But what exactly does it mean and how can it benefit your own Vinted experience? Let’s dive into it.

In the world of Vinted, “bumped” refers to a premium visibility boost service called Item Bump.

This feature is designed to help your products reach more potential buyers by increasing their visibility on the platform.

When you purchase Item Bump, your bumped post will be automatically displayed to more Vinted members, appearing both in their catalog search results and their feed/news feed.

This way, your listings can gain more attention from interested buyers and improve your chances of making a quick sale.

Now that you know what bumped means on Vinted, you might consider trying it out for your own listings.

By making use of this feature and effectively promoting your items, you can increase your visibility on the platform and potentially sell items faster.

Keep in mind, though, that this is a paid feature, so weigh the benefits before deciding whether to invest in bumps for your posts.

The Basics of Vinted

Vinted is a popular platform for buying and selling second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories.

You can easily clear out your wardrobe and make some money in the process. To start, simply create an account and list the items you’d like to sell.

When your item sells, you’ll be able to keep the earnings from the sale without any hidden fees.

Item Bump is a useful feature on Vinted that increases your item’s visibility, making it more likely to be purchased.

When you “bump” an item, it is promoted to a larger audience of potential buyers.

This can be beneficial if you’re looking to sell your items quickly or if you have a specific piece that you think will be popular.

To increase your chances of making a sale, it’s essential to provide clear photos, detailed descriptions, and to price your items competitively.

Bundling items together can also enhance the appeal for buyers who appreciate bulk shopping.

When it comes to shipping, Vinted offers several options. You can either arrange shipping yourself, or have the platform take care of it for an extra fee.

Remember to package your sold items securely and provide tracking information to the buyer to ensure a smooth transaction.

There are numerous other places to sell clothes for cash in the UK, but Vinted stands out as a user-friendly platform with a supportive community.

Now that you know the basics of Vinted, you can confidently begin buying and selling items on the platform, making a little extra cash from your pre-loved items.

What Does Bumped Mean on Vinted?

Bumped on Vinted refers to a feature that helps increase the visibility of your items for sale.

When you choose to bump an item, it gets pushed to the top of the search feed, making it more likely to be seen by potential buyers.

Item Bump is an additional service offered by Vinted, which uses different criteria to present your listing to the right buyers, increasing the chance of a purchase.

It is available as a paid feature, which you can use to boost single items or your entire wardrobe.

By bumping your items, you can improve their position in search results for a set period, such as three or seven consecutive days, or until the item is sold, whichever occurs first.

This helps attract more buyers and can lead to quicker sales for your products.

Using the bumped feature is a great strategy for those looking to sell items quickly and reach a wider audience of interested buyers on Vinted.

Just remember to choose your items wisely and use this feature prudently to ensure that you get the most out of it. Happy selling!

How Does Bumping Work on Vinted?

Bumping on Vinted is a feature designed to increase the visibility of your items among potential buyers.

When you opt for an Item Bump, your listing will be presented to buyers who are more likely to be interested in your item.

This way, you can improve the chances of selling your items quickly.

To bump your items on Vinted, follow these simple steps:

1. Go to your item’s listing and select the “Promote your item” option.
2. Choose “Item Bump” from the available promotion options.
3. Confirm the payment, and your item will be bumped.

Keep in mind that when you use this feature, Vinted will prioritise your listing based on several criteria.

These criteria include the item’s relevance to the potential buyer, their browsing history, and their preferences.

By doing this, Vinted ensures that your item is seen by the right audience.

However, it’s important to note that some users have reported not seeing a significant improvement in sales after bumping items.

As mentioned in a Reddit discussion, it might be better to focus on other strategies, such as updating your item descriptions and adding high-quality photos, to attract buyers.

Using Item Bumps can be helpful in specific situations, but it’s a good idea to try out various methods and find out what works best for you.

By consistently refining your Vinted strategy, you’ll increase your chances of making successful sales on the platform.

Advantages of Bumping on Vinted

Bumping your items on Vinted can improve visibility and increase the chances of selling your products.

When you bump your items, they receive a visibility boost and will be displayed to more platform members, both in their catalogue search results and in their news feed.

One of the key benefits of bumping is the increased exposure. Your items will be placed higher in search results for a specific duration, usually three or seven consecutive days, or until the item is sold, whichever occurs first.

This enhanced visibility can lead to more potential buyers discovering your products, as well as an increased number of likes and clicks.

In addition to the increased visibility, bumping can also lead to faster sale.

By promoting your items, you’re giving them extra attention and staying present within the Vinted community’s eye.

This means your products have a better chance of being seen by interested buyers who are actively looking for items like yours, thus boosting the sale of your products.

Another advantage of bumping your items on Vinted is that it allows you to effectively promote multiple products in your wardrobe at once.

When you bump a specific item, the visibility of your other products may also improve, as buyers may be more inclined to browse through your entire collection.

This could lead to an overall increase in sales for your wardrobe.

In conclusion, bumping on Vinted offers several advantages, such as increased exposure, faster sales, and the potential to boost sales for your entire wardrobe.

