Cashback Crazy!

Many, many, MANY times I have heard or seen the phase “The UK can’t coupon like they do in the the USA” (or something to that effect).

You may remember my post from October 2013 where I discussed the UK verses USA in terms of some of the myths about how couponing has been portrayed though a certain TV show and the truth behind coupon use in America and here in the UK.

Couponing in the UK is do-able! It’s just a little different. We also seem to be getting more of one certain type of grocery money saving method that we seem to certainly be embracing more than our American counterparts! What is it?!

CASHBACK

I have likened the grocery cashback apps to digital coupons before. The basic method is that they put up an offer for a certain product, you go and buy the item, then take a photo of your receipt to upload to the app. (Some get you to scan the product barcode with your smart phone’s camera too.) Then the cashback company checks the receipt and credits your account with the amount of money specified.

Cashback apps seem to be springing up like hot cakes and the sheer amount of good offers they are giving are making them an integral part of couponing in the UK.

We have Top Cash Back, Quidco clicksnap, Checkoutsmart, Shopmium, mysupermarket to name a few! The UK seems to have gone CASHBACK CRAZY!

Yet this doesn’t seem to be the case in the USA! Shopmium is being folded into Coupons.com and Half of American couponers don’t use cashback apps!!!!

Looking at the comments on the Coupons in the news Facebook page (a USA based page) on the articles above it seems that the UK is getting MUCH better cashback offers than those being delivered to the US!

After reading their articles and the comments I decided to run a little poll over on Twitter and Facebook.

I didn’t get a massive response but 43 people did vote and 49% of those people use cashback apps regularly. I’d love to know if you use them too and how often. If you would like to comment in the section below it would be greatly appreciated 🙂

The comments were also positive although many do point out the things that cashback apps need to work on if they are continue to grow.

With increased numbers of people using the cashback apps, the slower the payout process is becoming, the companies that run these apps struggle to keep up with the demand and so it would be nice to see them develop quicker running programs to check peoples’s claims. Although patience is a virtue 😉

Also the one thing that bothers me with cashback apps is the quickness of it all! Maybe it’s my age (lol) or that I work 37 hours a week and have a small child in school too so I have to plan when I can go shopping. I find the way that new offers spring up everyday at non-specified times and that they can, on occasions, be ended before I get the chance to go to the shops really confusing. I would love for the offers to be set to change once a week. However I guess it all adds to the excitement!

One cashback app that I have omitted from this blog post so far but which was mentioned in the comments from my poll is Shopitize.

Shopitize was the first cashback app I used and they would change their offers once a week so it was easy to keep up with. HOWEVER, recently there has been much trouble in the Shopitize camps. Their own t&cs allowed anyone over the age of 13 with a bank or paypal account to have an account with them:-

“If you are under 13 years of age, you are not authorized to use the Service, with or without registering. In addition, if you are under 18 years old, you may use the Service, with or without registering, only with the approval of your parent or guardian.

No more than 1 (one) Shopitize account can be connected to the same PayPal email address.”

However some people have had their accounts suspended/closed and then accused of fraudulent activities when more than one household member has had an account even though they are over 13 and have their own bank/paypal account.

This has caused major warranted uproar and boycotting of the app. This week there are only two offers left on the app and it seems to be that the end is nigh for that particular cashback company.

It is a lesson one can only hope that the other cashback companies are watching unfold and will not follow in the same footsteps!

 

Laura x

*TO ENSURE THAT COUPON CLIPPERS UK REMAINS FREE, THIS BLOG POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

Black Friday – why haven’t I posted much?

You may have noticed that I haven’t been posting much about the event called Black Friday (today). You may be asking why I haven’t.

Well, lets first look at what Black Friday is and why we have it.

Black Friday was initially started in the USA the Friday after Thanksgiving. In the States it is one of the most prominent shopping days.

“The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit. In the 1960’s, police in Philadelphia griped about the congested streets, clogged with motorists and pedestrians, calling it “Black Friday.”” Black Friday History

Stores open early to sell items at pre-advertised ‘bargain’ prices to try to up sales on the run up to Christmas.

In the UK however the spectacle that is Black Friday has only been around since the 21st Century with Asda (Walmart) really kicking it off in 2013! However with violence and fighting breaking out  Asda has pulled out of Black Friday for the second year running.

