Many Energy Support Scheme vouchers not being redeemed

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Have you redeemed your Energy Support Scheme vouchers?

New reports state many customers on prepayment energy meters have not yet redeemed the £400 vouchers to help with their energy bills. From October 1st, the £400, given in instalments over 6 months, started to be given to people across the UK. 

This is part of the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme, announced in May. However, many customers with prepayment meters have not yet redeemed the help. The government are using all customers to use the credit as soon as possible, as they are valid for just 90 days. 

This comes after one payment company said it had only redeemed half of the credit it expected to in October. Other money saving websites have suggested there have been delays in receiving the vouchers. This could give reason as to why people may not have redeemed the vouchers. 

The BBC suggest the milder weather may be playing a role. This is due to people wanting to hold off on using the vouchers until chillier days kick in. 

For those who use direct debits to pay their energy bills, the discount will be applied automatically by their energy providers. For those on pre-payment meters who need to top up their accounts via a key or card, the help comes in the form of a voucher. More than four million people have a pre-payment meter. 

PayPoint, a payment company which allows people to top up their cards, keys or pay bills in local shops has said it expected to process 800,000 vouchers in October, worth a staggering £52.8 million. They are now urging people to go through their post in case they missed the delivery of the vouchers. 

Receiving payments

If you have a fixed monthly direct debit, your provider may deduct the amount from each monthly bill. However, you may be able to arrange with them to pay an amount you want. This may help you build up credit for the winter months. Some providers may refund the monthly back monthly, when you have paid your bill. 

Some suppliers are knocking the money off your bill if you pay for what you use every month. They may add the Energy Support Scheme vouchers to your account as credit. This means you pay less at the end of the month. 

Those with a traditional prepayment meter, which require top-ups at shops, will receive their vouchers in the post. This should arrive by the 17th of each month. If you have a smart prepayment meter, suppliers will automatically add credit to your meter. This is usually done in the first week of each month. 

 

We have all the latest news, useful information and tips and tricks to help you save on your bills here.

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Over £1,000 lost every year to unused beauty products

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Beauty giant Avon have released their latest findings regarding the amount of money we lose every single year from unused beauty products we purchase. According to the research, the average woman spends £1,365 annually on skincare, makeup and toiletries. 

However, most admit that around 75% of the products they purchase go partially or completely unused. Those aged 16 to 24 spend the most on cosmetic and beauty products, the study shows. In fact, the average spend for this age group is £300 per year on toiletries and fragrances, £312 on face makeup and £200 on nail products. 

1 in 3 of those studied admitted to owning products over five years old, and one quarter said they have multiple products with the same function. This means thousands of pounds are left sitting in bathroom cabinets and drawers every year, unused. 

As the cost of living rises rapidly, 80% of women are unwilling to give up cosmetic items to save money. However, 61% did say they are in search of cheaper alternatives. Just over half of those surveyed (52%) said value is something they look for when shopping for beauty items. 

Avon teamed up with model and author Louise Boyce, to get some top tips on how to be a savvy spender when it comes to your beauty regime. You don’t have to compromise on results in order to save money! Here are Louise’s top tips: 

Use multi-functional products 

With 1 in 3 of us suggesting we have multiple products with the same function, it could be a good idea to buy products with multiple benefits, instead of lots of different products. 

Check your makeup bag regularly 

Almost a quarter of women (22%) say they rarely finish products they own. 1 in 3 also say they have products almost half a decade old which they hang onto. Check expiration dates and have a clear out. This will help you see what you have left to work with. Although it is tempting to buy new, try to use up the products you have before buying more. It may also become a personal challenge for you and you can rediscover old favourites you may not have used in a while. 

Create your own tinted moisturiser 

If you aren’t a fan of full coverage foundation and want to try a tinted moisturiser, why not make your own? Instead of splashing out on yet another product, mix your foundation with your favourite moisturiser to create your very own tinted moisturiser. 

Increase the lifespan of your products 

If your mascara is a little dry, blast it with the hairdryer for a few seconds to warm it up and reverse the drying. Louise also suggests adding micellar water to smashed powders and eyeshadows to press them back into place. 

Have a spare lippy? 

If you have lots of unused lipsticks, why not use them in a different way? Doubling up your lipstick as a blusher or an eyeshadow is a great way to use up lipstick. If it’s a shade you aren’t keen on for your lips, give it a go on your cheeks, nose and chin to give yourself a natural, dewy flush. 

Get a sample 

Many shops offer free samples, you just have to ask! Don’t buy a full-sized version of a product you are unsure you will enjoy and use. This way, you can test the colour, texture, scent, durability and your skin’s tolerance. 