By making use of this feature, you can improve your chances of success on the platform and make selling your items a more enjoyable experience.

Things to Bear in Mind When Bumping

Bumping your items on Vinted can be a helpful way to increase visibility and potentially boost your sales.

However, there are a few things to consider before you start bumping.

Firstly, remember that bumping your items requires an investment, as it costs some money to do so.

Although it may bring your listings to a larger audience, it won’t necessarily guarantee a sale.

Therefore, it’s important to weigh up the potential benefits against the cost of bumping before making a decision.

Another point to consider is the effectiveness of bumping.

Some Vinted users have commented that they don’t find bumping to be particularly helpful, and as a buyer, they may even ignore bumped items [^4^].

So, it’s worth considering whether your target audience is likely to respond well to this promotional method.

Additionally, don’t solely rely on bumping to improve your sales. Enhance your listings with clear, high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.

It’s also essential to have competitive pricing and good communication with potential buyers.

Lastly, be aware that Vinted doesn’t provide a detailed performance review of your wardrobe before and after bumping [^5^].

Without these insights, it might be challenging to measure the true impact of your bumping efforts.

In summary, bumping can be a useful tool to increase your items’ visibility on Vinted, but it’s essential to consider the costs and potential effectiveness before making this decision.

Focus on other aspects of your listings, such as presentation, pricing, and communication, to ensure you’re providing an attractive offering for buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do bumping items work on Vinted?

Bumping an item on Vinted is a feature that helps increase the visibility of your listing.

When you purchase a bump for your item, it pushes the listing to a higher position in search results and displays it to potential buyers who are more likely to be interested in the product.

This enhances the chances of selling the item quickly.

Is it beneficial to bump items on Vinted?

While some users have found success with bumping on Vinted, others have not seen a significant difference in sales after using the feature.

It’s essential to consider your item’s popularity, quality of photos, description, and pricing when determining whether bumping is beneficial for you.

If you already have a well-presented listing, bumping could drive more traffic and potential buyers.

What are the costs associated with bumping on Vinted?

Vinted offers various bump packages, each with a different number of bumps and price points. The specific cost of bumping an item depends on the chosen package.

Keep in mind that the more bumps you purchase, the more visibility your item receives, but it is important to weigh these costs against potential sales and profits.

Are there ways to receive free bumps on Vinted?

Vinted occasionally offers free bumps as part of promotional events or through their referral programme.

Be sure to stay updated on their platform and engage with their communication channels to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise.

How can I remove a bump from an item on Vinted?

Once a bump is applied to an item, it cannot be removed.

However, the bump’s effects will naturally dissipate over time as new listings and other bumped items push your listing down in the search results.

Keep in mind that bumping is designed to provide a temporary boost in visibility, so its effects will not be long-lasting.

What is a Vinted bump bot?

A Vinted bump bot is an unofficial tool created by third-party developers to automatically bump listings on Vinted.

Please remember that using such tools can violate Vinted’s terms of service and may result in penalties, including the suspension or closure of your account.

It is always best to follow Vinted’s guidelines and only use their official features to stay within their rules and ensure a positive experience on their platform.

One of the options that may have already crossed your mind is flogging your old threads.

But is this viable, how much money can you make and where do you even sell clothes for cash, anyway?

This complete guide to selling clothes for cash in the UK has all the answers to those questions – and many more.

We’ll walk you through exactly how to swap your old clothes for some much-needed moolah, and all the ways you can do it.

Someone out there wants your pre-loved garments.

The second-hand clothes and shoe market is booming, so why not make some extra cash and clear out your wardrobe in one fell swoop?

Here’s all you need to know about how to sell clothes for cash in the UK. And how to make sure you get the best possible price for every single item.

Top 10 Places to Sell Clothes for Cash 2024

1. Vinted

Sell on Vinted and you could get minted.

So how do you sell on Vinted, and what exactly is it?

Vinted is a free, user-friendly app that works as an online marketplace.

It’s used for buying and selling new and used goods. Especially clothes and accessories.

As Vinted is a known and successfully used model for selling clothes, it’s a great place to start.

The app is simple to use, and everything’s there in one place.

Pros:

• Free app
• User-friendly interface
• Clothing and accessories niche

Cons:

• You may need to set up an account

2. Cash for Clothes

Cash for Clothes can be an easy one, as you can get a shot of a lot of items in one hit.

They have branches around the UK, so you can deal with real people rather than solely online and by post.

Cash for Clothes will buy clothes and footwear that are in clean and wearable condition.

Their branches are all over the place – in car parks, outdoor stores, supermarkets, and more.

The pricing structure is simple. They pay 50p per kilo for most clothing and 30p for some ethnic garments.

30p per kilo is also paid for household items such as linens, bric-a-brac, crockery, and small electricals.

If you have any books, CDs, or DVDs to sell and are willing to accept 5p per kilo, you can take those along too.

The latter must be in cases and books mustn’t be malodorous!

