You could earn £600 from just invigilating exams

Remember exam time? The frantic cramming, the squeaky shoes of the exam invigilator striding between the desks or sitting purposefully at the head of the room. Well, they weren’t just doing it for kicks – invigilating exams can be a great way to make a bit of quick cash and almost anyone can do it.

It’s not as easy as it looks though – you need tact in dealing with stressed students, not to mention the ability to keep quiet for long periods and remain alert no matter how slowly the minutes may pass.

Oh, and a pair of non-squeaky shoes is essential…

• Getting started
• How much can you make?
• What’s involved
• What else you need to know

 

Step one: Getting started

Most education authorities, colleges and universities will recruit people for invigilating exams prior to their May-June and January exam periods, so the weeks or months before then are the best time to start looking. However, in some cases exams can fall outside this time too.

Check out your local borough council website for positions at local schools, which will need people to oversee GCSE and A-level exams. If you have a child at school, keep an eye out for any announcements in the school newsletter, or it might even be worth asking schools in your area directly.

For colleges, universities and adult education authorities, search for vacancies on their individual websites. Many also go through recruitment agencies or advertise on job websites, so try your luck with these (tip: a quick search on Google for ‘exam invigilators’ should show the most current crop of positions).

Obviously, school exams will be during school hours, while university exams may run until a little later, making it an ideal temporary job for part-timers, retirees or stay-at-home parents.

You don’t need any experience, as training is provided – basically if you’re responsible and available to work, you’re in with a good shot. Some places will require a CRB check, depending on their individual policies. This can be tricky to get at short notice and if you haven’t had one before it could cost you between £21.50 and £49.50 depending on which DBS level is required. See our full article on DBS checks.

 

Step two: How much can you earn?

The rate varies but you can expect anything between £12.21 to £30 per hour (universities tend to pay more).  How much you end up with will depend on how many exams you can sit in on.

So, for example, if you were to sit in on two three-hour exams a day over a two-week period at the maximum pay rate, you could finish up with between £732 and £1760. Not too shabby for pacing up and down.

 

Step three: What’s involved

There is a lot more to invigilating exams than turning up to open the doors and shouting “pens down!” at the end. Training will generally be provided before the exam period starts and each school or university will undoubtedly have their own procedures to follow, but here are some of the basics:

Before the exam

You’ll have to arrive early, half an hour to an hour before the exam is due to begin, to set up the exam room. This will likely include:

• Placing answer booklets and question papers on each desk
• Checking all seats are labelled correctly and that there is a suitable gap between each table to ensure students can’t copy others
• Knowing what equipment students are allowed (Calculators? Extra paper? Is it an open book exam?)
• Put up regulation notices, seating allocations, exam start and finish times, centre and paper number and ensure clocks are visible (even for those at the far end) and working

If it is a large exam hall, there will probably be a few invigilators so you can divide how many tables each of you will oversee.

Start of the exam

• Direct students to their seats and tell them where to leave their bags
• Confiscate any items that aren’t allowed, such as revision notes, textbooks, calculators (unless otherwise allowed), and of course, any mobile phones
• Read exam regulations to students and give out any specific exam instructions
• Make sure no one starts reading or writing before the start time
• Checking the ID of all students and marking their attendance (you will generally have to inform the office immediately if any students are absent)
• Not letting anyone in or out of the room before the allowed time has passed

During the exam

This is where a little tedium may set in. You must remain alert throughout the entire exam, to remain on the lookout for students who need help, or those who may be using less than honest means to finish their paper. This means you CANNOT use the time to read or write yourself, and  not stand around chatting with the other invigilators. You will have to:

• Circulate the room regularly (this is where those soft-soled shoes come in handy!)
• Observe the students, but try not to stand reading over their shoulders (it can be off-putting to students)
• Accompany students to the toilet if needed
• Hand out extra paper or answer booklets if requested
• Make sure there is no talking and that any disruptions (such as loud noises outside) are taken care of as quickly as possible
• Give regular time checks and announce when the exam time is almost finished (usually when there’s 15 minutes left)

If you do suspect a student of cheating, it is likely each individual institution has their own procedure for dealing with it that you should follow.

Depending on the length of an exam, you may be allowed to take a short break. Some exams can be up to three hours long!

End of the exam

• Tell candidates that they should stop working and remind them that they’re still in exam conditions
• Collect all answer sheets and question papers BEFORE dismissing the students
• Make sure answer sheets are in the right order (it might be by ID number or classes) before returning them to the office

 

What else you need to know

The good news is invigilating exams means quick money can be made for not doing too much other than observing, but this job probably isn’t for you if you bore easily or have a short attention span. While it doesn’t take a lot of physical effort, you really do need to be mentally focused on the task at hand.

For example, if someone raises their hand asking for help you need to attend them immediately – they shouldn’t have to try to get your attention for five minutes when they’re in timed conditions.