 

Do you have any top tips to save on cosmetics or breathe new life into unused beauty products? Leave a comment below!

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Penalty rail fares to increase by £80

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The penalty rail fares charged for travelling without a valid train ticket will increase by £80. The charge, which currently stands at £20, will increase to £100, the government has said. 

The Department for Transport (DfT) has said the current fine is not seen as enough of a deterrent for passengers who try to get away without buying a rail ticket. They want to save tax payer’s money, which is currently being used to foot the bill for ticketless passengers.

The new penalty will be issued as a surcharge on top of the price of the ticket for the passenger’s journey, meaning those who do not buy a rail ticket will be charged well over £100 in total. However, the fine will be reduced to £50 if paid within 21 days of issue. 

This is the first increase to penalty rail fares in almost 18 years, with the last increase being back in 2005.The laws were passed by Parliament yesterday, 26th October 2022 and will come into effect this coming January. 

The change will bring the national penalty to be the same level as Transport for London and Manchester Metrolink. These companies charge £80 and £100 respectively. 

It is estimated the evasion of paying correct fares for trains costs train operators an estimated £240 million annually. Saving this money could be used to modernise the railways and help to improve various aspects of people’s journeys. 

After the pandemic, it is more important than ever for rail companies to be making a solid profit. This is not only due to lockdowns reducing traveller numbers. Passenger numbers have also dwindled as many people continue to work from home. As well as this, strike action has led to many disruptions this year. Transport businesses are desperate to entice customers back in. 

A DfT spokesman said: “We need penalty fares to act as a proper deterrent, and we are putting in place a modern system that will help create a more sustainable railway.” 

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How to make money from Firework Night

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Remember, remember the 5^th of November… it’s Firework Night, of course!

While it’s been sad to wave summer goodbye, winter and autumn aren’t all bad. I mean, let’s face it, the chilly seasons do have a host of fun holidays to get excited about.

There’s Halloween, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and, of course, Firework Night. Also known as Guy Fawkes or Bonfire Night, this annual celebration commemorates a foiled attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and kill King James I in 1605. In celebration of the king’s survival and the arrest of Guy Fawkes – the main conspirator – people lit bonfires in the street.

Four centuries later, the tradition amazingly remains. While you will no longer find bonfires lit in the streets willy-nilly these days, people still commemorate the occasion with fireworks displays, parades and bonfires.

Just like most other holidays, Firework Night also offers a wealth of opportunities to make some extra cash.

Here are five ideas to get you started:

• Host a Firework Night party
• Sell traditional Firework Night treats
• Entertain kids
• Look after other people’s pets
• Offer a lift service

 

Host a public Firework Night party

Love Firework Night, but live somewhere it hardly exists?

Well here’s your opportunity to literally bring the fire by hosting the inaugural Guy Fawkes party.

Firstly, you’d need to find a suitable location that will allow some sparks to fly. Maybe an open field at a safe distance from houses and businesses. Or perhaps an abandoned parking lot, an old warehouse… or if you’re really brave, your backyard.

Do keep in mind that – depending on the bylaws in your area – you might not be allowed to have a full-blown firework display, but that doesn’t stop you from lighting a couple of super safe bonfires.

Once you’ve found the location, it’s time to make contact with the owners and pitch your idea – which, let’s face it, might be the hardest part of the entire process. If you manage to gain permission, start putting your plans for an awesome event in place!

Work out your cover charge by considering how much you spent on rental of the property, décor, fireworks (if you have permission), a pyrotechnician, bundles of wood for bonfires, food, drinks etc.

Make use of social media and local newspapers, radio stations and television channels to help spread the word.

 

Sell traditional Firework Night treats

Quite the firecracker in the kitchen? Earn some extra cash on Firework Night by making and selling special treats.

Some popular traditional treats include Bonfire Toffee (traditionally handed out to children on the night); Baked potatoes; Toffee Apples and Parkin Cake.

If a big event is happening in your city or town, consider setting up a little stall on the festival grounds. Alternatively, you can make treats to order for other people’s Firework Night parties.

Get some extra inspiration by reading this article on how to cash in on catering.

 

Entertain kids

Simply bursting with energy? Have a knack for keeping kids occupied for hours? Parents will pay good money to have their children entertained while they revel in the snap, crackle and pop of Firework Night.

Host a fire-themed craft evening and charge a small fee for every participating child to cover the costs of your supplies, and also make a bit of a profit.

From toilet paper roll rockets to autumn leaf bonfire collages, there are loads of fun craft ideas that kids will love.

If your childminding skills are a bit rusty, read our article on how to make money by babysitting.

 

Look after other people’s pets

As much as we love the spectacle of a good fireworks display, we can’t say as much for our furry friends.