Pros:

• Branches across the UK
• You can offload stuff all at once
• Some other items also accepted

Cons:

• Low prices paid
• Having to get to the branch
• Items may not be deemed acceptable

3. eBay

Sometimes the tried and tested methods are the best.

If you already have an eBay account, then you can cut out an entire step by listing them on eBay.

Listing pre-loved garments here can also expose them to a broad audience of potential buyers—possibly worldwide.

eBay also lets you use various sales models. You can list items for auction, or use a ‘Buy It Now’ price.

The fees you’ll pay vary according to all sorts of factors.

The downsides of eBay are the competition you’ll face – and the seller fees.

To minimise these, look out for email alerts that will tell you when a fee-free promo period is going to happen.

Pros:

• You probably already have an account
• Auction or ‘Buy it Now’ options
• Sell to buyers worldwide

Cons:

• High selling fees
• Lots of competition

4. Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire Collective is a resale site that specialises in designer gear.

If you have a sought-after item of clothing to sell, this may be the most appropriate option.

The downside is that fees are even higher than when selling on eBay – but there is a reason for that.

All the second-hand goods sold through Vestiaire Collective are verified by the site, instilling confidence in buyers.

This means they’re more likely to part with more money, as they know what they’ll be getting.

You can only sell via Vestiaire Collective if your garment or accessory is labelled by one of the brands they deal in.

There’s a full list here, and some high-street brands such as Lipsy, Mango, Miss Sixty, Next, and Zara can be found on it.

There are thousands of labels on this list, and many – but not all – are top-end designers.

So how does selling work? You list items for a set price, and doing that is free.

You then pay 14% of the sale price – or a flat rate of £12 for items under £90.

Plus, there’s a fee of 3% for processing.

So do factor all this in when setting your prices.

Pros:

• Niche market
• Designer items verified by the site
• Some high-street brands included

Cons:

• Even higher fees than eBay

5. Car Boot Sales

Some people just cannot resist a car boot sale bargain.

Meaning you could be quids in if you sell clothes this way.

It can make a fun day out, and you should come home with more cash than you started with, too.

There’s every chance you’ll spend that money at other stalls, though, so be disciplined unless you intend to sell those spoils to make more money!

On the negative side, you could end up coming home with your old clothes that don’t sell.

It will also involve a cash outlay to pay for your pitch – and the fuel to get there.

Pros:

• There’s bound to be a local one
• Some people are very successful
• It’s a fun day out when you can meet lots of people

Cons:

• Upfront payment for pitch
• You may return with unwanted clothes
• Shoppers often want to pay very low prices

6. Facebook

Facebook is a little like eBay in that everyone knows it, and most people have an account.

Selling clothes via local groups on Facebook can be simple and fast – and in some cases lucrative too.

List your unwanted threads on Facebook Marketplace, and it should post them to any local groups you belong to.

Sometimes items are sold within moments, and even then people will ask if they can be next in line if they want what you’ve got.

If selling via Facebook, it’s a good idea to name a higher price than you want, as people tend to haggle.

So leave some room for a bit of bartering.

State whether you’re willing to deliver or if you’d like the buyer to collect.

One downside of Facebook selling is that people don’t turn up sometimes.

Another is that once you communicate with them, buyers can see your profile.

If you ask them to collect, they’ll also know where you live.

This is unlikely to lead to any issues, but there’s always some risk.

If you’re selling a high-value item and live alone, getting someone to visit when your buyer is due to collect is a good idea.

Just to make sure they pay up and to give the impression that someone else lives there with you.

Pros:

• Quick and easy
• You can sell in the local area
• More willing buyers may be waiting

Cons:

• Security and privacy risks
• No-shows can be high
• Expect to barter

7. Shpock

Shpock is a bit like Facebook, but the site is dedicated to selling online rather than being a social media hub.

So you have a captive audience, and it’s aimed at buyers in your local area.

Many of the same pros and cons of Facebook apply. If they collect the clothing, buyers will know where you live.

They cannot, however, view a profile as they could on Facebook.

Shpock stands for Shop in your Pocket, and it’s free to use.

Again, expect buyers to barter.

You can post items and receive PayPal payments with Shpock. This isn’t as popular as local selling, however.

Pros:

• Free to use
• More privacy than Facebook
• Option to post items as well as sell locally

Cons:

• Haggling is the norm
• You might need to set up an account

8. Bride 2 Bride

If you have a wedding dress to flog, then Bride 2 Bride could be the site for you.

Though you can try your luck on sites like Vinted, this one’s aimed at a niche market.

Wedding dresses sell for hundreds or even thousands on Bride 2 Bride, so clearly, there’s money to be made.

To list your gown, you’ll need to pay a one-off fee of £14 or £20 (standard or premium).

There’s no time limit, so your dress can stay on the site until it’s sold. Secure messaging is also included.

Which can be especially important when it comes to high-value items.

Pros:

• Low fees
• Niche market
• No time limit
• Secure Messaging

Cons:

• You may pay a fee and not sell

9. Local Second Hand Stores

Many areas have second-hand shops offering vintage or used designer goods for sale.