(Photo credit Daily Mail)

Black Friday video

This is part of the reason I haven’t posted about it much on this blog/social media, but there are several other reasons too. Many of which have been cemented by this Wiser Wealth blog.

My main gripe with Black Friday is that actually that bargain may not actually be a bargain at all! You could have picked up the item on a similar deal at another point in the year or you may not have even really needed to buy the item and bought it on impulse.

Sure, if you have an item in mind that you want to buy, check out what each store is offering and try to get the lowest possible price for it. Black Friday maybe the time that you find that best deal. However it may not. Make sure your bargain is a bargain!

I have made purchases in the Black Friday sales in the past. Last year I got a tablet for my daughter for £25 instead of £70 due to an offer and a coupon. The year before I got the Big Bang Theory box set for less than half price. These purchases were wanted and I weighed up the pre-offer costs and chose to purchase based on the savings being at there highest at this point.

Savvy shopping involves conscientious purchasing. Use companies offers for your benefit not theirs!  I have written about this before in Psychology of shopping an my coupons can save you money blog post.

This article helps to sum up the Black Friday myths too. Do your research with the deals. I haven’t posted much about them because I don’t know what you want or need so all bargains are relative to you 😉

Laura x

*TO ENSURE THAT COUPON CLIPPERS UK REMAINS FREE, THIS BLOG POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

Cashback referral codes

I have had a telling off from a most valued follower on Facebook about me not sharing my cashback app referral codes or links.

The codes or links are used by family or friends when they join up and can lead to incentives for the person to whom the code belongs to and the sometimes the person signing up.

The reason why I don’t really share my codes is that I have felt that I maybe taking the mick. I always try to be as open as possible with my followers (hence the affiliate links on this blog being labeled).

However this follower has pointed out that it is OK for me to get a little back for trying to help people out so I have composed this post to give my referral links and codes.

If you join one of the apps and would like to use my code/link then I would be very grateful 🙂

Shopmium = KMMAGAAQ

Shopitize = my shopitize link

Topcashback = my topcashback link 

Quidco/click snap = my quidco link

Thanks again 🙂

Laura x

*TO ENSURE THAT COUPON CLIPPERS UK REMAINS FREE, THIS BLOG POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

Christmas time top 10 bargains

I have to admit, I am not a massive fan of Christmas. Boo Hiss! I hear you say. I will do a separate post on the reasons why though and this post is just about my top 10 bargains for Christmas 2016.

1

Aldi advent calendar £8.99

Aldi jewelry advent calendar £9.99

These two items were part of Aldi’s special buys and there are reports of them being a sell out in most places. However you may strike it lucky and find a lonely little one somewhere!

2

Wilko cosmetic advent calendar £5

If you are a fan of trying out different cosmetics and like the look of the array of different more expensive advent calendars than this Wilko one is a steal at £5!

3

Wilko Blox advent calendar £5

Compatible with named brand building blocks Wilko’s blox are fab! This advent calendar allows younger and older kids alike to build festive items over the course of the 24 days of advent. At £5 it is sure to bring some enjoyment to the wait for Christmas and can be added to other sets for use at other times of the year.

4

B&M Airpure tealight advent calendar £2.99

Like your candles? Then this Airpure tealight calendar from B&M has some festive smelling ones for each of the 24 days of advent. At £2.99 it is much cheaper than some of the named brand ones and smelt really nice through the box 😉

5

Poundland Star Wars decorations £1 each

Got a Star Wars fan? These awesome decorations are available in Poundland. Along with the tree and stocking there are hats, baubles and tinsel!

6

These retro sweety pig money boxes from Wilko would make a great stocking filler or small gift! They come with a couple of the sweets in either love hearts, millions, wham or black jack.

7

Poundworld is bang on trend with these official Game of Thrones mugs! At £1 each they could be a stocking filler or all 6 would make a fan really happy!

8

Argos has been having a massive reduced to clear sale on some books and stationary in the last couple of weeks these Frozen books have been selling at just 9p! With my 5 year old daughter having quite a few friends these have been fantastic to cater for them this Christmas. There have been other items too such as Star Wars, Minions and Peppa Pig. The stock is limited so it may take a bit of searching to find.