Firework Night can be a truly traumatic experience for cats, dogs and all manner of domestic pets (let alone the poor little creatures of the woods).

If you adore animals and want to be a comforting presence on the evening, offer to pet sit for neighbours who are out for the evening or maybe away on holiday over this date.

Here’s a quick guide on how to go about setting up a pet sitting business.

 

Offer a lift service

If you’re a teetotaller who loves being part of the revelry, you probably often end up in the position of designated Dave.

That’s probably totally cool with you, but have you ever considered making a bit of extra cash driving people from party to party?

If not, give it a try this Firework Night! Charge a small fee to get neighbours and friends safely from point A to point B and back again.

Here are a few other ideas to make money with your car.

 

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Fun ways to make money from Halloween

Reading Time: 4 mins

Spooky season is finally upon us. With children excited to dress up in their costumes and devour sweets by the bucket load, adults can often be left out of pocket. But don’t fear! Whether you are a fan of the holiday or not, there are plenty of easy ways to make money from Halloween.

Here are some scarily easy ways to earn a bit of pocket money that could serve you well over the festive season:

• Get paid to scare people
• Sell terrifyingly delicious home-made treats
• Earn cash as a Halloween make-up artist
• Fix and tailor Halloween costumes
• Create a haunted house

 

Get paid to scare people

Do you enjoy playing pranks on family and friends? Revel in the look of momentary terror/shock/horror on their faces as you spring yet another nasty surprise on them?

Well, perhaps it’s time you put that talent to good use and earned some cash while at it. The first way to make money from halloween is to scare people!

Not sure where to start? Draw inspiration from Wrinkles the Clown, a mysterious resident of Naples, Florida in the United States, who – for the fee of a few hundred dollars – will scare the heebie-jeebies out of misbehaving children. He can, of course, also be appointed to perform a range of other pranks but, so far, his most successful gigs have come from parents desperate to discipline their unruly children.

In one case, Wrinkles was caught on CCTV emerging from under the bed of a sleeping little girl. The carefully planned prank was orchestrated by the girl’s parents, who wanted to save the footage and scare her with it whenever she misbehaved.

Another famous case saw Wrinkles appear across the street from a bus stop where a naughty 12-year-old boy with a bad case of Coulrophobia waited for a ride.

Wrinkles’ pranking prowess has even resulted in a documentary about his life.

 

Sell terrifyingly delicious home-made treats

If you’re a whizz in the kitchen, you can harness those skills to make some unique and delicious Halloween treats.

As people are becoming more aware of their health, as well as the environmental impact of things like discarded sweet wrappers and the like, home-made sweets are making a massive come-back.

With Halloween less than two weeks away, the best way to market your products will probably be word of mouth. Do a post with beautiful photographs of the types of goodies you’ll be making on social media and ask your friends to share. Be sure to include the price, your contact details and what type of delivery methods will work best.

Read our article on how to make money from selling cakes, jams and sweets.

 

Earn cash as a Halloween make-up artist

Another way to make money from Halloween is to do scary hair and makeup. Halloween is the one event of the year where people really go all out with dressing up for parties. Thing is, not everyone knows how to do this well. So, if you can do a mean cat eye and whip up a glam hairdo in a matter of minutes, you may just have struck gold.

According to Bidvine, the average price hair and makeup artists charge between £60 – £130 (an average of £75) per job. Not bad!

You may, however, want to consider charging a special price for Halloween to get more people interested.

Once again, advertising your services to friends and family, as well as on your social media pages, will be the quickest way to reach a relevant target market.

Find out more by reading our article on making money as a mobile hairstylist.

 

Make, fix and tailor Halloween costumes

While sewing may seem like second nature to you, some people have never pushed a needle through a piece of fabric, let alone wound a bobbin!

In the run-up to Halloween, you can be sure that those with a tendency toward procrastination will be on the lookout for last-minute costumes.

Take advantage of this by offering a selection of quick-and-easy costumes that people can pre-order. You can offer them for sale or rent them out, depending on what works best for you and your client. Furthermore, you could consider charging a premium fee for custom outfits and special requests.

If you’re not that confident in your sewing skills just yet, you could always test the market by offering alterations and quick fixes for outfits that need some TLC.

If you need a further boost, read our article about how to make money sewing.

 

Create a haunted house

Finally, something for those with a little extra chutzpah and panache! This is one of the most thrilling ways to make money from Halloween.

Become the talk of the town, the hero among your friends and acquaintances, the legend of Halloweens to come, by transforming your home into a truly chilling haunted house.

