How to Make Money from the Wicked Phenomenon: From Parties to Theatre Deals and Beyond

Wicked isn’t just a musical or a movie — it’s a global cultural phenomenon with a loyal fan base that stretches across generations. Now, with the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good Part Two film release coming November 21, 2025, plus sing-along cinema events touring UK cities like Cardiff and Guildford, the excitement around Wicked has reached new heights. This surge creates fresh opportunities for fans and entrepreneurs to profit from the craze.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down:

How to make money with Wicked-inspired events and costume ideas
The impact of the Wicked films on theatre ticket sales (and how you can benefit)
Where to find free or cheap tickets for Wicked shows and screenings
How to sell Wicked merch in the UK (and what’s in demand)
How to join in on the cultural wave through side hustles and fan experiences
How vintage Wicked and Oz merchandise has increased in value since the first film
Tips on capitalising on trending Wicked topics in 2025, including sing-along events and merchandise spikes

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for Wicked into cash — or just want to experience its magic on a budget — this article will help you defy gravity and make the most of one of the biggest musical franchises of our time.

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Making Money with Wicked-Inspired Events and Costumes

Host themed parties around new film releases and sing-along events
The upcoming Wicked: For Good movie release on November 21, 2025, and the ongoing Sing-Along Cinema tour across UK cities (including Cardiff and Guildford) have created perfect timing for Wicked-themed parties or community events. Hosting sing-along nights or costume contests tied to these events can drive strong attendance and revenue.

Sell costumes and merchandise with trending film tie-ins
With the movie starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande back as Elphaba and Glinda, fans are looking for merchandise that reflects the new film’s style. This includes Elphaba’s signature green face paint and Glinda-inspired crowns, which are trending on UK platforms like Etsy and Depop.

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Selling Your Wicked Merchandise in the UK — A Green Opportunity

Thanks to the box office success of the first Wicked film — which became the UK’s highest-grossing musical adaptation in 2024 — demand for themed merchandise has skyrocketed. Searches for items like “Wicked Elphaba costume UK,” “Glinda crown,” and “Defying Gravity merch” have spiked, especially near theatrical hubs such as London and Manchester.

What’s hot in 2025 UK Wicked merch?

• Green face paint and Elphaba hats, particularly for Halloween and sing-along events

• Handmade Glinda crowns and pink, sparkly wands

• Collectible Oz-themed jewellery and decor inspired by the film’s updated aesthetics

• Limited edition soundtrack vinyl and film posters

Selling these on Etsy UK, Depop, eBay UK, or Facebook Marketplace can be a lucrative side hustle. Just remember to keep your designs “inspired by” the characters to avoid copyright issues.

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The Rise in Value of Vintage Wicked and Oz Merchandise

Since the launch of the first Wicked film in 2024, there has been a noticeable surge in demand and prices for vintage Wicked and Oz-themed collectibles and merchandise — especially in the UK market. Fans and collectors alike are hunting for original theatre programmes, early Oz memorabilia, and rare Wicked items linked to the stage production and early film hype.

Specific Examples of Increasing Value:

1. West End Wicked Official Programme (2006 Original Printing)

   • Pre-2024 value: £10–£20

   • Current 2025 value: £60–£120

   • Where sold: eBay UK, Theatre memorabilia auction sites

   • Details: First edition programmes from the original London West End production are highly sought after, especially in very good condition.

2. Limited Edition Wicked West End Cast Posters (Signed)

   • Pre-2024 value: £30–£50

   • Current 2025 value: £150–£250+ depending on signatures

   • Where sold: eBay UK, theatre auction houses

   • Details: Posters signed by original cast members like Kerry Ellis have surged in demand post-film success.

3. Oz The Wizard of Oz 1939 Collectible Enamel Pins

   • Pre-2024 value: £10–£15

   • Current 2025 value: £25–£40

   • Where sold: Etsy UK, eBay UK

   • Details: Vintage pins featuring Dorothy and Emerald City now sell for double or more.

4. Wicked Original Soundtrack Vinyl (2003 UK Pressing)

   • Pre-2024 value: £20–£40

   • Current 2025 value: £60–£100

   • Where sold: Discogs UK, eBay UK

   • Details: Original cast recording vinyl is highly prized by fans and collectors.

5. Promotional Movie Posters from the 2024 Wicked Film

   • Current 2025 value: £50–£150 (limited edition prints)

   • Where sold: Official movie stores, eBay UK

   • Details: Limited prints from the first film are appreciating quickly due to limited runs.

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Wicked on Film vs Theatre: How the Movies Changed Everything

The 2024 Wicked film set new records as the highest-grossing musical movie in the UK, earning £59.6 million and surpassing classics like Mamma Mia!. This blockbuster success fueled ticket demand for the West End production, where theatre lotteries, student discounts, and group rates have become more competitive.

With Part Two of the film set to release this November, audiences are eager to revisit both the cinema and the theatre stage. This synergy means savvy fans can leverage the hype for discounts or start Wicked-related businesses around the buzz.