You will also need a lot of patience and understanding. Exams can be extremely stressful for some, so you need to be prepared in the event a student seems panicky. A little sympathy won’t go astray – doubtless they have enough to worry about without having to deal with an unfriendly exam invigilator.

 

Useful links

• List of local borough councils

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eBay selling: 20 handy tips for making more money

If you have loads of clutter that you’re dying to get rid of, then consider selling it on eBay.

eBay makes it easy to get rid of unwanted items. But while it’s a great platform to make extra cash, it can be intimidating for first-time users.

Here are 20 essential tips that you’ll need to confidently start making money on eBay.

• 1. Start your eBay auction prices at 99p
• 2. Understand free listings
• 3. Download the eBay app
• 4. Make your eBay listing stand out
• 5. Be original
• 6. Price it right
• 7. eBay is all about timing
• 8. Organise your selling around your life
• 9. Post items ‘Recorded Delivery’
• 10. Keep your eBay postage costs under control
• 11. Pack things well
• 12. Use lots of pictures
• 13. Choose the right category
• 14. Build your eBay reputation
• 15. Make a few small eBay purchases
• 16. Respond to people ASAP
• 17. Let people know what you’re selling on eBay
• 18. Don’t forget bigger items on eBay
• 19. Never underestimate what people will pay for
• 20. Don’t give up

 

1. Start your eBay auction prices at 99p

If you start your auction at 99p, you will attract more potential buyers because many people search for items by lowest price. What’s more, this will also keep your fees down – which means more money in your pocket.

Of course, there is some risk here. It’s possible that even a valuable item happens to only have one interested buyer, who, through sheer luck, gets your item for 99p when it’s worth much more!

There’s a tradeoff: so never put something at 99p if you’d be gutted to sell it for that much. Use your own judgement and do research to see what similar items are selling for.

2. Understand free listings

eBay now allows private sellers 300 free listings a month on almost all categories, and it’s 35p a listing after that. If you want to pay extra to promote, it’ll still cost something – but could net you a better audience to boost your profit. You can set a reserve price which means the item won’t sell unless it reaches that price, but you’ll pay 4% of that reserve whether the item sells or not.

On some items, like cars and vehicles, eBay will let you know you’re listing your item for free when you put it live, you’ll still pay a final value fee. This is 10% of the final cost of the item, including postage. There will also be a PayPal fee if you use that to get your cash.

It’s not a lot, but something to be aware of when looking at how much you’ll actually make on each sale. When you set up your selling account, the easiest method to pay these fees is by direct debit each month. You’ll get an invoice of how much you owe.

You won’t pay a final value fee if your item doesn’t sell. So if it fails to attract any buyers, try again. You can choose to automate this process by ticking the box to allow relisting if it doesn’t sell. It may be that the right buyer wasn’t around at the time, so don’t give up!

Read more about final value fees on eBay’s website.

 

3. Download the eBay app

If you sell often it’s worth downloading eBay’s free app. Using it to post listings is quick and easy – and it means that you can keep an eye on your listings and respond to queries on the go. You can take photos, create your listing, and keep track of how auctions are going all in one place.

 

4. Make your ebay listing stand out

With 1.7 billion live items on eBay, making your listing stand out is crucial.

When buyers search for an item, eBay only looks for words in the listing’s title, so always use keywords such as brand names, colour, and sizes. Double check spellings so people can find your items!

 

5. Be original

A little bit of copying and pasting with a few adjustments and tweaks will save you loads of time and effort when writing up descriptions for products. But never copy descriptions or pictures wholesale, as this infringes other sellers’ copyright. You could also accidentally include damage that isn’t on your item but is on the other person’s, which reduces its value!

Look at other successful sellers to see how they describe their products and learn from them.

If you sell lots of the same thing, write up your own template and save it on a file on your computer or phone. Then you can copy and paste it, fill in the particulars for the item (size, colour, etc.), add photos and you’re pretty much done!

 

6. Price it right

Items can be listed as an auction or a fixed price. In addition to following eBay pricing recommendations, you can also search completed eBay listings and look at other similar items to help you choose a starting price for fixed-price or auction-style listing.

 

auction listings

Auction listings are great if you’re unsure of the value of your item or you have unique and hard-to-find items that could attract demand and spur a bidding war.

Although the final price may be unpredictable, if you get several people who really want your item, they may try to outbid each other, raising the final price.

Remember never to put a starting price that’s lower than you’re willing to sell for! But if it’s something not too valuable that’s just lying around anyway, an auction may be the way to go.

Make sure you’ll be around when listings end to post the items within the timeframe you’ve agreed to.

 

Fixed-price listings

If you want to make a certain price on something, though, go for a fixed price sale.

This is a safe option if you absolutely don’t want to sell your item for less than a certain price. You can tick the ‘allow offers’ button if you might be willing to negotiate, or leave it off if your price is firm.