There are, of course, different levels of scariness when it comes to creating a haunted house. So, start by trying to determine who your target market is. If it’s for the neighbourhood kids, steer clear of anything too disturbing. If, however, your audience is made up of adults with a penchant for horror film aesthetics, you can take things up a good few notches.

Depending on how much effort and money you spent on creating the experience, you can charge an entry fee of anything between £2 and £25.

Check out this article on Spruce Crafts for some ghoulishly good ideas

 

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‘Ask for Henry’ – the discreet way to get a free meal at Morrison’s

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Supermarket Morrison’s has teamed up with family favourite Heinz to help people cope with soaring costs during the cost-of-living crisis. The new initiative offers visitors a discreet, free lunch for those who need it. Simply ask for ‘Henry’ at a Morrison’s café and you will receive a free hot meal. No questions asked!

Inspired by the work of Henry J. Heinz, the founder of Heinz and a well-known philanthropist, the company are pledging over 160,000 meals to people across the UK from today, 26th October 2022. The offer will run until November 6th 2022. 

When you ask for ‘Henry’ at one of the 400 Morrison’s cafes across the country, you will be given a free jacket potato and baked beans. The company hopes to feed children up and down the country who are on half term, as well as anyone else in need, no matter your age. 

From a young age, Henry J. Heinz would make food in his family kitchen with the aid of his mother, using ingredients picked from their garden. They would then share the food with the local community. Wanting to honour his ‘good heart and kind spirit’, along with his birthday in October, the scheme was created. 

Britain is a nation of baked bean lovers, with around 600 million tins of Heinz’s baked beans eating annually. This is around 1.6 million cans per day. If you need a hot, hearty meal, visit your local Morrison’s café and ask for ‘Henry’. It’s as simple as that!

Sian Whittle, of Morrisons cafés, said:

“We know that our customers are under real financial pressure at the moment and are therefore pleased to be partnering with Heinz on its “ask for Henry” initiative to offer customers a free jacket potato topped with Beanz.” 

Jojo De Noronha, president of northern Europe at Heinz, said:

“Henry brought comfort and goodness to others, not just through his food but his actions. 

“We want to honour his good heart and kind spirit by doing what he did best, helping feed people in times of need – and that’s why we’re launching ‘ask for Henry’ with our partner Morrisons on October 26.” 

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How to sell valuable items online safely

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If you’ve got something valuable to sell, chances are that you’ll be looking online to sell it. The digital marketplace has brought about many benefits for buyers and sellers these days – most notably the convenience of connecting both parties regardless of location.

But for all the wonders of eCommerce and online buying and selling platforms, there are inherent dangers and threats that people need to be aware of. When you’re parting with a cherished possession or something valuable, you can’t risk losing it without receiving money in return.

In this article, we’ll explore the common dangers people come across when selling items online and what you can do to avoid them.

• What Are The Dangers Of Selling Items Online?
• How To Sell Things Securely Online

What are the dangers of selling items online?

Advertising an item online can bring about a number of threats, scams and rogue traders. Bad people often scout certain advertising or marketplace sites looking for targets where they can either steal an item without paying or gain other details from you without your consent – whether it be bank details, your address or any other personal information. When you’re selling something worth a lot of money, the risk of losing the item without payment can be terrifying.

Sellers are urged to think responsibly when dealing with potential buyers and not agree to anything that would put themselves, their item or their livelihood in danger. But even risking these scenarios can be daunting for some people who perhaps aren’t experienced in online selling or using technology. For these people, there are ways to avoid the hassle and risk that comes with platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.

How to sell things securely online

If you’re looking to sell expensive items securely online then you should try to look for sites or platforms that come with seller protection policies. These will help to protect you from buyer scams and fraud, which are less common on established sites anyway.

For technology, furniture, bikes and other consumer items, sites like eBay and Vinted help to make the process as secure as possible for buyers and sellers alike. If you’re looking to sell valuable jewellery or watches, on the other hand, using a pawnbroking service can be a secure way to receive the money without having to deal with other members of the public.

If you have to use one of the previously mentioned marketplace sites that don’t offer buyer and seller protection then ensure that you are very careful. Always try to meet in person and in a safe or public location to see who you are actually dealing with – that way you can confirm their intentions and work out if they are a genuine buyer/seller or not. Don’t hand over any items or goods until you have confirmed receipt of the payment, otherwise, you could risk losing your item without the money in your account or cash in your hand. If you’re selling something worth more than a few hundred pounds, then it’s always recommended that you sell to a trusted company or through a trusted platform.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence

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Can you live off selling your old socks?

Reading Time: 2 mins

Selling old socks! Can you really sell your stinky old socks for money? Unbelievably, you can. 