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How to Get Cheap or Free Wicked Tickets in the UK

With demand surging thanks to film and theatre buzz, tickets can sell fast and at a premium. However, here are your top ways to snag bargains:

• Digital lotteries and rush tickets — check TodayTix and official theatre sites daily

• Student discounts and group bookings — ideal for younger audiences and friends/family groups

• Attend weekday or matinee performances — typically cheaper and less crowded

• Participate in Sing-Along Cinema events — some offer free or discounted ticket bundles with giveaways

• Monitor resale platforms like Twickets and TicketSwap — for last-minute face-value deals

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Upcoming Wicked Events and Opportunities to Watch

• July 2025: Wicked Sing-Along Cinema tour visits UK cities including Cardiff, Dudley, and Guildford

• November 21, 2025: Wicked: For Good Part Two film premiere, with new merch and event tie-ins

• Holiday seasons: Increased demand for Wicked costumes and party hosting — perfect for selling or offering themed experiences

Keep an eye on our cheap cinema tickets here to go to the cinema for less money. 

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Conclusion

With Wicked dominating both film and theatre in the UK during 2025, there’s never been a better time to get involved — whether through themed events, merchandise sales, or savvy ticket hunting. By tapping into the latest trends, including the For Good sequel release and sing-along cinema events, you can ride the wave of this cultural phenomenon and create memorable, profitable experiences.

The post How to Make Money from the Wicked Phenomenon: From Parties to Theatre Deals and Beyond appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

The Invisible Downturn: MoneyMagpie Editor Spotlights Why White‑Collar Jobs Are Under Threat

Imagine being a well‑qualified, white‑shirted professional, having done everything by the book aiming for stability and often with large student debts – but your role feels disposable. That is the unsettling reality now facing many in finance, the media, consulting, tech, and corporate functions. While the headlines still celebrate “low unemployment” and “resilient labour markets,” the front lines tell a different story: hiring freezes, ghost postings, elongated job hunts, and shrinking bonus pools in the so-called safe zones of white‑collar work.

Vicky Parry, editor at MoneyMagpie, has been observing this trend closely. “It’s no longer just speculation,” she says. “Several of my friends have faced redundancy, and in my own team we’ve seen huge shifts in our daily tasks and expectations thanks to AI. It’s a wake‑up call that the traditional notion of ‘safe’ office work is changing fast.”

Welcome to the white‑collar recession — subtler, stealthier, but potentially more disruptive for the professional class than a traditional downturn. In this article, we’ll explain what it is, how to spot it, why it’s happening, and what it could mean for you and your career.

What Is a “White‑Collar Recession”?

Although it’s not a formal economic term, “white‑collar recession” captures a situation in which salaried, office‑based professionals in mid to high skill jobs face disproportionate disruption — even when the broader economy seems stable.

Characteristics include:

• Roles in professional services, back‑office or support functions being cut or frozen.

• Postings for mid‑career salaried jobs stagnating or vanishing.

• Bonus pools being squeezed, promotions being delayed.

• Firms investing in automation/AI for what used to be human work.

• Professionals feeling less secure than they expected.

Some UK commentators caution this may be more media framing than full‑blown recession. But the signals in the corporate world are meaningful.

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How to Spot the Cracks (UK‑Specific Early Warnings)

Here are some signs to watch out for in the UK job market:

Signal	What it looks like	Why it matters
Vacancies for professional roles shrinking	Job boards show fewer mid‑career corporate roles being advertised	Indicates firms are pausing or cutting head‑count in salaried professional functions
Junior/entry‑level roles disappearing	Graduate schemes, internships or junior analytic roles being scaled back	Fewer newcomers means less future pipeline and suggests structural shift
Bonus or merit increase cuts	Firms publicly citing cuts to variable pay in corporate and professional services	Even those still employed may feel the squeeze
Tasks & role definitions changing	Professionals being asked to work alongside AI tools or take on different tasks than recruited for	Signals disruption in how work is done
Fewer promotions, slower career progression	Mid‑career professionals staying longer in same role, fewer internal moves	Reflects flattening of organisational structures
Increased competition for fewer roles	More candidates chasing each salary‑band role, longer job searches	Less demand in middle‑skill professional jobs

For example, a recent BBC‑reported poll found that around 51% of UK adults were worried about AI taking or changing their job. The Standard

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Why It’s Happening (UK Focused)

There are multiple forces at work in the UK causing strain on white‑collar roles. Here are the key ones:

1. Over‑hiring & post‑COVID correction
During and after the pandemic many firms expanded professional functions (data, analytics, support) expecting growth to continue. As growth cooled, the excess roles are being pared back.

2. Macro pressures, cost‑cutting & weak growth
With inflation, higher interest rates and tighter margins, UK businesses are more cautious on hiring, bonuses and professional salary growth.

3. Organisational flattening & “leaner” firms
Some companies are removing layers of management, merging professional functions, or outsourcing tasks that were previously internal — all of which hit white‑collar roles disproportionately.

4. AI & automation: the big disruptor
This is perhaps the most significant driver:

• A report by PwC found that, in the UK, jobs requiring AI skills are growing 3.6 times faster than all jobs. PwC+1

• But at the same time, job openings in occupations more exposed to AI have grown more slowly — between 2019‑24 the cumulative growth in vacancies for AI‑exposed occupations was 12% compared with 50% for less exposed. PwC

• A report from the Tony Blair Institute estimated that AI could eventually displace between 1 million and 3 million UK jobs, although many may be offset by new roles. euronews+1

• Research also shows that white‑collar jobs are more vulnerable to generative AI than many blue‑collar jobs. For example, roles like medical secretaries, book‑keepers, payroll clerks show higher exposure. EuropaWire

5. Skill‑polarisation & middle‑tier squeezing
As routine professional tasks get automated, the “middle” of the salary spectrum (mid‑career professionals doing standard tasks) becomes vulnerable. The growth is increasingly at high skill (AI, strategy, oversight) or lower skill service/tech roles.