Some sellers prefer buying through fixed-price listings because they don’t have to wait for an auction to end. Just make sure you’re available to post the item within the time limit you’ve agreed to on your listing. With a fixed-price listing, it could sell at any time while it’s live on eBay.

 

7. eBay is all about timing 

When starting an auction, you can choose whether it lasts one, three, five, seven or ten days.

It’s generally agreed that Sunday is the day of the week that attracts the most bidding activity – so listing on a Thursday and opting for a ten-day auction means that you will cover two of these prime-time selling days. Aim to have your items end between the hours of 7pm and 9pm to get the most bidders.

Alternatively, get into the habit of listing your seven-day auctions each Sunday night to maximise your bids on an ongoing basis.

You can even schedule your listings to start at a certain time. So if you’re writing up your listing at 3am, you can have it start at a better time so it ends when more people are browsing.

 

8. Organise your selling around your life

Whether you’re selling a couple of items or dozens of boxes of stuff, you’ll need to stay on top of everything. Use a calendar to mark when auctions are ending, and make sure you’ll be around to post items promptly.

If you’re away from home a lot or maybe too busy to always go to the Post Office, schedule listings to end when it suits you. For example, if your only free time is Saturday morning, have listings end on Friday evening so you can post them the next day.

Fixed-price listings have certain advantages, but as they can sell at any time, you’ll need to make sure you’re always available the next day to post things.

If you need more flexibility, you can adjust the postage settings on your listing to say it will be dispatched within a couple of days instead of one day. But this might turn some buyers away, especially as most people are used to fast deliveries.

9. Post items ‘Recorded Delivery’

This is the most important advice on this page. If you send an item recorded delivery, you can track its whereabouts.

This prevents any sellers claiming they have not received an item. And if it is lost, you are covered by insurance.

Some sellers also choose to record packing videos to show the state the item was in and the packing included. This can help fight false claims of poor packing causing damage, or the wrong item being sent.

10. Keep your eBay postage costs under control

It’s important to choose the correct postage options so that a buyer knows how and when they will receive the item.

When posting a listing, eBay has a handy tool which provides postage recommendations based on how other sellers have posted items like yours.

If there’s no recommended postage option for your item – or you’d rather set your own price – you can choose your own postage method. To get an idea of what you should be charging, use eBay’s Postage Estimator. Royal Mail also has a Price Finder tool for figuring out the costs, both for the UK and abroad.

CollectPlus

You can also send parcels to any UK address from a CollectPlus store (CollectPlus.co.uk), which means you avoid the lengthy queues at the Post Office – and cut costs. What’s more, the 6,000 shops that offer this service are all open late, seven days a week.

Compare

Also worth a look are parcel and postage comparison websites such as Interparcel.com, Parcelmonkey.co.uk or MyParcelDelivery.com. These sites buy postage slots in bulk from big courier firms such as UPS or DHL and sell them to the public – saving you a bundle in the process.

But bear in mind that you’ll be dealing with a middleman company, not the courier itself. So if things go wrong and need sorting, you will have to go via the comparison site which will deal with any inquiries, but can be more time consuming than you might think.

Underestimating Postage Costs

While cheap postage may attract more buyers, always remember that underestimating postage costs can quickly eat into your eBay profits.

If you’re flogging larger items that aren’t feasible to post, select ‘local collection only’ and the buyer will need to collect the item in person.

 

11. Pack things well

Ensure that you ship sold items carefully, as if it arrives broken you must give the buyer a refund.

What’s more, if you leave buying your packaging until the last minute, you’ll end up forking out more than necessary. Cut costs and recycle used jiffy bags and bubble wrap.

If you must shell out for brand new packaging, look online for the best deals. Retailers such as Amazon sell job lots of mailing bags, which come in a variety of sizes, for as little as £3.

Pound shops and other discount stores are also great for cheap packaging, whether it be parcel paper or bubble envelopes.

 

12. Use lots of pictures

With each listing, you can list up to 12 p­hotos for free. Take advantage of this so that potential buyers can see what you’re selling.

Adding multiple good-quality photos to your listing to help you increase sales and give your buyers a more accurate idea of what to expect – and reassure them that you’re a legitimate seller.

Aim for a well-lit, clutter-free, plain white background and always take photos from several angles highlighting the condition of the item. Be honest about any imperfections (nicks and scratches, etc.)

A clean kitchen table or counter could be good options. Use a plain white sheet if need be.

On a related note, did you know you can make money from your photos? Find out how here.

 

13. Choose the right category

It’s also important to make sure you list your item in the right category; if you don’t, the chance of a good sale goes down.

For an extra 35p fee, you can list your item in two categories to maximise your item’s visibility.

14. Build your eBay reputation

Building your eBay reputation as a trusted seller is very important in making cash on the online marketplace.

To build your eBay reputation, you need to get positive feedback from customers so that you can get at least 95% rate as a trusted seller. The best way to do this is to be the kind of seller you would want to buy from yourself. So, offer good customer service, describe the item accurately, reply to queries within 24 hours, and make sure you mail packages within the advertised period.

