still need to have an eye-catching cover and story to get the sale.
That said, a good working relationship with retailers and distributors sometimes means you get good placements for no cost. With a good cover and story, they'll give you a good placement as it's in their interests to sell more copies too.