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Historical & UK‑Specific Echoes

While there’s no perfect UK precedent for a “white‑collar recession”, there are useful earlier examples:

• Automation in the 2000s and offshoring in the UK shifted many finance, accounting, admin and back‑office tasks overseas or into software.

• The UK’s labour market in recent years has faced structural change – for example, job postings for entry‑level roles in the UK have reportedly fallen sharply since the launch of ChatGPT in Nov 2022, especially in graduate/early‑career roles. The Times

• The November 2023 UK Government report “The impact of AI on UK jobs and training” (Department for Education) also flagged how AI exposure varies by occupation, how skills routes matter, and the regional differences in impact. GOV.UK

In other words: we’re seeing early versions of disruption now, which could scale further.

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Long‑Term Implications

For professionals

• The idea of a “safe” white‑collar job may weaken — even highly qualified professionals may find insecurity.

• Earnings growth may flatten or decline for roles that become automatable.

• Entry‑level and junior professionals may face fewer opportunities, meaning slower career progression.

• The need for continuous upskilling, especially in AI‑adjacent, hybrid roles, may become non‑optional.

• Psychological & identity impacts: if your profession is your identity, disruption can be unsettling.

For organisations

• Companies may shift more resources into front‑line, revenue generating, AI‑complemented roles and outsource or automate standard professional functions.

• Professional services firms may see hollowing out of standard mid‑tier roles.

• Investment in human capital will increasingly favour those with AI skills or oversight capabilities.

For the UK economy & society

• If a large segment of professional workers get stuck, incomes could stagnate, drag consumption, slow growth.

• Regional inequalities might deepen — advanced services clusters (e.g. London, South‑East) may capture growth while other regions lag.

• Labour market inefficiencies could rise (skills mismatches, under‑employment).

• Political and policy pressures: demands for reskilling, income protection, new working models may intensify.

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What You Should Do (If You’re in a White‑Collar Role in the UK)

1. Get comfortable with “human + AI” workflows
   Learn how to work alongside AI tools, not just compete. Being able to orchestrate, supervise or enhance AI means you stay relevant.

2. Deepen domain expertise and specialise
   The more niche, judgment‑heavy or context‑rich your role, the harder it is to automate. Move away from purely routine tasks.

3. Adopt lifelong learning and skill‑based mindset
   Degrees alone may not suffice — the UK labour market shows increasing emphasis on skills over formal qualifications. LSE Blogs
   Keep updating your skill‑set: data, AI literacy, strategic thinking, ethical governance.

4. Build resilience: diversify income & network
   Freelancing, side‑consulting, building your personal brand helps give buffer against disruption. Networking becomes even more important in tighter markets.

5. Prepare for role transition or evolution
   If your current role is heavily exposed to AI or disruption, think ahead: What adjacent roles could you shift into? Could you become the AI‑supervisor rather than the worker being replaced?

6. Stay aware of the signals
   Monitor job postings in your field, talk to your HR or talent function about skills strategy, watch bonus/raise trends. If your role’s tasks seem increasingly routine or AI‑amenable, it may be time to pivot.

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Final Thoughts & Caveats

While the term “white‑collar recession” is a framing device, not a formal economic category, the trends in the UK are real and warrant serious attention. Crucially:

• The impact will vary by sector, region (e.g. London vs other UK regions) and profession.

• Some counter‑forces remain: AI may create new roles, augment human work rather than purely replace.

• Timing matters: disruption may occur gradually, giving time for adaptation.

• Policy responses (skills strategy, regional investment, job‑transition support) will shape outcomes significantly.

The post The Invisible Downturn: MoneyMagpie Editor Spotlights Why White‑Collar Jobs Are Under Threat appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Asda’s ‘Winter Warmer’ £1 Meal For Over 60s Is Back!

Asda has brought back it’s popular cafe ‘winter warmer’ £1 meal deal to support the over 60s this winter, as they continue to face increased financial pressures during the cost-living crisis.

From 1st November until the end of February, Asda are offering people aged 60 and over the chance to enjoy soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1 in any of Asda’s 212 cafes. The retailer first launched Winter Warmers in November 2022 for two months in a bid to support older customers who were disproportionately affected by the spiralling living costs, with 65-to-74-year-olds experiencing a £163 year-on-year drop in disposable income in August 2022.

The offer is available all day, every day and will run alongside the Kids eat for £1’ offer which continues to be hugely popular, with more than 2.6 million meals served since its launch in June 2022, and half a million meals in 2024 alone.

The latest figures from Asda’s Christmas Community Tracker revealed that loneliness and isolation affected millions of older people, particularly at this time of year. One in ten people reported they weren’t sure if they would speak to anyone between December 15th and January 1st, and they also revealed they would go to a supermarket simply to speak to another person.

Jordan Cummings – Buying Manager, Cafes and Concessions at Asda said: “We know winter is set to be incredibly hard for thousands of pensioners as they continue to worry about how to keep themselves warm in the face of rising living costs and on a fixed income.