Establishing and maintaining buyer satisfaction helps you build a solid reputation as a trustworthy seller on eBay, and ultimately helps drive your sales activity.

 

15.  Make a few small eBay purchases

If you’re a new seller with little or no feedback, buyers might be reluctant to make purchases from you.

So, before you start listing items, you might want to make a few small purchases to accumulate positive feedback, and to get used to the eBay process.

Take note of things like how they describe their items, postage times, and packaging. See if you can get any inspiration, or note anything you’d do better!

 

16. Respond to people ASAP

When you get questions about things you’re selling, reply as soon as you can. If you take days to reply, you might miss out on a sale. Ideally respond within 24 hours.

Having the app with notifications switched on can help you see messages much faster.

17. Let people know what you’re selling on eBay

Once your listing goes live, don’t just sit back and hope for the best.

Promote your items on your social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Use relevant hashtags and get the word out there. Also, let your friends and family know so they can spread the word too.

 

18. Don’t forget bigger items on eBay

Just because something seems too large, impractical, or expensive to ship, it doesn’t mean you can’t sell it. Simply offer the “collection in person” option – this means that the buyer and seller can find a convenient time for the item to be picked up.

19. Never underestimate what people will pay for

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. So even if you think some of the things you’ve got lying around are useless, think again!

Even broken or not-working items can sell for parts or to enthusiasts. Sometimes if you sell a bundle of broken electronics you can make good money on them. Just always be honest about the condition of the item.

 

20. Don’t give up 

 

If at first you don’t succeed, try again.

Relist unsold items and tweak your posting to grab the attention of buyers. For instance, changing the title, adding a better description, and changing the format of your listing (buy it now or auction-style) can all help.

Take new photographs or add extra photographs to your listing. Photos are absolutely key, so note how other successful eBayers are doing it and put in the effort!

 

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8 ways students can make money in their spare time

Congratulations to everyone completing their A-Levels and getting ready for university after the summer! As a student, you tend to have quite a bit of spare time. However, it can be pretty sporadic – you never know which days you’ll have off!

Regular paid work can be tricky to maintain alongside studies. But, if you are still in need of some extra cash, there are plenty of ways you can make the most of your spare time when it comes up!

Take a look at these 8 ways that you can make money in your spare time as a student.

• Become a tutor
• Test websites, apps and games
• Sell photos
• Get crafty
• Take up odd jobs
• Use your car
• Write a book
• Become a promoter

 

Put your student skills to work!

As a student, you’re always acquiring specialist skills on subjects others might want to know about.

Earn back a bit of extra cash with tutoring, or offering your skills to teach online for sites like Coursera or Udemy. If devising a whole course sounds like too much, you can always help school students with particular subjects. Maybe you can help with their maths or English homework. Parents are always looking for extra study help for their children, and it’s a flexible job you can start right away.

 

Test out websites, app and games

Whenever you’ve got a spare 20 minutes, sites like UserTesting can earn you great money for just trying out a website and reporting back on the user experience. You’ll need to complete a trial run, have a good microphone, and clearly narrate what you do as you do it.

Once you’re approved, sites contact you to arrange assignments. You can take these assignments when you need some extra cash!

If you’re a gamer, you can also get paid to play games. Find out how here. 

Sell stock photography

If you have a camera that can take decent quality images, capitalise on the chance to keep a little income trickling in. Sites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are always looking for contributions. Every time someone purchases one of your photos, you receive a small royalty fee.

Take clear, quality photos and submit them. The site itself will often let you know what sorts of themes and content they are requiring. Find out more about selling your photos here.

Get crafty!

If you’ve any talent for handicrafts, Etsy was made for the craft enthusiast at home. It’s easy to get started, and once you have some intriguing trinkets, you can advertise them online and start making sales.

Alternatively, you can flip items at home. Gumtree or eBayare perfect for these kinds of sales, and will allow you to make a tidy profit on unneeded goods.

Or, get into ‘flipping’: purchase items at low cost from car boot sales and sell them on for profit. Show off your newfound treasures online and get the best price. Learn how to be “amazing at selling on Ebay” with this article.

 

Take up odd jobs

Whether you’re handy around the house or a willing babysitter, whatever odd jobs you can help out with are available to view on sites like Fiverr or TaskRabbit.

If you’d rather not do odd jobs around the house, you might consider other kinds of jobs as a freelancer. Sites like Upwork and PeoplePerHour make it easy to list your skills, find jobs that people from across the globe need doing, and get to work! They do charge fees for every successfully completed job, but you can still find yourself taking on work which is interesting, and pays you a little extra.

 

Use your driving skills

If you have regular access to a vehicle, why not get paid as you travel round town?

