I disagree. I think there is some commonality with between parcel delivery and paper delivery.

The paper boy flourished when 9 out of 10 houses on the block got papers.

I'm not sure why a similar method wasn't used for mail. Security concerns? But, those could be overcome, especially today with better tracking methods.

But, the model dies when say 1 out of 10 get the newspapers.

Perhaps there is also a shift away from newspaper companies supporting the kids, and neighbors supporting them. Drivers doing the job for years, and consolidating routes.