“Last year alone we sold over half a million meals showing the vital need for this initiative. By bringing Winter Warmers back this November, we hope it will continue to be just as impactful across the winter months for those who need it most, as well as offering a relaxed social environment to come and chat to others.”

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Ten ways to make money, while on the toilet!

Yes, you read that headline correctly, you actually can make money on the toilet. Or anywhere else that you may spend a significant amount of time sat around!

If you’re the sort of person who likes to take some reading material into the bathroom with you, then why not try to make money on the toilet instead?

Here are 10 things you can try:

1. Do an online survey – or three
2. Check Pick My Postcode for a chance to win money every day
3. Slogan competitions
4. Save money by switching your gas and electricity
5. Earn while you surf
6. Save money by switching your car insurance
7. Save money by your home insurance
8. Come up with a killer business idea
9. Come up with a new TV game show format
10. Sell your toilet roll tubes
11. Play Games

 

Do an online survey – or three

Online surveys are a quick and easy way to make money on the toilet. They can be quick or long, depending on which one you do.

We like Inbox Pounds. It’s easy to sign up simple to use wherever you are. Including the bathroom.

In fact they give you £1 just for signing up, so you’ll be making money even If it’s a very quick visit.

Take a look at our article on how to make money with online surveys to see even more survey sites that will can be used to make money on the toilet!

 

Check Pick My Postcode for a chance to win money every day

Now this really is a quick and easy one.

Check Pick My Postcode (formerly Free Postcode Lottery) for an opportunity to win money every day. On some days they have over two thousand pounds to give away if it’s been a roll-over.

All you need to do is sign up with your email address and postcode. Then you check the site each day to see if your postcode is the winning one. It’s that easy. Read our article about it here.

They also have other ways to win such as an Emoji Lottery and a Video Lottery. So if you happen to be someone who takes a little while on the toilet, then this may be worth a try.

Check it out and sign up for free here.

 

Come up with slogans for competitions

We love competitions at MoneyMagpie. In fact, we often tell you about upcoming contests in our newsletter (sign up here to get them sent to your inbox).

As you can see in our article on how to get money and freebies through competitions, some companies run slogan competitions, here you have to come up with a clever little phrase about their product to win the prize.

Save money switching gas and electricity

If you’re reading this on your smartphone right now, you could be saving yourself a tidy sum just by switching your gas and electricity provider. You don’t even need your bills to see how much you could save. Just put your postcode into the box here and see which companies are offering you a cheaper deal.

It’s likely that it will be one of the smaller suppliers. They are doing their best to get into the market and compete with the larger providers who dominating it.

Check it out now and make some money!

 

Earn while you surf

You could win up to £250 a month just for surfing the net with sites like Neilsen.

They have been known to give up to £30,000 away every year. Swagbucks, Toluna, Slice, and Microsoft Rewards (formerly Bing rewards, for using Bing instead of Google) are all similar companies that pay for your internet activity.

 Save money switching your car insurance

Again, while you have your mobile phone on you consider switching your car insurance. Your car insurance premium may have gone up since you last checked, but you can save yourself money by switching to a cheaper deal than you have now.

Take this time do explore the different options that are available.

Switch to a better car insurance deal here.

 Save money switching your home insurance

You could be saving hundreds of pounds every year by switching your home insurance. But you could also be making cash too, if you use a comparison site with cashback incentives.

Do it here. Switch to a better home insurance deal.

 

Come up with a killer business idea

Is visiting the loo the only time you get some peace and quiet and time to think? It is for some people, if so then spend a bit of extra time to ponder a killer business idea.

You probably already have one rattling around your mind. Use this time to work out how to do it, what you will need to start and how to make a profit.

We have plenty of ideas for you, as well as lots of help and advice to hey you started here on our small business section. For example, take a look at this article with twenty tips for setting up your own business.

 

Come up with a new TV game show format

Feeling creative? Being on the toilet can be a good time to come up with story ideas for a novel or other creative pursuit.

But have you ever considered creating a TV game show idea?

Game shows can be hugely lucrative if you can come up with an original concept it right. People make hundreds of thousands from a successful idea they came up with which was then sold to production companies all over the world.

See our article here on how to come up with a winning TV game show format.

Sell your toilet roll tubes

It’s possible to sell the cardboard insides of your toilet rolls on eBay. There really are people who need them for craft projects and will buy them off you. Sell them for about £7 per 50. If you have a family you will probably get through a lot and will be able to gather 50 rather quickly.

It’s not a major income by any means, but it’s simple enough to do.

Play Games

For all the gamers, help to improve game development by getting paid for testing games. Find out how here.

Sign Up – Newsletter

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How to Make Money Flipping Thrift Items

If you’re looking to increase your cash but you enjoy shopping a little too much, we might just have the perfect solution for you: flipping thrift items.

We appreciate that flea markets and charity shops are not exactly as glamorous as London’s Oxford Street, yet the shopping experience can be even more rewarding when you find the perfect pieces. All it takes is an eye for good brands and a little entrepreneurial flair and you can make some great profit on the resale value of each item.