A lot of people sell their old socks online for extra monthly cash, and particularly in the current dire financial climate, we don’t judge people for selling their used, filthy socks online: it’s not to be sniffed at…  

To get started, only use trusted websites that offer worn underwear. We know, it sounds gross but we are indeed talking about sweaty, stinky socks that you’ve worn all day and want to peel off and chuck in the washing machine: DON’T, because there are people out there who are looking to get their hands on your laundry pile rejects. 

Other popular products to sell include ankle, foot and legwarmers, fishnet stockings and knee-highs; as for the socks, their value can go up the more you’ve worn them and the more you’ve, ahem, done in them. Prices online – we did the research – range from a few quid to more than £150 a pair, the sale of which may make a commission for a specific website.  

HOW TO GET STARTED 

Like everything these days, you need some kind of brand. Why should people buy your socks and what activities have you been doing in them before they go up for sale? Working out? Jogging? Running in the rain? Feet and their activities are big business for fetishists – in fact foot fetishes are probably the entry-level kink for those new to this kind of thing.  

There is something online for everyone, so make your brand stand out by presenting it with a fresh, original angle so that someone, somewhere, wants to buy your used socks and not someone else’s. 

WHERE TO SELL  

You can look on places such as eBay, Craigslist, Gumtree, Locanto, Fiverr and Facebook, and as with all these kind of sites, be respectful and abide by the rules, which you should always read first. 

DOS AND DON’TS 

• Use a pseudonym. Seriously, you don’t want your real identity as you brand in this case! 
• Stay private. Don’t give out your personal details such as address, personal email or phone. 
• These are foot-related sales, so if you’re stuck for a profile picture, snap your feet not your face! 
• As with all online sales, take good quality pictures and describe your items fully and accurately. 
• Remember, people want smelly socks, so bag them up carefully and retain that pong! 

A final note: Don’t use the selling experience to flirt with your customers. Seems a bit daft to say, but in these kind of transactions, everyone is usually anonymous, so best to keep things professional! 

FURTHER RESEARCH 

Look into these websites further to discover what sellers and customers have to say about their experiences: 

• All things worn  
• Panty Deal  

• Gumtree 
• Facebook   
• Reddit r/used socks  
• Locanto  
• Craigslist  

• Sniffr  

Further Reading

Make Money from all Dirty Laundry 

Weird Ways to Make Money: Sell Your Dirty Knickers

 

 

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Liz Truss resigns as Prime Minister

Reading Time: 2 mins

Prime Minister Liz Truss has stepped down as the leader of the Conservative Party and consequently, resigned from her position as UK prime minister. She announced her resignation in a statement outside Downing Street this afternoon, 20th October 2022. 

In her statement, she told viewers she could not deliver on the mandate on which she was elected as the Tory leader just weeks ago. She told reporters she had notified His Majesty King Charles of her decision. 

The unprecedented chaos seen within the government in recent weeks has led to this very moment. In the 45 days since winning her campaign for prime minister, beating rival Rishi Sunak, there have been moments which will be remembered for many years to come, going down in history as one of the most uncertain periods seen in parliament. 

“I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability,” she said as the opening line of her statement. Truss has seen turmoil since the mini-budget announced last month, which rocked markets and caused uproar amongst the public. Her resignation from office makes her the shortest serving prime minister the UK has ever seen. 

It seems her fate may have been sealed since the mini-budget, after asking Kwasi Kwarteng to step down as chancellor, closely followed by the foreign secretary stepping down on Wednesday.  

Today, Liz Truss met with 1922 Committee chairman Sir Graham Brady to discuss her decision, A Conservative leadership election will be completed within the coming week, she announced. She will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen. The chosen prime minister will be the third of the year. 

Labour leader Keir Starmer has called for an immediate general election after Liz Truss’ resignation announcement today. “The Conservative Party has shown it no longer has a mandate to govern,” he said. “We must have a chance at a fresh start. We need a general election – now,” he continued. 

Liz Truss’ full resignation speech confirming her departure from office:

“I came into office at a time of great economic and international instability. Families and businesses were worried about how to pay their bills. Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine threatens the security of our whole continent. And our country has been held back for too long by low economic growth. 

“I was elected by the Conservative party with a mandate to change this. We delivered on energy bills and on cutting national insurance. And we set out a vision for a low tax high growth economy that would take advantage of the freedoms of Brexit. 

“I recognise though, given the situation, I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party. 

“This morning I met the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady. We’ve agreed that there will be a leadership election to be completed within the next week. 

“This will ensure that we remain on a path to deliver our fiscal plans and maintain our country’s economic stability and national security. I will remain as prime minister until a successor has been chosen. Thank you.” 