So if a place near you specialises in retro or pre-loved goods, you could try selling to them directly.

It can be a fast and simple way to get extra cash.

The store owner will need to make a profit, though. And they may have high overheads.

So don’t expect to get as much money for items when using this kind of ‘middleman’ service.

On the plus side, it might just help someone in your local area to stay in business!

Pros:

• This can mean instant cash
• Helps the local economy
• Goods will go to a ‘good home’

Cons:

• Less lucrative than selling directly

10. Depop

Why not declutter and sell on Depop?

This clothing marketplace doesn’t strictly specialise in vintage garments, but rare items from the 1990s, in particular, seem to be mega-popular.

Unlike other sites, you can snap selfies of yourself wearing the clothing when listing it for sale if you like, though this isn’t compulsory.

You can add tags to your listings, such as ’90s’, ‘dance’, or ‘bands’.

The vast majority of Depop’s users are in the under-26 or ‘youth’ age demographic, and it seems they’re often seeking 90s or 2000s items from around the time when they were born!

Items that are handmade or classed as vintage can also do well on Depop.

Think of alternative clothing for teens and twenty-somethings, and you’ve got the gist of it.

Depop is another site where buyers tend to haggle, so bear this in mind.

They also charge a 10% fee on all sales.

Pros:

• Young market
• 1990s and 2000s items popular
• Sought-after items can command high prices

Cons:

• 10% sales fee
• Haggling is de rigueur

7 Top Tips When Selling Clothes for Cash

1. Show ‘Em Off

No one is turned on by a poorly-lit picture of a creased garment.

It makes the clothes look uncared for, too, which might only decrease their value. As well as the number of willing buyers.

Before you sell clothes, wash them, iron them and hang them up as if you were displaying them in a shop.

Photos of the front, back and any significant details are just what you want.

Labels and price tags are also good ones to zoom in on.

2. A Clear, Concise, and Complete Description

In fact, make that a truthful, concise, and clear description.

Make sure you do mention any stains, holes, or other faults. If you don’t, it will only come back to bite you later.

Think about what the buyer wants to know.

The size – and is this true to size or a little on the large or smaller side?

Maybe suggest an occasion it’s suitable for, so they can really picture themselves wearing it for work, a party, or lounging around.

Do state the colour – it may seem obvious from the picture but they may wonder how accurately the camera has captured the shade.

Another thing to mention is the fabric.

Is it thin or thick, and is the garment machine washable or not?

3. Sell According to Season

No one’s looking for winter jumpers during a sunny June heatwave.

Think one step ahead, maybe – as the shops do – but not six months in advance.

If you want to make as much extra cash as you can, then sell clothes that people will buy at that time.

Christmas jumpers, for example, will fly off the shelves in November, while summer holiday wear will do best when summer’s fast approaching.

4. Don’t Dilly Dally

If you’ve recently bought something and realised you’re not in love with it after all, then get it shifted as soon as possible.

Assuming it can’t be returned, that is.

Clothes depreciate very quickly unless perhaps they’re vintage designer wear or other rare, sought-after items.

So strike while the iron’s hot and get it sold sharpish when it’s too late to take it back to the shop.

5. Factor in P&P

Don’t forget that it’s going to cost you if you send a garment to someone by post.

There’s the postage itself to pay for, but you might also need to buy a suitable padded envelope, bag, or box to send it in.

Parcels cost a LOT more to send than what Royal Mail classes as ‘large letters’.

If when packaged it weighs 750 grams or less and measures no more than 35 x 25 x 2.5 cm, then you can save around two or three pounds as compared to a 45 x 35 x 16cm ‘small parcel’ weighing up to two kilos.

6. Consider Tracking

What are you going to do if the buyer tells you they never received the item? It happens.

While many (perhaps most) people are honest, some are not.

The only way to know for sure if the clothing arrived with the buyer is to track the delivery.

It costs more but may be worthwhile for higher-value items. You may also be able to pass the cost onto the buyer.

7. Know What Sells

Do you know which sorts of clothes sell well in the UK?

Garments that are among the top items to resell in the UK include branded clothing and wedding dresses.

Don’t forget about accessories too – shoes and deluxe handbags often sell very well indeed.

Where Can I Sell Clothes in the UK – FAQs

How much does Cash For Clothes pay?

Cash for Clothes pays 50p per kilo for most clothing in clean condition. 30p is paid for linens and ethnic garments. For 5p per kilo, Cash for Clothes will also buy boxed DVDs and CDs, and books that are in good nick and don’t smell.

Where is the best place to sell unwanted clothes?

The best place to sell pre-loved clothes depends on the quantity and type of garments. Specialist items like wedding dresses and retro or vintage goods do well on niche sites.

Apps and pages for local sales can also be quick and simple methods. eBay is also a tried and tested method.

How can I get money for my old clothes?

You can sell old clothes online, take them to a Cash for Clothes store, sell at a car boot sale or try trading with a local secondhand shop.

There are many niches and general websites and apps for selling clothes, and some specialise in older items or even wedding dresses.