Uber takes a little bit of time to become fully registered with, but if you’re a good driver with a full licence and no issues on your record, you can make extra money from just driving people around. This leaves the earning potential up to you, as you can agree to take passengers whenever it suits you.

Sell a book online

Are you passionate about any particular subject? Is there a large audience for it? Do you have a flair for fiction? Put it to use and write a great eBook!

There are lots of great ways you can get your book out there and sell it. Even for a few quid a pop, these things can add up! If your book becomes popular enough you never know what it could lead to.

Become a Nightclub Promoter

If you love a good party (and as a student, you just might!) then why not make some extra cash from promoting events?

Being sociable and forging strong connections with DJs and nightclubs is crucial to make this work. You will need to convince people that this event is the right one for them, and that starts with your fun personality.

Interested? Read more with our article on how to get paid to party. 

Make the most of your spare time as a student, and use these ideas to get started!

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Oasis Reunion Tour 2025: A Britpop Goldmine for Fans and Financiers

After years of feuding, speculation, and wishful thinking, the unthinkable has happened: Oasis are reuniting for a full-scale 2025 tour, marking one of the most hotly anticipated comebacks in music history. With tickets selling out in record time, fans across the UK and beyond are bracing themselves for a nostalgic ride through Britpop glory—and the economic ripple effect is already massive.

Liam and Noel Gallagher, once bitterly estranged, are reportedly burying the hatchet (at least professionally) to headline shows at iconic venues like Wembley Stadium, Heaton Park, and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Early projections estimate over £400 million in ticket and merchandise revenue, with total fan spending—including travel, hotels, and memorabilia—set to surpass £1 billion.

But it’s not just a victory lap for the band or a treat for their devoted fanbase—it’s also a serious money-making opportunity.

From flipping limited-edition merch to trading vintage memorabilia, investing in booming Britpop fashion, or even riding the tourism boom in host cities, the Oasis reunion is more than music. It’s an economic event, and savvy fans can cash in. Whether you’re a gig-goer, collector, reseller, or investor, there are plenty of ways to ride this reunion wave to your financial advantage.

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1. How the Oasis Reunion Tour Is Making Millions

Ticket Sales

The band is expected to earn upwards of £50 million each in direct income. Ticket sales alone are forecasted to gross over £400 million across UK and possible international dates. Premium tickets and VIP packages have been snapped up at lightning speed, some priced at over £500 each.

Merchandise Revenue

Merch is set to be a goldmine, with fans expected to spend £20 million or more. From classic logo t-shirts to novelty items like Oasis-branded fly swatters, the band is cleverly trademarking merchandise to keep the revenue in-house. Expect these items to become highly sought after collector’s pieces in years to come.

Licensing and Sponsorship

Brand deals are rolling in. Collaborations with labels like Stone Island and Adidas could rake in millions, with some partnerships already valued at over £2.5 million. Streaming platforms are reportedly fighting for the rights to a tour documentary, which would add another significant income stream.

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2. Why Oasis Merch Is Exploding in Value

Official Tour Merchandise

Tour t-shirts and hoodies are already turning up on resale sites for double or triple their original price. Limited editions and venue-specific designs are especially hot. Expect values to soar even further post-tour.

Vintage Oasis Collectibles

First-gen Oasis memorabilia has seen a dramatic price increase. Signed records, early tour posters, and vintage tees now fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds online. A signed guitar display recently sold for over £2,000, and rare guitars from the era have reached up to £80,000 at auction.

Value Increases in Old Oasis Merch

Collectors are snapping up original items from the band’s early days. Here’s a look at how values have shifted over the years:

Item	Original Price	2020 Resale Value	2025 Resale Value (Est.)
1995 Definitely Maybe tour tee	£15	£80	£180+
Original “Be Here Now” poster	£5	£25	£70+
Signed CD copy of “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”	£12	£150	£250+
Vintage Oasis bucket hat (1996)	£10	£60	£150+
Tour laminate pass (authentic)	N/A	£50	£120+

These estimates are based on auction listings and collector market trends. With renewed interest from the reunion tour, prices could continue to climb.

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3. The Wider Economic Impact of the Tour

City-by-City Breakdown

Each host city is preparing for a significant boost in local revenue:

• London (Wembley): £426 million in projected fan spend
• Manchester (Heaton Park): £277 million
• Cardiff: £113 million
• Edinburgh: £124 million

Fan Spending Trends

• Average fan spend per show: £680–£700
• Key spend categories: travel, accommodation, dining, merch
• Overnight visitors contribute £800+ per trip, often staying 2–3 nights

Total Economic Uplift

The tour is expected to inject at least £940 million into the UK economy, with around £274 million retained regionally through tourism, transport and retail sectors.

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4. How You Can Make Money from the Oasis Tour

Resell Tickets Ethically

Use resale platforms like Twickets or official exchange programmes. VIP and premium seating in particular has high resale potential.

Flip Limited Edition Merchandise

Buy early, hold, and list items on eBay, Depop or Vinted. Focus on rare or location-specific products.