Before You Start	Books	Old Tech
Collectible Items	Sports Equipment	Furniture
Designer Brands	Cookware	How to Flip Thrift Items

Before You Start Flipping Thrift Items

Before you start buying thrift products there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, check on websites like eBay to see what value a similar item sells in that condition. This way you can decide whether it’s worthwhile buying it in the first place. Check where you can sell it, too: you might be able to make more cash going to a second-hand dealer like CEX instead of trying to sell privately or on marketplaces.

Secondly, check for irremovable marks or sensitive materials that require dry cleaning; this will only use up more of your profits. Finally, work out any additional expenses of that product including shipping fees and what platforms to use for reselling it. Remember to decide if you want to ship internationally – tariffs like those imposed by Trump in the United States could impact whether someone will buy an item or pay for it to pass customs.

One of the most difficult parts of flipping thrift items is finding the right items that have a strong demand. To help you out with this, we’ve created a short list with some of the most profitable thrift pieces:

Collectable items

Be it an old branded toy that is no longer manufactured or a limited-edition comic book, there will always be a market for collectible items.

In some cases, passionate collectors are willing to pay large amounts of money for a special item. Other collectables to look out for include rare vinyl records, like Beatle’s 1968 White Album or vintage board games. It doesn’t have to be very old, either – think of limited edition themed Monopoly games, for example. The rarer an item is, the more valuable. As long as you do your homework on some of these categories, you might be able to make some big bucks

Designer Brands

Although not always an easy find, designer items are most likely to sell quickly and for good profits, particularly if found in pristine conditions.

When it comes to aspirational lifestyles, there is a huge demand for pre-owned items that show a certain status or belonging to a group. So, if you find any type of designer bag or attire that has a decent condition or can be improved, it will most likely be worth purchasing.

High-end designer bags such as Chanel, Hermes or Dior might be difficult to find, but be on the lookout also for mid-range designer items, such as Kate Spade or Kurt Geiger.

You can also get some great steals on current or last-season designer brands from outlets like The Outnet. If you can store them safely for a few years, these could appreciate in value. Something immediately ‘last season’ drops in price – but then demand can rise again over time.

Books

When it comes to books, other than the collectable first editions, there are two main types that it’s worth keeping an eye out for – popular book sets and university textbooks. The Harry Potter, Hunger Games or Lord of the Rings book sets sell on eBay for around £50 depending on the condition. Also try to find a bargain price on one of the classic and timeless book sets, like Little House on the Prairie, they can be a great investment.

Although most university textbooks update their editions each year, most changes are only minor, while the structure and main content stay the same. While lecturers use the latest editions, they often encourage students to buy the older versions due to their smaller prices and almost identical content. However, even second-hand textbooks can sell for £30 a piece depending on the edition.

Sports Equipment

When people take up a sport, it often feels like breaking the bank. Most professional sports equipment is quite expensive. For example, a new pair of Latin dance shoes for women sells for over £100 in stores!

As long as the item is in good condition and can be re-used, you may find a lot of eager buyers for pre-loved sports equipment. You can even sell it in sets – a football, trainers, and uniform for example – ideal for new sports enthusiasts. These can be great items to sell, just make sure that the shoes and clothes don’t have unpleasant smells that cannot be removed from a wash.

Remember that safety kit such as helmets should not be bought or sold second-hand, even if they look alright on the outside. This is because they could have been in an accident or dropped, causing internal or micro damage to the item.

Cookware

Many charity shops sell cooking equipment. Have a good rummage and do your research – you’ll find things like iron pans, Pyrex, Le Cruset or even a rare vintage pottery find will fetch a pretty penny!

Cast iron cookware, for example, can be bought from thrift shops for a fiver and sold on websites like eBay for £20-£30. Vintage retro designs are increasingly popular, too – and often end up in charity shop piles.

Old Tech

Another category that might have not crossed your mind is old tech equipment – old laptops, iPads, iPods, old play station consoles, etc.

You’ve got two choices here: buy broken items and break them up, to sell for the different components. Or, you can repair them yourself and sell as a complete product. It all depends on your skill level and time availability.

Start by looking around the house! We all have old phones or broken tech we’ve stashed in a drawer somewhere. Make sure you wipe any hard drives and put things back to factory settings before selling.

Vintage games consoles

Look for vintage computers and games consoles, too. You’ll be surprised how much these can fetch! A pristine, working-order Nintendo 64 could easily fetch you upwards of £50, more if you have games, too. Other tech, like Super 8 camcorders, can also be picked up for next to nothing and sold to collectors for a LOT.

Furniture

Some of the furniture from thrift shops are made out of high-quality materials and some can even be classed as vintage pieces. With those items, you can just try to resell them as they are because there are a lot of people that refuse to pay large amounts of money for new furniture.

For more basic furniture pieces, if you are a creative individual and enjoy DIY projects, you can get inspiration from platforms like Pinterest and redesign the entire piece. That new and unique item can be the exact missing element for someone’s room, and they might be willing to pay hundreds for it!

How to Flip for Cash

When you’ve decided what you want to flip, it’s time to get started! Trawl your local charity shops – and online shops like Oxfam – to find bargains. Sometimes, you’ll need to go back to the same shop a few times before you find a gem.

Visit car boot sales, antiques fairs, and flea markets, too. Here, you can haggle on the price even more so be ready to go in on a low offer and negotiate to an agreed price. Never feel swayed to pay more than you think something is worth – be ready to walk away!