How can I sell unwanted clothes in the UK?

In the UK, some of the most popular ways to sell unwanted clothes are via Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You can also try specialist apps and sites like Vinted, Shpock, Depop, Vestiaire Collective or Bride 2 Bride.

Selling locally at car boot sales or to pre-loved clothing stores is also an option.

Selling Clothes in the UK – Final Thoughts

If you have clothes you no longer wear, you could sell them for extra cash. And why not, if they’re just sitting there gathering dust?

If you have time to list an item and post it or hand it over to a local buyer, then you could sell clothes online. There are plenty of social media pages, sites and apps to use.

You could also take your unwanted garments to a secondhand store or car boot sale. If you need the space – or the money – and don’t need the clothing, what have you got to lose by swapping your old clothes for cash?

The same, of course, may apply to parents of newly minted teenagers.

Is there a way to make money online or otherwise, so you or your teen develops a genuine sense of independence and responsibility?

From buying the latest trainers or must-have gadget to having money to spend when out and about with friends, many 13-year-old wants to make money of their own.

It may sound dull, but you’re never too young to save money, either.

Even if you set aside just a few pounds a month when you get paid, it soon mounts up. This could give you a head start over your peers in the future.

You may also be able to build a business that will bring in extra money while you’re at university in a few years’ time – or could net you enough extra pounds to buy a good car.

How to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old in the UK: 20 Ideas

If you’re wondering how to make money as a 13-year-old, the first thing to know is that there are two main ways to make extra cash.

You can either advertise your services locally so you can get paid by family, friends, and neighbours to take tasks like dog walking or car washing off their hands.

The other main way to start earning is to find some kind of online work – and the amount of money you could make from doing that is considerable.

Why get paid as a 13-year-old when you could earn money that equals an adult’s income?

The good news is that your age is a benefit here, rather than a drawback. In general, 13-year-olds are very tech-savvy, and that can be a huge bonus.

If you know how to make videos, create engaging social media posts, or think you’ve spotted a gap in the market for something you could sell to your peers, you could soon be earning some serious cash.

Perhaps you know how to build a website, have a natural flair for writing, or can create unique pieces of artwork that people would pay good money for.

In an ideal world, you first find something you enjoy and are good at. Then you work out a way to make money from it.

This list includes 20 of the best ways to make money as a minor. Why not take a look at the suggestions to see which ways to make money really grab your attention?

1. Take Online Surveys

There are lots of survey sites out there, and the good news is that some will allow teenagers to sign up. So what’s it all about?

Join a reputable survey site and you can fill out surveys whenever you have a few moments or more to spare. For each survey you take, you can get paid in cash or gift cards.

It’s easy to fit this kind of work into the average day. Do a survey while travelling on the bus to school, or while you’re watching a TV program you’re not really that into.

While it’s not a way to make serious money, this kind of work is simple to do whenever you have the time and can earn you your own money to spend as you like. (Subject to parental approval, of course.)

Here are some details of the survey site that accepts applications from 13-year-olds.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a free app that allows UK teens aged 13 or more to apply, as long as they have the permission of their parent or guardian.

Using Swagbucks is generally seen as a way of earning gift cards for free, which you can then spend at various retailers such as Amazon.

With Swagbucks, you can earn these gift certificates by completing questionnaires, or maybe when you watch videos or search online.

You may also get paid if you play games or shop online via the links that the site or app provides.

2. Work for Your Parents

Sometimes the obvious solutions really are the best. If you don’t ask you don’t get, so why not ask your parents if you can help out more around the house in return for payment?

Don’t expect them to pay you for chores you already do, however. That’s a given and all part of growing up!

Think about what they dislike doing, or which tasks they never seem to get around to. To earn extra cash, think about taking those jobs off their hands.

If they hate cooking but you’re keen to experiment in the kitchen, they may gladly let you prepare dinner more often. Or you might wash the car or run errands in your local area.

If they have a business of their own, even better. What could you do just as well as someone else they might employ?

Could you take unwanted tasks off their hands while you make money?

You could also think beyond your folks. What about neighbours, friends of the family or your parents’ work colleagues? Could you make money by helping them?

Whether it’s tidying the garden, cleaning the bathrooms, or raking leaves, many people would be glad to pay you to carry out such tasks for them.

3. Deliver Newspapers

Taking on a paper route is probably the best-known way to make money the world over for cash-hungry teens – and is still a very realistic option.

Check the ads at the back of your local paper, or get in touch with their office. You could also ask at any local stores offering a newspaper delivery service.

A paper round is a great way to get fit, but do bear in mind that you’ll be expected to deliver no matter what the weather brings!

4. Sell Unused Stuff

If your wardrobe could do with a clear-out, this one could be perfect.

While many people just leave their unused possessions lying around, gathering dust, really that’s a crazy thing to do.

One person’s unwanted goods may indeed be a treasure to someone else, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what someone would pay to take items off your hands.

Whether it’s games, books, gadgets, clothing, or collectables, you’re bound to have something you no longer need or even want.