Sell Vintage Memorabilia

If you own original Oasis merch from the 90s, now’s the time to cash in. Use reputable auction houses or collectors’ sites.

Invest in Supporting Brands

Look at companies likely to benefit from the tour, such as hotel chains (Premier Inn, Travelodge), music streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music), and clothing brands involved in Oasis-related collabs.

Capitalise Locally

If you run a bar, restaurant, hotel or shop near a tour venue, now is the time to market to fans. Special offers, Oasis-themed events and targeted advertising could boost your revenue significantly.

5. The Impersonators: Tribute Acts Riding the Oasis Wave

As the Gallagher brothers prepare to step back on stage, a whole industry of Oasis tribute bands and impersonators is thriving—capitalizing on the cultural buzz while offering fans alternative experiences.

Rising Demand and Local Alternatives

According to The Guardian, there are around 40 Oasis tribute acts in the UK, with more popping up globally—from Belgium and Japan to Canada and Indonesia. These bands offer “affordable alternatives to the real thing,” often emulating the look, swagger, and sound of Liam and Noel with surprising accuracy.

Exponential Growth Since Reunion Announcement

Tribute bands like Definitely Oasis, Oasiz, and MagicPie have seen bookings double or even triple after the reunion news. One Essex-based act already took on 125 shows in 2025 alone—up from just 50 before the announcement.

“It’s like sex … and we’re the foreplay,” one tribute frontman told The Guardian, capturing how these performers are warming up fans for the main event

Why Fans Turn to Tribute Acts

• Proximity & Price: Many tickets for the real Oasis shows are uncontrollable or outrageously priced. Tributes offer venues and prices that are accessible.

• Nostalgic Intimacy: Smaller gigs feel more like the band’s early‑90s era—raw, personal, and visually reminiscent

Financial Upside for Impersonators

• Tribute bands have pivoted from hobby to profession, booking private events, corporate functions, clubs, and festivals.

• As one act reports, they were turning down gigs—extra confirmation that demand is outpacing supply.

What You Can Learn

• Invest in a high-quality tribute setup: think accurate attire, gear, and stage presence.

• Book smart, targeting key pre‑tour windows—venues, festivals, and corporate events leading up to the reunion.

• Merchandise ops: Sell tour-themed merch at tribute shows—shirts, badges, even posters that echo the official tour—but don’t infringe on trademarks.

With the Oasis reunion tour dominating conversation, the impersonator ecosystem is booming. Whether you’re a tribute performer or looking to support one, this phenomenon is part of the broader economic tide—and it’s only just begun.

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Final Thoughts: Make It More Than Nostalgia

The Oasis reunion tour isn’t just a cultural moment—it’s a billion-pound economic machine. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just financially savvy, there are countless ways to benefit.

From ticket flips and merch resales to investing in stocks or tapping into the tourism boom, the potential is there. So don’t just sing along—get in on the action.

Wonderwall? More like money wall.

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Finding freelance clients in a budget-conscious market

Everyone’s tightening their purse strings, which can make things tricky for freelancers. But there are still ways to find clients in a budget-conscious market.

Lots of businesses are feeling the pinch at the moment. Unfortunately, this can have a knock-on effect on the freelancers that work for them too. Freelancers might have projects cancelled or postponed, or might find that they’re being asked to accept lower rates than usual. Finding freelance clients in this kind of market might seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be this way. 

Below we’ve set out a few things that you should think about to ensure you don’t need to compromise your own worth (and the amount you’re being paid) in these potentially tough times. 

• Make sure your digital channels are up to scratch 
• Finding freelance clients via online networking  
• Set your terms early on 
• Finding freelance clients via recruiters 
• Working for free 

Make sure your digital channels are up to scratch 

You probably don’t need us to tell you this, but it’s vital that your website, online portfolios and social media channels are up-to-date and include all your recent work if you’re going to attract the kind of clients that you want. Here are some questions that you might want to ask yourself: 

• Have I included my most recent projects on my LinkedIn profile, on my website, and in my online portfolios? 
• Could I ask for more recommendations or testimonials from colleagues or friends? 
• Do my social channels still display the message that I want to portray? 
• If I have a business or a limited company, is everything up to date with my current branding?

If you’ve got some down time between jobs and whilst you’re waiting for work to come in or for people to get back to you, this can be a perfect time to get these essential aspects of your marketing up-to-date. 

Finding freelance clients via online networking  

Even though networking takes time (and sometimes money), it’s the most valuable marketing you can do. Here are a few ways that you can keep your foot in the door and make sure your name and services stay in people’s minds:

• Be part of the conversation online: make sure you have an opinion on current debates within your industry, and that you’re available to offer interesting points of view on trending topics. A viral retweet is worth a lot in our incredibly social economy!
• Join virtual networking events: these might be for freelancers in your local area, or within your specific industry. Search online, and make sure you contribute to the discussion in a meaningful way once you’re there. You’ll find that there are more virtual industry events than you’d expect!
• Reach out to old clients: this might be as simple as a quick email to see what they’re working on, how their business is going, and whether they need any extra help. If they haven’t got business for you, they’ll appreciate your efforts to stay in touch. They might, though – and if they do you’ve just scored yourself some extra work!