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Save Money Shopping Tips

Reading Time: 4 mins

Save money shopping. With the arrival of autumn, and news about the state of the British economy seemingly endlessly depressing, people are naturally starting to worry how this will affect them in the colder months. Reportedly, people are delaying turning their heating on to save money. This in itself can cause problems, as you need to keep the moving parts of your boiler and heating system from seizing up when you actually need them. 

You may also want to read our article on the effects of cold on the human body: sobering stuff. 

And as well as energy and housing costs, food prices have been going up in recent months, now with milk and cereal prices rising noticeably in October.  

So how do we save money and run our homes cost-effectively, ask the experts at Which? who have done the research on dozens of websites to see where to get the best bargains. 

Danielle Richardson, Which? Money Expert, says, “As autumn begins, many of us will be scrolling through online shops for winter wardrobe essentials, or even making a head start on Christmas shopping. No matter what you are in the market for, there are ways to keep costs down and earn money as you shop.  

“It’s always worth checking a few retailers to make sure you have the best price, as well as searching for discount codes – you can often sign up to retailers’ mailing lists for exclusive offers. You could also see if the item you want to buy is available second-hand- it will often be the fraction of the price of buying brand new.” 

Some ways you can look to save money on everyday things: 

SPEND TIME BEFORE YOU SPEND MONEY 

Before you spend, check multiple shops and sites such as Google Shopping, PriceRunner, PriceSpy, Kelkoo and, for Amazon products, CamelCamelCamel. First of all, narrow down the item or model you’re searching for, and hone your search on those sites. The more specific you are, the more eagle-eyed you’ll be when a bargain pops up. 

Check the sales sections too, as you can see whether the retailer has an app or scheme you can sign up to, with many offering early access to sales, or specific sales stock deals: Zara does this, for example. 

 

DISCOUNT CODES & MAILING LISTS 

On the subject of sales codes, make sure to check the terms and conditions using browser extensions like Pouch and VoucherCodes DealFinder, which automatically search for relevant vouchers which you can add to your shop and get discounted at checkout. 

Sign up to retailers’ mailing lists for exclusive discounts like introductory offers and personalised codes – these are usually set to appear in your inbox once you start filling up your shopping cart. Tip: you could create a secondary email account to deal with these emails, and unsubscribe when you’re done. 

 

CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS 

 Cashback credit or debit cards usually offer between 0.25 and 5 per cent on purchases: American Express Platinum Cashback and Platinum Cashback Everyday credit cards offer the highest cashback rates at the moment, and the Lloyds Bank Cashback Credit Card and Santander All-in-One Credit Card do charge a small fee (£3) so make sure you’re aware of those small costs as they mount up: and always pay your credit card off in full every month to avoid high interest charges. 

Chase have a current account offering 1 per cent cashback for the first 12 months. It is also worth checking for offers with your existing card providers – you might be eligible for special rewards. 

 

GO SECOND-HAND 

Buying second-hand can afford you pre-used clothing, laptops, games consoles, furniture and home products. Some sellers are getting rid of brand new unwanted gifts, so It is worth looking on online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon Refurbished, or apps such as Depop and Vinted. You can also sell your old clothes online to make up for the cost of buying new ones. 

 

RETURNS 

The Consumer Contracts Regulations give you 14 days to choose whether you want a full purchase price refund but be aware that you may not get delivery charges refunded, and returns may not be free. Return policies can change too, by adding fees where previously there weren’t any. If an item is faulty or not as described though, under the Consumer Rights Act, you are legally entitled to a full refund within 30 days of receipt, including delivery or return costs. 

 

DISPLAY ITEM DISCOUNTS 

 Which? found big brands including Birkenstock, Adidas and Timberland were getting rid of display or slightly damaged items for big discounts that may suit customers. Office Offcuts sells ‘end of line, ex-display and last pairs of shoes’, and Schuh Imperfects says shoes may have ‘scuffs, discoloration, and other individual quirks’.  

You can also buy ex-display furnishings, even kitchens and bathrooms for massive discounts if they’re not up to the shop’s sales standards. In the case of larger items, make sure to check them out in person before you buy, because the sellers are not necessarily going to list every defect in exact detail: but it might pass muster if you see it with your own eyes. 

 

SPEND AND SAVE 

Furthermore, cashback is available on purchases from sites such as Quidco and TopCashback. Retailers may offer cashback as a fixed amount or a percentage of the purchase, but you will need to use the link on the individual cashback site for your purchase to count. 

So to sum up, always check terms and conditions of any site you’re buying from, and narrow down your searches to find the best bargains. 

You can check out local bargains such as the above from InYourArea. 