 Frozen 9p books

9

These photo baubles are just £1.99 for a pack of 4 in B&M. I have seen them selling at £4+ on Ebay! I have got a pack and printed out photos of my daughter in her school and Rainbows uniform to give to Grandparents and Great-Grandparents. I am sure they will love them and each one has been less than £1 to make and wrap.

10

If you HAVE to have sprouts because it’s Christmas but don’t actually like sprouts why not swap to these little cuties? Or do you want to stop your kids from eating your chocolates? Then these chocolate balls (*giggle, smirk*) wrapped in sprout foil maybe the answer. Just £1 for the bag in B&M is a bargain in my eyes 🙂

Laura x

*TO ENSURE THAT COUPON CLIPPERS UK REMAINS FREE, THIS BLOG POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

11p Mince Pies?

You may have noticed in my Christmas dinner menu that I didn’t include mince pies. Shock, horror!

Mince pies are a traditional and now integral part of any Christmas. Therefore they deserve their own blog post.

Trying to find the savviest mince pie led me to Skint Dad’s 11p recipe from 2013

Skint Dad 2013 11p Mince Pies

and I wondered whether today, in 2016, they could still be made so cheaply?

Following Skint Dad’s vegetarian friendly recipe (a huge thank you for this) and a check with My Supermarket lead me to make this table :-

You can indeed still make a corker of a mince pie for just 11p each 🙂

If you make any mince pies this year, please share them on my social media channels so I can see how you have got on 🙂

Laura x

*TO ENSURE THAT COUPON CLIPPERS UK REMAINS FREE, THIS BLOG POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

Tips to save money at Christmas

Christmas can be a joyful time but can also be filled with stress and woe at the cost. Here are my top tips for not going over board this Christmas

1. Start early. Cards and gift wrap are normally cheapest in the January sales. Stock up then and put away for next year. You could reuse gift bags or make your own. How to make newspaper gift bags.
   
2. Get a present box. When you see a bargain that would be good for a gift throughout the year, get it and put it in the box.
3. Make a list and check it twice (or more times if you need to). Who do you want to buy for? How much can you spend on them? Would they like something home made?
4. Check what you already have. This goes for presents and food.
5. Reuse Christmas trees and decorations.
6. Get crafty what could you make instead of buying? There are loads of cheap ideas on you tube of decorations and gifts.
7. Set a budget and stick to it. Put the money in a separate purse/wallet if you need to and only shop with that money.
8. Talk to people. What do they want? What do they need? What can they afford? Why not agree not to send gifts this year or agree on a small budget that you both stick to? This could apply in work places too where a budgeted secret Santa is done so that you only have to buy one gift.
9. Break traditions and make new ones. Don’t just go out and buy new just because “it’s Christmas”. Most homes have things like sauces and condiments that could be put into pretty bowls instead of buying new
10. Check the freezer. Have you already got frozen vegetables that could be used with the meal?
11. Frozen is OK. We all know that frozen vegetables are just as good (if not better) than fresh. You can stock up on them before the day, they need less preparation and they are cheaper!
12. If you don’t like it – don’t buy it! Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you HAVE to buy sprouts 😉
13. Think outside the box! Just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you HAVE to buy a whole turkey. Heck you don’t have to go for turkey at all if you aren’t that keen on it. Why not go for another meat or fish? Or if it has to be turkey you could choose a roast instead which could save on wastage.
14. Spread the load. Are you inviting guests over for the meal? If so why not ask them to bring a bottle of drink with them. Most will be happy to oblige.
15. Lessen the waste. Think about how many people are going to be catered for. Keep this in mind when you are buying the food and try not to buy more than what is needed. Christmas dinner left overs do however make terrific bubble and squeak 😉

Laura x

*TO ENSURE THAT COUPON CLIPPERS UK REMAINS FREE, THIS BLOG POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

Half term toy sales

You may have seen that Sainsbury’s from 19-25 October, have been running an up to half price sale on their toys in store. I have seen photos of shelves being cleared this year! Sainsbury’s have this event EVERY YEAR and several toy sellers are following suit.

In the run up to Black Friday events it seems as though every toy retailer has a sale event on this half term! Hard to get to if you want to keep purchases a secret from the kids unless you get a babysitter 😉

So what have some of the other retailers got to offer?

The Entertainer has a buy one, get one for a penny sale.

Tesco has announced they will compare and match toy prices from  Argos, Toys R Us,  Asda,  John Lewis and  Sainsbury’s although the prices have to be displayed on line for them to compare.