This is definitely one to get your parents involved in, however, for two reasons.

Firstly, if they probably bought the stuff in the first place, it’s only fair to ask their permission to sell it.

Secondly, you will have to use their accounts for listings and transactions, as sites like eBay have strict over 18s only policies in place.

Where can you sell? Try local trading pages on Facebook as well as the likes of eBay, Music Magpie, CEX, We Buy Books, Depop, and Vinted.

CEX, We Buy Books and Music Magpie are best for media and tech, while Vinted or Depop users are normally looking for clothing and accessories like bags, shoes, and jewellery.

You could also do this on behalf of other people! Assuming you can strike a deal over who gets what share of the profits, so you can make money.

Related: 32 Best Things To Resell in the UK

5. Get Flipping

You can also make money from flipping. The term refers to buying used goods and selling them on at a profit.

This could mean scouring charity shops or car boot sales to uncover hidden treasures you can sell as they are.

Or it may mean doing some work before you can turn a profit – such as upcycling old pieces of furniture.

If you can fix things or make them look even better than they did when new, flipping could be the one for you.

Again you’ll require parental cooperation here to deal with the financial side of selling online.

6. Rent Stuff Out

If you – or your parents – have gadgets or equipment other people would pay to use for a short time, why not look at renting them out?

Sites like Fat Llama let people borrow what they need in exchange for payment. You list an item, then any interested parties can get in touch to check availability or ask questions.

The next step is to arrange collection – so in the interests of safety, you should only arrange to do this when your folks will also be around.

You’ll also need your parents to help deal with the financial side of things.

7. Be Crafty

If you can make items that other people will buy – such as handmade jewelry, stitched, knitted, or crocheted goods, or one-off pieces of art – then you might be able to build a thriving business by harnessing your creative streak.

Facebook’s Marketplace is again a good place to sell crafts, or if you want to go pro then get set up on Etsy.

As Etsy sellers must be 18 or over you’ll need your parent’s permission and cooperation to work as an Etsy trader, but it’s the site to be found on if you can offer unique items for sale.

Related:

• 20 craft items you can make & sell
• 30 things Etsy buyers want
• Selling digital downloads on Etsy

8. Babysit Younger Kids

While there are strict rules around who can find jobs in childcare, many parents are very happy to leave their children in the hands of teens they actually know and trust.

If your parents have friends who would love to have a child-free night out, why not offer to babysit their kids?

You could always work for free in the first instance, to see if it works out for both parties.

If it does, a steady stream of work may well come your way before too long. Word of mouth can be everything when it comes to this kind of gig. If you’re trustworthy, you really can make money by doing babysitting jobs.

9. Try Pet Sitting

If no one you know needs a babysitter or you prefer animals to small children, why not see if you can find some dog walking work or a pet sit gig?

With so many extended families spread across the country and even the world, there are real opportunities for reliable people to take care of pets when their owners are away.

Ask around and you might find this kind of work more quickly than you thought. Do exercise great care here, though: meeting strangers or going to their houses clearly poses risks.

For this reason, it’s best to secure this sort of gig via people you know such as friends, family, or neighbours.

10. Referee Sports Matches

Believe it or not, teens can work in refereeing. 14 is the UK’s minimum age. In practice, it’s best to be a few years older than the kids you’re working with.

There’s nothing to stop you from refereeing games involving kids aged 11, 12 or under.

The best way to find out about this kind of work is to read this article on the FA website. You’ll need to complete their FA Referee Course.

11. Write Content

Are you good at stringing sentences together and articulating ideas in word form? Do you enjoy writing?

If the answers to those questions are yes, then you could make money by working as a freelance writer.

This is a fabulous one to add to your resume later on too – the fact that you’ve actually been paid to put articles together for other people is a surefire way to impress that prestigious college or even a future full-time employer.

While making more money than your peers!

It can be a particularly good gig to get into if you want to work in a related field such as advertising, publishing, or academia.

Networking is a great way to get started. Do you or your family know anyone who runs a website, for example?

If so then they are likely to need all kinds of content written, from landing pages to product descriptions and blog posts.

This can give you a head start, as anyone looking to employ a freelance writer is likely to want to check out samples of your work.

While many freelance sites have higher minimum age requirements, there is one big one that is open to those aged 13 or older.

Fiverr

Fiverr accepts applications from anyone aged 13 or more and is one of the largest online freelance sites on the market.

The site specialises in providing business owners with the services they need – and one of those is freelance writers.

Just think about it. Every single piece of writing you’ve ever read – from the back of a cereal packet or description of a hoodie to a long, in-depth article on a company website – has been written by someone.

The number of websites out there is growing daily. Many site owners don’t have the time – or even want – to write their own content.

This is where Fiverr comes in. The site can connect you with these people, so you make money. Online jobs don’t come much better than this.

Being 13 years old doesn’t have to stop you if you have a flair for the written word. Why not sign up with Fiverr and see what sort of gigs you can find?

12. Manage Social Media

As a young person and member of Gen Z, you have a huge advantage when it comes to social media.