The post Save Money Shopping Tips appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

How To Start A Winery In 2022

Reading Time: 5 mins

For many people, starting a business in a wine region is a romantic idea. However, standing out among other wine-related businesses that are doing the same thing might be difficult.

Still, the vast opportunity for entrepreneurs is part of the appeal of starting your own wine business. As a result, your wine business could be a merchant, a bar, or a vineyard.

Here’s how you can start your own wine company with a little support. So, go ahead and read it!

• Make A Company Name
• Plan Of Action
• Choose A Location
• Obtain Permits
• Buy The Required Equipment
• Make A Budget
• Make Contact With Potential Customers
• Market To Potential And Existing Customers
• Other Points To Consider
• Takeaway

 

Make a company name

Create a corporate entity and a name before you start building your winery or wine business. You must make certain that the name you choose for your vineyard is unique and original, meaning that no other winery has the same name as you.

Keep in mind that the name you choose for your company could have a big impact on your wine sales. Furthermore, a good name might help to improve your brand’s image and reputation. Your company’s image and personality are reflected in your brand. It explains what you stand for and what customers may anticipate from you.

Plan of action

After you’ve given your company a name, you’ll need to write a solid business plan. Make sure you do thorough research on your industry, including prospective competitors, pricing, and consumer characteristics. You could go on a winery tour and ask a specific questions to get a feel for the industry while interacting with the folks who work there. Include a market study, a business brief, product details, a company overview, financial predictions, and your objectives and goals. Your goal is where you want to be at a certain point in the future, but your aim is how you want to get there. To put it another way, your aim is your final destination, whereas your objective is a narrative of your trip.

Choose a location

Wine stores and wine bars must be placed in high-traffic locations, such as busy shopping districts or near major train stations. These kinds of settings are ideal for walk-in clients. If you’re starting a vineyard, on the other hand, look for land that’s best suited for grape cultivation in terms of space and soil quality. Make sure that removing the existing vegetation on the property is simple and possible. You’ll also need to construct wine cellars, tasting rooms, and other structures.

Obtain Permits

You’ll need to apply for permission related to the production and sale of alcoholic beverages, in addition to the usual business licenses, liability insurance, and tax identification information. You’ll also have to pay excise taxes (taxes). For further information on rules and regulations, contact the FSA and DEFRA. Also, make sure to verify with your state’s alcohol beverage commission for licensing requirements.

Buy the required equipment

Purchase or lease the necessary equipment for shipping wine crates and grapes. These are essential pieces of equipment for each new vineyard. Tanks will be needed for storing and aging your wines. Picking up, stacking, and moving barrels and vats necessitates the use of a forklift truck. A computer, phone, Wi-Fi, desk, and other office equipment are required.

Make a budget

You can now establish a budget with all of these expenses in mind once you know what equipment you need to acquire, where you want to put it, have a business plan, and have the permissions you need. Some of these things can be rather costly. Mixing your personal and corporate income and expenses is not a good idea. Open a business account at your bank to keep the two distinct. Inform your account manager of your plans.

Make contact with potential customers

To increase clientele, wine merchants and bars can easily network with wedding and event planners, restaurants, catering firms, and other businesses. Supermarkets, fruit kiosks, and gourmet food shops are also potential customers for wine vineyards.

 

Market to potential and existing customers

Weekly wine tasting sessions, free wine deliveries, and phone-in or online purchases can all help wine stores and bars market to current and prospective customers. Are you planning a wine tasting? There’s a lot tasting guides that teaches you how to sample and taste wines. As you get experience in your field, make a list of intriguing stories about your wines that you can tell clients.

Other points to consider

If you own a vineyard, consider selling grapes to other winemakers. It could be a good way to supplement your income. Some winemakers are hesitant to invest the time, effort, and money required to establish their own vineyards. Wine-ready fruits and wines are purchased by many companies in the world. Most wine merchants, especially those who are new to the industry, are unable to earn sufficient revenue on their own. As a result, they will need to examine business funding choices such as a family loan, venture capitalist equity financing, or a bank loan.

Takeaway

Every entrepreneur’s goal in today’s business climate is to boost sales. It’s critical to meet your clients’ requests, preferences, and requirements. It’s also crucial to stay up to date with industry developments, consumer purchasing habits, changing tastes, and new technology. These are some of the most important considerations to make while establishing a successful winery. Overall, keep in mind that the wine industry is time-consuming, niche-focused, and requires highly specialized talents.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence

The post How To Start A Winery In 2022 appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

As its announced that UK consumers are hunting out prize promotions to ease the cost of living crisis, we reveal The Experts Guide to Winning Prizes

Reading Time: 4 mins

New research has found that the public are increasingly turning to winning prizes as a solution to the current financial situation. Traditional wins like fancy holidays, fashion items or even tickets to the next World Cup are out; these days it’s prizes that help ease the financial burden of day-to-day life, like money towards energy, internet, mortgage payments & grocery shop bills that people want to win.