Debenhams has a toy sale on and the code MR94 to save 20% when you spend £25+ on FULL price toys and books when ordering on line.

Asda has an UP TO half price sale on their toys.

Mothercare has half term half price toys.

These are just a few of what is going on at the moment. If you have found a major toy bargain, please share in the comments 😉

To try to avoid paying over the odds compare, compare, compare! Make use of these sales but also know that the prices of these toys may come down even further when Black Friday comes along.

Useful comparison website – Toyco

Laura x

*TO ENSURE THAT COUPON CLIPPERS UK REMAINS FREE, THIS BLOG POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*

Halloween Top 10 Bargains

I have to admit that I do not celebrate Halloween. I have my reasons that I won’t delve into here but I completely understand that some people do and some people don’t and I think all people should respect the right to chose. So although I am going to give you my top 10 Halloween bargains. Here also is a downloadable poster from Wales online that you can print and pop in your window which ever side of the fence you land on.

Wales online no or yes to trick or treaters signs

1

I have a little bit of a thing for pumpkins! Maybe it’s because they aren’t as scary as some of the other Halloween decorations that you can get, or maybe it is because they also make ace pie and soup!

These pumpkin pom poms are so cute, reusable and quite cheap at £2 from Wilko. You could probably make them yourself for a little less money, but for the non-craft people I think this is a good bargain.

Wilko Pom pom decorations £2

2

Again reusable and also may help prevent spills at a Halloween party. These drinking jars and straws from B&M are a steal at £1 (RRP £4). I am particually taken with the ‘beetle juice’ one as it immediately reminds me of the film 😉

B&M drinking jars £1

3

Again from Wilko and again with the pumpkins!

This toddler pumpkin tab-bard outfit is fun, cute and cheap. I just wish they’d make one in my size!

Wilko toddler pumpkin outfit £1

4

I am a little bit freaked out by the spider one but if you are having a Halloween party at home then these stickers for your toilet maybe a little bit of a giggle! Starting at 99p they are a bargain to decorate the room that probably everyone will have to visit during the party.

Ebay toilet seat sticker spider

Ebay Halloween toilet seat sticker

5

Great for Halloween treats and even kids parties, these little paper sweet bags come in packs of 100 for £1.79.

Amazon sweet bags

6

Poundland has a massive range of Halloween goodies at the moment. Again with the pumpkins, I love this ceramic tealight holder which could be used year upon year. I am also quite taken with their top hat head bands which take me back to my Goth youth.  From Witches hats to skeletons, Poundland has something to scare!

Poundland Halloween range

7

Poundworld also has a massive range of Halloween decorations and party wear. One of my favoutite colours is orange so I am drawn to the socks and cups. I also find the Halloween hat/balaclavas really funny too!

Poundworld Halloween range

8

Hobby craft have lots of Halloween goodies at bargain prices. This set of 50 spider rings caught my eye as they could be used as treats, in party loot bags or as part of a decoration and at £1 it makes them just 2p each!

Hobby Craft spider rings

9

At £1.99 this children’s Halloween cape from The Range is a great costume bargain that can be reused. It also appears to be made of material not plastic so it will give a more authentic look.

The Range cape

10

Another one for the littler people. This long sleeved bodysuit from Tesco F&F just shouts cute to me. It is unisex and at £1.50 it is a spookie delight.

Tesco F&F baby suit

Found any other Halloween bargains? Why not share them in the comments section below?

Laura x

 *to ensure that Coupon Clippers UK remains free, this blog post may contain affiliate links*

Newspaper coupons 24/09/2016

Here is a list of all the freebies in today’s newspapers :-

Daily Express 80p

Coupon for 2 free Capri-sun drinks from Onestop

Free £1 health lottery ticket

Daily Mail 90p

Coupon for £5 off when you spend £40+ in Lidl

Daily Star 50p

Free £1 health lottery ticket

Free £10 footie bet at Paddypower

The Sun 70p

Coupon for a free ristorante pizza at Iceland.

I am afraid I do not know the expiry dates of these as yet. If you would like to comment with them please do.

I also recommend that you sum up the cost of the newspaper with the cost of the free item and also if you will use the item.

I also understand the feelings of people regarding The Sun newspaper and I only place it here to show that it is available and not to cause any offence.