Prepare your item for sale

Clean the item up – you might need to make minor repairs, too. Take great photos: use natural light wherever possible, or for smaller items set up your own light box. The difference between a good and an average photo is reflected in the final price you get!

Consider upcycling

Some items, like furniture or clothes, need more than a basic clean up. However, this is where the real profits can be made! Turn something into another – such as an old and broken chest of drawers into a garden planter, or a large old shirt into a dress. This increases the appeal and means you can charge a lot more for it, too.

Set clear terms

Whether you’re selling on eBay, local Facebook groups, the NextDoor app, or Gumtree, set out the condition of the item very clearly. Be honest! You’ll come across ‘tyre kickers’ who want to view a product then try to knock the price down. Don’t let them waste your time: lay out the condition of the item and the terms of the sale (such as ‘buyer must collect’) in the product description.

Promote your items

When you’ve got a few items to sell, consider creating a brand for yourself. This will help you market your items across social media channels and online. You can even create your own website using something like Wix or WordPress if you want to turn this hobby into a full-time career!

Register with HMRC

If you’re making consistent profit from flipping thrift items, this counts as a business. Anyone earning over £1,000 a year from hobbies like this must register as self-employed with HMRC and file a Self Assessment tax return by January 31st every year.

The post How to Make Money Flipping Thrift Items appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Make Money From Old Video Games

Clearing your clutter can be hard especially when you’re looking at everything you’ve spent money on. But we are here to make it easier for you by showing you how to make money from your old belongings. Today we want to share with you how to make money from your old video games. We’ve told you how to make from old CDs, VHS tape and cassettes so it’s only fair video games get mentioned. Keep reading to find out how to collect and sell video games as well as the big players when it comes to earning money.

• Collecting Video Games
• Selling Video Games
• Big Players

Collecting Video Games

Most people nowadays tend to have some form of games console – anything from a Nintendo switch to a vintage N64. There’s a big range of consoles and games that appeal to most people across the globe. With the Video Gaming Industry estimated to be worth around $455 Billion in 2024, it is clear to see that people are putting their money into it.

Like with most things, nostalgia plays a part in the popularity of gaming but there is always interest from younger audiences – so what should you be investing in? Well, that’s up to you – you could go for vintage games or maybe just start collecting what you like to play. The market is unpredictable, something you deem to be a popular game might have fewer cartridges purchased so it may be worth more in the long run.

You should also think about the recent turn back to physical media. While consoles like the Xbox One will still get you decent cash, physical games are in increasing demand as people begin to shun subscription models and internet-only games.

Selling Video Games

There are a lot of choices when it comes to selling video games so we’re going to give you the run-down on your best options. Check the region of the game: UK games (PAL) in mint, unsealed condition will usually command even more than US (NTSEC) versions.

eBay

eBay is a good choice when it comes to selling anything on the internet – it’s easy to join, easy to sell, easy to make money. You have the option to sell your games individually or as a collection, the choice is up to you.

Music Magpie

Music Magpie allows you to type in the barcode of your game to find out how much they’ll pay you for it. All you have to do then is post it off to them and wait for the money to appear in your bank account. This is easier than selling on eBay, but you might not make as much money. People often get us confused with Music Magpie, but we’re not affiliated in any way!

Car boot sales

Maybe your games aren’t worth loads – but don’t despair. You can still get some of that cash back by selling at car boot sales. You can sell job lots or individual games – either way, you’ll recuperate some losses.

CEX

Most towns and cities have a CEX but even if yours doesn’t, you can send your stuff by post to sell to them, too. You might get a few quid for older games or more for recent ones – and can choose between cash or vouchers. Cash is a lower amount, so if you plan to buy more games or technology it is often worth opting for vouchers for the best trade in value.

 

Big Players

Could you have any of these gathering dust in your attic?

Nintendo Campus Challenge

Made for Nintendo systems, this game was designed to be played on college campuses. With three games in one, it works as a triathlon. It was designed to be a marketing tool to sell more consoles and encourage competitive gaming. It sold in 2009, at an American auction for £13,495.

PowerFest ‘94

Again, this game was designed for a gaming competition. 4 teams competed to get the highest score possible on three Nintendo games. Originally 35 cartridges were produced but only 2 remain. Whilst they are yet to be sold, one seller is asking for $25,000.

Air Raid

Made for Atari 2600, this unique T-Shaped cartridge game was released on January 1^st, 1982. Similar to space invaders, users fight in the skies to defend the earth from invaders. In 2012, a copy of the game sold for a whopping $33,433.30 – worth checking your attic for.

1990 Nintendo World Championships

Another competition game, this game was produced in 1990, with a limited run of 116 cartridges. 26 of the 116 were encased in gold with the remaining in the traditional grey. In 2014, a gold cased game sold for $100,088 on eBay. More recently, and realistically, one sold for £14,964.

Sealed Super Mario Bros

Made for the original Nintendo, this sealed copy of Super Mario Bros, from 1985 is the most expensive video game ever sold. You can get your hands on it for an eyewatering $2,000,000! This copy has its extreme price tag due to it still being brand-new and a “limited print run”.

Grand Theft Auto Complete Collection PS2

This is one more likely to be stuck in a box somewhere in your attic – and it could fetch around £1700.