• A new survey, by prize promotion experts PromoVeritas found that:
• Here’s The Experts Guide to Winning Prizes…

A new survey, by prize promotion experts PromoVeritas found that:

• We’re a nation of ‘compers’; 77% of us have entered a prize draw in the last year
• 23% want to win their bills paid or grocery prizes to help ease the cost of living
• 44% are more likely to want to win lower value prizes, discounts and groceries than pre Covid. This figure is highest in Scotland (61%)
• #BeKind; Gen Z’s most favoured prize is a charity donation (31%) with a massive 83% demanding environmentally friendly prizes (compared to 60% average)
• Cash is still king! Almost half (42%) list it as the most sought after prize
• Even top earners say “Give me the cash!”; it was the most coveted prize for those earning £70K plus (73%)
• More people are winning! 55% have won this year compared to 41% in 2019
• Top earners are most likely to enter prize promotions
• 41% more likely to turn to their loyalty programmes than six months ago

So, has this inspired you to hunt out some prize promotions that might help make your lives just that tiny bit easier? Money Magpie asked the team at PromoVeritas, an organisation with expert knowledge on everything to do with prize promotions, for some insider tips.

Here’s The Experts Guide to Winning Prizes…

• For cash prizes… If you’re looking for cash prizes keep your eyes peeled for microsite entry pages as they are usually the best way to enter, and you can often do it multiple times giving yourself the best chance of winning. Of course please do check the terms and conditions for entry requirements, you don’t want to be disqualified for not correctly following the entry criteria and entering too many times!
• For bigger prizes… Keep a look out for instant win and competition promotions, these may take more time to enter or come with a lower chance of winning but the pay-out is usually a lot higher and more bespoke. Brands often want to turn these into an experience that they can showcase and talk about on their websites or social media (so be prepared to perhaps be part of this story!)
• For easy wins…. You can find prize promotions where you have to follow a URL on the brands website, or from packaging on a product These usually just involve handing over your email address and sometimes a small amount of personal information (name, number, etc). This makes then very quick to enter, 2-3 mins max and for anyone who wants to enter on a passing whim. Maybe get hunting in the aisles for competitions on products next time you’re shopping!
• Get socially minded… We’d include social media promotions in with the ‘no hassle’ group. Very often they just require commenting on a post and following the brand. They’re nice, simple and quick for anyone to do. Lots of brands use them as a way to boost their following, so if a new shop, salon, brand or restaurant is launching its always worth checking out their Instagram or Twitter accounts for any promotions that could help you win something lovely. Make sure you follow all the brands you’re a fan of, they’re really good at supporting their loyal audience, so you often find they will be giving any bespoke prizes, often more tailored to their audience – and you!
• Loyalty pays off…. Yes, loyalty programmes are a great way to save money in your favourite supermarkets (Nectar, Clubcard etc), plus lots of other brands are now starting up loyalty schemes (Yeokens, O2 ect) that may help consumers to gain discounts and money off in other areas of their day to day lives. It might seem like a hassle signing up but they are always worth checking out
• Where can you go to find the best prize promotions? There are some really great resources to find the latest promotions, such as ‘Compers News’ and a website called SuperLuckyMe by the well-known comper Di Coke. Check them out.
• Remember, remember…. Keep a log of the competitions you’ve entered – at PromoVeritas we often have winners believe they are being scammed when we notify them, and don’t reply therefore forfeiting their prize. Making sure you’re aware of prize promotions you’ve entered takes away that layer of worry when someone contacts you
• If you do get a call, and you can’t remember entering, ask who the brand is and if so who is fulfilling the competition. In our case, we have a website with our credentials which can be cross checked with the terms and conditions (found at the point of entry). All organisations doing the fulfilment should have the same
• How not to get scammed…. Make sure to only follow links from trusted sources – social media channels, packaging and the brands own website. If you receive an email from an organisation pushing a promotion you should ALWAYS make sure to check the address it’s being sent from, if it doesn’t look legitimate or doesn’t fit with the way the brand talks about itself, don’t click through any links. If you’re still unsure visit the company’s website directly – it’s always worth doing this
• Finally, have a bit of fun…. Prize promotions shouldn’t cause you hassle, and if they are totally free to enter they can be a fun way to try and win yourself something nice. Something we all need at the moment!

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence 

The post As its announced that UK consumers are hunting out prize promotions to ease the cost of living crisis, we reveal The Experts Guide to Winning Prizes appeared first on MoneyMagpie.