Though many millennials may have also grown up with Facebook, Insta, and Twitter, they may not be as savvy when it comes to YouTube, TikTok, and making engaging reels or stories.

Go back further than that and you have Gen X, whose cohorts were raised in a time without mobile phones, the internet, or even – in some cases – colour TVs.

And beyond the Baby Boomers, some of whom even got used to post-war food rationing.

The fact that a 13-year-old grew up with social media as the norm means they have an intuitive handle on it. Something older people may lack. So why not make money by helping them out?

In many cases, those who are unfamiliar with Tweets, TikTok videos, and how to run a YouTube channel will gladly pay someone to take the task of posting, connecting, and communicating off their hands.

Again, it’s worth asking around to see if anyone your parents know requires this service. Then you can bag a bit of experience before advertising your services on Fiverr.

13. Design Graphics

Not everyone has a talent for writing or knows their way around social media – and nor do they necessarily have a flair for graphic design.

If you do and can learn how to use design sites such as Canva, there’s nothing to stop young teens from offering freelance graphic design services.

In fact, sometimes the two can go hand in hand, as it’s a pretty dull article that contains no images whatsoever.

If you write social media posts, then creating a correctly sized image to go with the text gives your content a professional touch.

Why not take a look at Canva so you can see what’s possible?

From a Pinterest Pin, Insta post, or Facebook header image to a logo, poster, or flyer, it’s quick and easy to create high-quality, downloadable graphics. So you can make money this way, even without prior experience.

If you have a knack for what looks good, why not advertise your services on Fiverr or ask around to see if there are any local businesses requiring such a service?

14. Create T-shirts

If you fancy taking your graphic design skills to the next level, why not think about creating your own t-shirt designs to offer for sale?

Again the money management side of things will require parental cooperation. If your folks are happy to play their part, though, then there’s nothing to stop you from working as a fashion designer of sorts.

T-shirts aren’t the only item you could make money from. Other options include hoodies, baby clothing, mugs, phone cases, fridge magnets, stickers, stationery, and more. There are quite a few ways to make money here!

Sites like Cafepress and RedBubble are good places to make money selling this sort of stuff, as you can upload your designs quickly and easily to be listed for sale all over the world.

Amazon Merch also works in a similar way for those setting up a t-shirt business, though again you’ll need an adult over 18 to set up and supervise the account.

15. Code Websites

This one’s a little more niche, but it’s ideal for those who have a talent for web design or using code.

It’s fairly demanding, but if you’re comfortable with that and know what you’re doing then it could prove a very lucrative side hustle. Or even the beginnings of your own business.

The fact that you’ve helped to build websites to client specifications is also a great one for adding to your CV later on.

There are plenty of opportunities for designers and coders on sites like Fiverr, or you could ask around to see if there are any openings in your neighbourhood.

Familiarity with systems like WordPress and Shopify can come in useful when you want to make money this way, as they’re the platforms most businesses now use to create their websites and online stores.

16. Start Blogging

If you like writing – and are prepared to have a go at building your own website using WordPress – it’s definitely worth thinking about starting a blog of your own.

The term ‘blog’ is actually just short for web log, and in reality can cover most kinds of websites, apart from corporate ones or online stores.

In fact, even the biggest business sites and retailers often have a blog section on their sites. They use this as a way of driving traffic to their sites while encouraging customer loyalty.

The downside is that blogging is a longer-term game – you won’t make money overnight.

On the flip side, though, you can develop so many skills, from writing or social media to website and graphic design.

So how do bloggers earn money? There are 3 main ways they do this. Placing ads on their site will generally result in an income based on the ‘pay per click’ system.

Bloggers may also be offered opportunities to create sponsored content, where companies will pay them a fee to write about and/or photograph or promote their products or services.

The third way bloggers can make money is through affiliate revenue. This means they earn a fee – usually a percentage of the sale value – when a reader clicks a link to a recommended product.

Setting up a blog can develop so many skills – and in the long term could even earn you a full-time income.

It can also act as a showcase for your work – particularly relevant if you want to work as a freelance writer, graphic designer, social media manager or website coder.

Before you start, try to find an untapped niche to maximise your chances of success.

17. Offer Virtual Assistance

If you’re organised, responsible, and good at communicating, you could offer your services as a part-time virtual assistant – or VA.

Good, reliable VAs are very much in demand, and the role could see you doing anything from proofreading to posting on social media or uploading content to WordPress.

You could also get involved in tasks like diary organization, invoicing, answering emails, or any general admin duties.

In a nutshell, you could do anything that someone like a Personal Assistant would do – the only difference is that you would work remotely instead of in a workplace.

Sites like Fiverr can help you find VA work, or you could try local or specialist Facebook groups. Those aimed at bloggers, in particular, can be a great way of making the right contacts.

Related – Getting started as a VA & the top virtual assistant courses

18. Review New Music

If the kind of writing you’d really love to do involves giving your opinion on what could be a future Billboard hit, then why not review new tunes with Slice the Pie?