 

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How to Make Money with Kickstarter

Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms are becoming increasingly popular as a way for businesses to raise capital. But without proper planning, they can fail and leave you with a lot of wasted hard work. Follow these steps to make sure you reach your Kickstarter goals to start or develop your business!

What is Crowdfunding?	Make Sure You Can Deliver Your Promise
How Does Kickstarter Work?	Case Study: OpenRock
Choose a Niche	Case Study: Brandon Sanderson
Find Your Following First	Case Study: Endearment

 

What is Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is when an individual or business asks members of the public to fund their project or finance goal, instead of (or sometimes as well as) getting loans or other finance from banks and private investors. The idea with Kickstarter is that people pay in advance of the development of a product or service, to help with the upfront costs of making it, and they then receive the item or service at a discount compared to the listed retail price as a reward for supporting the business early on.

Another type of funding is like that of GoFundMe or JustGiving, which are platforms designed to raise money for a charity or an individual in need, rather than as a business. This article is going to focus on crowdfunding for your business venture.

The amounts paid for crowdfunding campaigns can be as little as £1 up to thousands. There are lots of crowdfunding websites, but Kickstarter is like using the word ‘hoover’ to mean vacuum cleaner, it is often the word people use to discuss crowdfunding for business. Other platforms like IndieGoGo and Crowdfunder are also popular, but work in a very similar way.

How Does Kickstarter Work?

Setting up a crowdfunder with Kickstarter or similar platform is easy, but takes time.

You need to create a campaign for your product or service. This will tell everyone what you want the money for, why they should give you their hard-earned cash, and what they get out of it in return.

The campaign lasts for a set amount of time. Some campaigns you must reach your minimum goal to get any of the funds raised, while other campaign types you will get the money you raise regardless of whether you hit the goal. Bear in mind that if you do that second option but need to pay for the manufacture or costly research of the product, you could find yourself out of pocket and without a finished product to offer your supporters. So, if you have a bare minimum that you must meet to make your product or service viable, it is best to go with the campaign type that requires you to raise the full goal before you receive funds.

Beware Fees

The crowdfunding platform takes a cut of the funds raised, too. Compare rates between platforms and campaign types to find the one that suits what you need. Some might have a higher commission but charge less per payment, for example.

When your campaign has finished and all funds have been validated, you will be paid the money into the dedicated account you provide. Some platforms require you to withhold a certain portion of funds to allow for refunds on cancelled orders, some pay in full. Make sure you know how much to expect from your final goal when taking into account fees and any withheld funds.

Choose a Niche

The Kickstarters and crowdfunders that do well are those that offer products or services that solve a very specific problem or that appeal to a niche corner of the market.

This is because it is much easier to tailor your Kickstarter campaign to target the people most likely to fund it if you know your audience well, instead of approaching it from a broad angle.

Having a niche is also handy when it comes to platform-highlighted campaigns. This is where the crowdfunding platform decides your project is particularly interesting, good value, and/or exciting in disrupting the current market for your product or service. Your campaign will get more visibility across the site and receive far more views that might convert to funds if this happens. A wishy-washy campaign or a broad product that has a lot of market competition already is far less likely to get the attention required to be highlighted as a platform favourite.

Case Study: Endearment Board Game

A Jane Austen board game, Endearment is the next in the offerings by Dux Sominum Games. Their initial goal was just £3,718. At the time of writing, they had raised a huge £714,578 and was still open for late pledges.

Board games are a popular niche on Kickstarter and crowdfunding platforms. The market for board game players is huge – but this company has clearly found a niche within a niche. Their previous campaigns were for games based around artists, the Victorian era, and extravagant gardens in Rococo France. Their style is clearly that of passionate artists who want to find similar souls. With Jane Austen a constant favourite (you only need to look at yet another Pride and Prejudice series in the works by Netflix as an example), this campaign drilled into the literary side of the board game industry.

Find Your Following First

Having a niche is a great way to know how to tailor your product and campaign to find the right backers for your project. People who will champion what you do, share the message, and support you through the development of the product and beyond are those you want to find.

However, it’s much harder to find success even in a niche if you cold-launch a Kickstarter without a solid base of interest first. Having people champing at the bit to invest in you is a much smoother way to success.

You can do this one of two ways. If you already have a network of followers, such as through your business channels, social media, and a newsletter, then build up the excitement. Engage with them: ask what they would want to see from your product or service, and use that market research to further tailor and tweak your campaign.

If you’re starting from scratch with no followers already, there are two options. You can wait until you build your audience over time, or you can go hard to build that following before you launch. The first option takes a lot longer but builds relationships of trust between you and your audience, making it more likely to convert to sales and support on your crowdfunding campaign.

The second is much harder, more intense, and will require bigger numbers overall on your social media channels etc because your track record won’t be established with them yet – and so fewer people will be likely to invest. This option is going in cold, creating social channels for the project and marketing it HARD, which can be a full-time job for several weeks to build interest.

However, the second option is ideal if your project has low manufacturing or development costs, because you can set a much lower goal and as soon as you surpass it, the viral marketing can snowball to find the right audience.

Case Study: Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson is an author best known for his fantasy books such as his Mistborn series. He also took over the writing of the Wheel of Time series when the original author, Tom Jordan, died before it was finished.