Laura x

Value toilet roll review part deux

I have finished my value toilet roll testings and the results are in!

You may remember from part 1 that I set out to trial all of these value toilet rolls to find out which I think is best value for money.

Store/Pack price/Number of rolls/Roll price/Sheets/Sheet price/Ply

Tesco                  £1                        6         16.7p             200      0.084p    2

Asda                   £1                        6          16.7p             200       0.084p   2

Sainsbury’s      £2.10                  6         35p                 400       0.088p   2

Morrisons         £2                        6        33.3p             400        0.083p    2

Waitose              £1.75                  4         43.8p             240        0.183p    2

Aldi *                  £1.99                 6        33.2p             400           0.083p   2

Wilko                  £0.90                 6        15p                 190          0.079p   2

* I had planned to review the Aldi saxon toilet roll but when I visited I became aware that the everyday essentials range is the same price for more sheets.

THE REVIEWS

TESCO EVERYDAY VALUE

 FSC = C003138 Sheet size 115 x9 6 mm

• regular sized roll
• sturdy squidgy
• dot embossed with two lines running down each side to keep ply together
• soft one side, roughish on the other#2 ply not lined up on first sheet
• heavily glued on first sheet
• not easy to tear! Strongest roll of selection

ASDA SMART PRICE

 FSC C03255 sheet size 115 x 96mm

• regular sized roll
• loosely wrapped on roll
• non-sturdy feel
• slightly grey looking
• embossed with small dots and one line
• creased on the roll
• first sheet heavily glued
• ripped several pieces when opening
• ply came apart easily
• soft on one side, rough on the other
• easily tore

SAINSBURY’S BASICS

FSC C003138 sheet size 115 x 98mm

• Large roll
• Sturdy roll
• slightly embossed with close together dots
• soft one side, slightly rough on the other
• ply lined up
• glue kept roll together but it was easy to open
• quite strong on the tear front

MORRISON’S SAVERS

 FSC C003138 sheet size 115 x 96mm

• large roll
• sturdy roll
• embossed with close together dots
• soft one side, slightly rough on the other
• 2 ply came apart easily when opening new roll
• quite strong on the tear front

WAITROSE ESSENTIAL

 FSC C013545 sheet size 124 x `104 mm

• regular sized roll
• soft sturdy
• soft both sides
• softest roll from selection
• largest sheet of selection
• very easy to tear! Weakest roll of selection
• two embossed lines keeping ply together

ALDI EVEYDAY ESSENTIALS

FSC C116007 sheet size 115 x 96mm

• Large roll
• Sturdy squidge
• Embossed on underside with small dots
• Two lines to try to keep ply together
• Ply came apart on first sheet
• Quite soft both sides
• Feels and looks thin
• Quite easy to tear

WILKO FUNCTIONAL

FSC C074684 sheet size 115 x 96mm

• regular sized roll
• cheapest of selection
• less on roll (190 sheets)
• heavy dot embossing
• a little creasing on the roll
• 2 ply not lining up for first sheet
• quite rough on both sides (roughest roll of selection)
• easily tore.

Sainburys, Morrisons and Tesco all have the FSC number of Coo3198 which means that the paper for all three is made by the same supplier (LPC Group Ltd, Leicester) Asda and Wilko’s suppliers are also in the UK along with Aldi’s which is in my birth town of Wolverhampton, but Waitrose is from Switzerland.

The FSC is “The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests.”

You can find out more about where your paper product has come from by entering the FSC number on the packaging here.

Who is the winner?!

I have given marks between 1 and 7 for each of the brands. 1 being the best and 7 worst.

I have never looked so hard at toilet roll before!It was a tough call. I have realized that softness has nothing to do with how strong the toilet roll will be and both actually play a role in what in my opinion is a good quality and value for money roll.

THE WINNER IS –

**************SAINSBURY’S BASICS***************

At £2.10 this is actually the most expensive pack I tested. However 6 rolls of 400 sheets per roll mean that one roll here is the equivalent of two regular rolls which means less changing of the roll and arguments as to which way the roll should face! 

But don’t get me started on that!

The quality is good, it is soft on one side (the side that comes in to contact 😉 ) and importantly it is strong enough to prevent ‘accidents’.

Laura x

p.s if you want to know what to do with all those empty loo rolls take a look at this fab blog post by Skint Dad 🙂