If you’ve got a decent audience, why not host your own virtual networking event? Set a theme and a date, and invite those that you know within your industry to get involved. This can be a great way to get to know new people and potential clients, and position yourself as a leader in your field at the same time. 

Set your terms early on

You need confidence in yourself and your offering if you’re going to pull in clients that pay you the right amount of money even when the economy improves. One way to do this (a very important way) is to be clear on your prices. 

To do this, you should set a day rate based on what you would be earning if you were employed by a company. From this, you can work out your hourly rate. You can then weigh up whether the work that comes your way will be worth your time. 

For example, if your hourly rate is £20 per hour, your day rate (based on a standard eight-hour day) should be £160. If you know a project will take you two full working days, you should charge £320. 

If the client believes that this is too much for their budget, you’re very much within your rights to stand firm. Use the following to politely remind them of your fees: 

“Thank you for coming back to me on this. As a freelancer my day rate is set at £160 per day, hence the pricing I’ve set on this project. Do you have any flexibility within your budget? I’d be very happy to discuss this further.” 

If they come back with a compromise or with a price that’s close to your day rate, it’s up to you to decide whether these terms are going to work for you. If they aren’t, you should walk away (and never accept a job that’s far below your day rate – it won’t be worth your time). 

Consider asking for other benefits

Sometimes, you’ll find a client you really want to work with who just doesn’t have the right budget. This happens a lot with charities and startups in particular. Here, it’s a good idea to consider asking for other ways to receive benefit in return for a reduced fee. For example, if it’s a charity, ask if you can have an article about your work for them put on their website. Or, if it’s a startup offering software, request free access to it. Perhaps there is a direct skill-swap possibility too. If you’re a graphic designer, for example, perhaps you could work with an accountancy firm for a reduced fee in return for your tax return being completed pro bono!

Finding freelance clients via recruiters 

It’s always a good idea to have someone else on your side, especially if you’re looking to find new freelance clients in budget-conscious times. Contacting recruiters and getting on their books can provide you with long-term project and contract work, which you can work on at the same time as any other freelance projects that you have on the go. 

There are lots of benefits to finding work through recruiters, including that potential clients are very unlikely to try and underpay you when they have to go through someone whose job it is to ensure that that doesn’t happen. Once you’ve found work through a recruiter they are more likely to put you forward for other projects in the future, too. 

The main downside of working via an agency is that, typically, they set your rates. You may have to accept a lower daily rate in return for guaranteed regular work. Alternatively, some agencies take a percentage from your fee when they place you – if this is the case, raise your rate! Agencies are, however, most often paid by the client – so they’ll be charging the client more than your day rate to make a profit themselves.

Working for free 

Working for free is something that many people will tell you never to do. It’s something that we wouldn’t encourage in general, either. However, there can be some occasions where it might be helpful to you. These are very specific though, so don’t let anyone take you for a ride! 

You might consider working for free if: 

• You’ve never worked in the industry before and need to build a portfolio to prove yourself 
• You need to make edits or changes to work that you previously completed, as per the terms of your freelance contract (although always try to negotiate an edit fee in this case – it can’t hurt to ask!) 
• You’re in a secure financial position, and you have the time and resources to offer your services either pro bono or to charities for a specific purpose 

Do not work for free if: 

• The client has promised you paid work “later” (this is unlikely to ever materialise)
• You have a lot of experience and proven work in the area in question, unless you’ve made a conscious choice to give your time to a charity or non-profit (as mentioned above) 
• You are promised “exposure” or “contacts”, or told that this would be a “great opportunity” for you. This might be the case, but it’ll still be true if they pay you (and exposure, of course, doesn’t pay the rent) 
• You’re working for a corporate company that makes a profit, e.g. a bank  

Chat to other freelancers for more ideas!

One of the common misconceptions about freelancing is that everyone is super-competitive with each other. You may be surprised to learn there are lots of supportive online communities for freelancers! Many will share referrals from clients, or share larger projects with the freelancers they know.

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How to Avoid Costly Mistakes in Your First Year of Home Business

Starting a home business can be an empowering experience, offering flexibility and the chance to turn a personal passion into a livelihood.

This entrepreneurial drive is especially evident in the United Kingdom. According to Statista, the number of self-employed workers in the UK rose from 3.2 million in December 2000 to around 4.4 million by March 2025. The figure had previously peaked at over five million in early 2020.

However, behind this promising trend lies a sobering truth: the first year of running a home-based business is often the most difficult. From financial missteps to operational inefficiencies, early-stage errors can quickly jeopardise long-term success. While the idea of being your boss is appealing, it demands careful planning, vigilance, and smart decision-making.