He already had an absolutely massive fanbase by the time he created an incredible Kickstarter that went down in history for raising the most money ever. But last year, he smashed his own record. With a Kickstarter for four surprise secret novels and a goal of $1m, he raised – wait for it – over $41m. This is all because he has developed a fanbase that is worldwide, passionate, and trusts the quality of what he produces to be within their tastes.

This is, of course, an exceptional example. However, it does show how having a niche AND a following can make a Kickstarter smash through huge financial goals.

Make Sure You Can Deliver Your Promise

There is a downside to Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms: you are expected to deliver. OK, that’s not a downside if you’re operating a solid business and have made serious plans with plenty of research. You should expect to be able to deliver your products!

Kickstarter and other crowdfunders do expect you to fulfil your expectations… but there is sometimes not much protection for investors and refunds could be nigh on impossible to get, if the business doesn’t deliver what was promised to them. This can damage the business or individual’s reputation, and mean they will struggle to raise funds in the future with another crowdfunding campaign (or even lose current or potential customers from their business).

Make sure you offer realistic options for your funders.

1. Offer a cheap tier which is a token investment for people who want to simply support you with a few quid in exchange for, for example, a digital print or the basic option of your product.
2. Make sure you have at least two mid-tier options that give more than the lowest tier, but include options you know you will be able to deliver. This might be a more premium version of your product, extra accessories, or ongoing insights into the development process with emails and video updates or even Zoom calls.
3. A premium tier is wonderful for nabbing investors who are already big fans of you and your work. But make the offering very limited. This means you can make it feel really exclusive, go all-out with the rewards those investors will get, and improve your chances of being able to deliver everything you promise.

Building Trust

Delivering on your promise includes proving you can do what you’re setting out to do as part of your marketing campaign for the Kickstarter. For some individuals and startups, this might feel tricky – but you will have a track record or a story behind why you’re raising funds for that particular project. Be authentic and people will flock to you.

If your business has been running a long time, or you have equivalent experience elsewhere, shout about it. Tell people about awards you’ve won, who else is on the team and their experience they bring to the project, and why you feel this product or item solves a problem your audience has because you have suffered the issue yourself.

Case Study: OpenRock Link 20

OpenRock are an established company known for high-quality tech products like headphones. In fact, MoneyMagpie has reviewed and recommended their earphones several times before!

They’ve leaned into their proven track record and history of creating durable, high-quality products with their latest Kickstarter for the OpenRock Link 20. With an initial goal of £7426, they’ve surpassed that by a LOT – at time of writing, they’d raised £36,208, with 29 days still to go.

This is a great case study of all the elements done right.

A clear problem, a clear solution

Our everyday headphones and earphones are fine for a quick phone call now and then, but not for all-day use. Having several sets of headphones can be frustrating, especially if you don’t have the right pair with you for the job.

The OpenRock Link 20 turns earphones into a Bluetooth headset with a detachable, interchangeable magnetic boom mic. This makes it a multifunctional product that’s easy and quick to change across functions.

The track record to back it up

The proven track record of OpenRock is visible in the technical specs offered by the OpenLink 20, building on their experience in designing award-winning headphones and audio equipment. The specificity of the technical listings show they’ve done significant research to develop a product that works. AI noise cancellation, future-proofing Bluetooth with Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, IPX7 waterproof-rated earbuds and IP55-rated mic, and an ergonomic design honed from previous earbud designs like the OpenRock S2 prove how well thought-out the design is.

The product research is clearly defined on the Kickstarter page, too: credentials such as “rigorously tested over 10,000 attachment cycles” give peace of mind that the product is durable and reliable.

Social proof

Social proof means we trust other people saying something is good compared to a business promising us their product is perfect. OpenRock have a slew of social proof, with so many products behind their name it’s easy to find reviews on sites like Amazon, which are third-party and not something the business just tells us on the Kickstarter page.

And then there’s the page itself: smashing a Kickstarter goal is the best form of social proof, as it shows other people are willing to back them with their cash. That’s why, when campaigns hit their target and go past it, people become more likely to invest. We hate to miss out!

Achievable investment tiers 

Finally, the OpenRock Link 20 Kickstarter campaign has realistic tiers to offer investors. Early adopters of the product through the Kickstarter get up to 40% off the retail price, offering great savings which, in turn, gives investors peace of mind. There are also options for multipacks up to four sets in one – targeted at the intended audience of business owners who want to equip their staff with reliable audio equipment on a budget.

The OpenRock campaign is a great example, too, of using Kickstarter to raise funds after a research and development phase of a product. Some businesses choose to use Kickstarter to raise funds for the R&D phase, but that feels riskier to investors if there isn’t already a product made. The early adopters of a Kickstarter product that has already been made can create the social proof to market the product as it launches, but they’re also reassured because the product already exists and can be in their hands soon.

Final Word from Vicky Parry

MoneyMagpie Editor, Vicky Parry, is a fan of Kickstarters for people who have a clear concept for a product or service, but need to build an audience for social proof marketing or to raise funds to manufacture more units.

“Kickstarter comes with some risks for investors, which is why it’s so important for business owners or startups wanting to raise capital using a crowdfunding platform to be sure of what they can deliver. However, it can be a great way to raise money quickly, for a targeted product or service, that bypasses traditional routes of business funding. A successful Kickstarter campaign like the case studies above show how possible it can be to not only reach realistic goals, but smash through them and supercharge your business much faster than through other capital-raising routes.”

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