This guide is designed to help new and aspiring home business owners steer clear of the most common and costly mistakes. By doing so, they can lay a more secure foundation for sustainable growth and success.

• 1. Lack of Clear Business Planning
• 2. Underestimating Start-Up Costs
• 3. Financial Pitfalls That Can Derail Your Business
• 4. Overcommitting and Burnout
• 5. Neglecting Marketing
• Frequently Asked Questions

1. Lack of Clear Business Planning

Many home business owners lack a formal business plan, which can result in scattered efforts, wasted time, and missed opportunities. A solid business plan provides clarity, outlining your mission, vision, and clear steps toward achieving your goals. In today’s uncertain climate, having this roadmap is more crucial than ever.

According to Startups Magazine, business confidence in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since the Autumn 2022 mini-Budget. With economic instability, looming tariffs under President Trump’s leadership, and uncertainty ahead of the Spring Forecast, strategic planning is essential.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Set both short- and long-term goals for your business.
• Identify your ideal audience and gain a deep understanding of their needs and preferences.
• Plan your revenue streams and outline strategies for growth.
• Consistently review and revise your plan to reflect changes and growth in your business.

2. Underestimating Start-Up Costs

A business’s initial expenses vary based on its model. For instance, online businesses usually require less capital than brick-and-mortar ventures like restaurants, as they need less space and fewer employees.

Still, some costs are common across most business types, including market research, legal services, licensing, and brand promotion. Failing to anticipate these expenses can leave entrepreneurs financially unprepared and forced to cut corners in critical areas.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Budget conservatively and include a cushion for unexpected expenses.
• List all potential costs, both one-time and recurring, when planning your budget.
• Build an emergency fund. Experts recommend setting aside a percentage of your annual revenue for unforeseen needs.

3. Financial Pitfalls That Can Derail Your Business

New home businesses are especially vulnerable to financial pitfalls, particularly scams involving fake vendors or illegitimate service providers. Falling for such fraud can lead to financial losses, compromised data, or even legal complications. One effective way to safeguard against these risks is by using a business verification service.

According to AU10TIX, business owners can effortlessly collect essential data about potential partners through automated processes. These tools offer immediate insights into a company’s ownership and legal structure, along with automated risk evaluations.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Vet all vendors, suppliers, and partners before entering contracts or making payments.
• Use business verification services to confirm the legitimacy of businesses you work with. These services check credentials, registrations, and performance data, helping you avoid costly missteps.
• Stay alert for red flags, such as requests for upfront payments or reluctance to provide references.

4. Overcommitting and Burnout

Overcommitting is a common trap for new home business owners, especially when trying to save costs by doing everything themselves. However, this approach often leads to burnout, resulting in poor decision-making, reduced productivity, and long-term damage to the business.

According to Insider, burnout’s impact on the UK economy is staggering. The Mental Health Foundation estimates that mental health issues cost the UK economy up to £45 billion annually. This figure reflects not just lost productivity, but also increased strain on healthcare systems and the long-term impact on business sustainability.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Delegate or outsource tasks that fall outside your expertise, such as bookkeeping, design, or social media management.
• Organise your tasks by importance and concentrate on activities that deliver the greatest results.
• Schedule regular breaks and set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5. Neglecting Marketing

A great product or service won’t sell itself if no one knows about it. Many home business owners delay marketing until after launch, missing out on early momentum and potential customers.

According to a recent report, 67% of UK businesses lack a marketing action plan, and over half don’t even have a business plan. Based on insights from nearly 2,000 decision-makers, the report highlights a widespread gap in strategic growth planning.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Start marketing early, even before your official launch.
• Use social media, email campaigns, and word-of-mouth recommendations to generate excitement and attract attention.
• Track your marketing efforts to see what works and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to lose money in the first year of business?

Yes, it is common to lose money in the first year of a business. Many startups face high initial costs, limited revenue, and ongoing investments in marketing, equipment, or development. With time and proper planning, losses can turn into profitability as the business stabilises and builds a customer base.

How do I find out if a business is bad?

To determine if a business is bad, research customer reviews, check ratings on platforms, and verify licenses or registrations. Look for red flags such as poor communication, unresolved complaints, or vague policies. Business verification services can also provide ownership, legal, and risk-related insights.

How long until a small business is profitable?

Most small businesses take between 1 to 3 years to become profitable. Profitability depends on factors like industry type, business model, startup costs, and market demand. Strategic planning, effective marketing, and sound financial management can help accelerate the process and ensure long-term sustainability. Patience and adaptability are key.

Your first year in a home business sets the stage for future growth. By following the strategies outlined in the article, you can avoid the most common and costly mistakes. Remember, success doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly. It comes from learning, adapting, and making informed decisions. With the right foundation, your home business can thrive well beyond its first year.

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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