Slice the Pie

You can sign up with this music review site from age 13, and you’ll basically get paid for sharing your opinion on the tracks they offer for review.

The opportunity to make money by reviewing other things, such as clothing, may also be offered to members.

With millions of reviewers to their name, Slice the Pie can net you a small profit while influencing the worlds of music and fashion at the same time.

19. Become a YouTuber

For keen fans of YouTube, making your own videos to share via the audio-visual platform may sound like something of a dream come true.

If that describes you and you’re aged 13 or older, you can sign up for your very own YouTube account. You will then, in time, be able to make money by placing ads on your channel.

There are minimum requirements before you can place ads, but once you reach certain levels of followers and viewing hours you’re good to go.

You’ll also need a linked Google AdSense account, so again perhaps your parents would be willing to help out with that.

The video-making and editing skills you’ll develop may also come in useful in the future – and look good on your CV too.

20. Do Voiceovers

If you shy away from being seen on screen but don’t mind your voice being heard, then you could earn money by offering your services as a voiceover artist.

This is one best kept for those who are serious about creating a longer-term career, as to have the best chance of success you will need specialist equipment like a good microphone and effective soundproofing.

As a way of making money, though, you could be in this for the long haul, and it’s a flexible gig that you can often work at as and when you want to.

For more on becoming a voiceover artist, check out this post on Voices.com.

5 Top Tips for Working Teens

Here are some things to bear in mind before you go looking for that first paid gig.

1. Set a Schedule

Schoolwork always comes first – that’s the reason why UK employment laws for under-18s are so strict.

While some sites suggest working during school hours – usually by selling items to your classmates – here at Mum’s Money we know that’s an absolute no-no.

Sit down with your parents and work out when you could – well, work.

Making money aged 13 shouldn’t yet be your top priority, so you have to fit it into your free time rather than what should be used as study time.

2. Use Your Contacts

Above all, keep your parents in the loop when it comes to looking for paid work. Not least because they may be a source of useful contacts!

Who knew that your dad’s colleague was looking for a dog walker, or that your mum’s best friend was desperate for someone to post on social media on behalf of her business?

In fact, tell the world. Neighbours, friends, and members of your extended family all may know something – or someone – you don’t. As might your school pals.

3. Create an Email

We also recommend setting up a dedicated email address to use for work purposes – especially if you’re going to be signing up for websites in your quest to find work.

Make sure it has a professional sound to it – terms like sweet cheeks, hot rod or psycho killer are not going to cut it at all when it comes to looking the business.

4. Get Paid

If you’re going to work for money, then you need a way of getting paid.

This is where you’re going to need your parents’ input once more, as you can’t sign up for the likes of a PayPal account until you reach the age of 18.

You may also be able to set up your own bank account, as long as your parents are happy to authorise this.

5. Polish Your Skills

One thing that teens often have on their hands is time – so for goodness’ sake do use this to your advantage!

Try making something, have a play on Canva or YouTube, write a review or take a look at the craft and upcycling projects on Pinterest.

The best kind of part or full-time career is one you enjoy, so why not hone your skills in something you love until you reach a professional, marketable level?

Related – 16 free courses in working from home

Staying Safe While You Make Money

It’s absolutely vital that you stay safe when looking for work or carrying out your duties, which is why our number one tip is to keep your parents in the loop.

Sadly, there are scammers out there who would be willing to take advantage of a minor, so to stay safe make sure you only sign up for sites that are fully legit.

You also need to be careful when giving out any personal information.

So keep your parents informed, and also make a note of any applications you make or sites you sign up for, just in case you need to refer to this later.

Working Teenagers and Labour Laws

You can check out Gov.UK to see how the laws for working teenagers might affect you.

Both you and your parents should familiarise yourselves with these before you start looking for paid work. These are outlined as general restrictions and by age, as follows.

Don’t forget that different rules will apply to countries other than the UK.

Minimum Age

The minimum age for working teens in the UK is 13. Part-time work only is permitted until reaching school leaving age.

The only exception is kids who are actors or models, and they require a performance license. Parental or adult supervision is also a requirement.

The National Minimum Wage

Children of school age have no entitlement to the national minimum wage.

Tax

Under 16s aren’t liable for National Insurance contributions. They only need to go on the payroll if they exceed their annual personal allowance.

Age 16+

Anyone aged 16 or 17 should be paid a minimum of £4.81 per hour. When earning over £123 plus per week, the employer needs to sign up for PAYE (pay as you earn, for taxes) and register as an employer with HMRC.

General Restrictions for Working Children

Here in the UK, kids cannot work:

• Without an employment permit, where the local council requires this
• Before 7 am, after 7 pm, or during school hours
• For more than an hour before school starts
• For four hours plus without a break of at least an hour
• On an industrial site or in a factory
• In any role that could harm their education, well-being, or health
• Without a fortnight’s break at some point during the school holidays

Term Time

Extra rules apply during term time. Then, children cannot work:

• More than two hours on any day but Saturday
• More than five hours on Saturday if aged 13 or 14. For 15 and 16-year-old school pupils the maximum on Saturdays is eight hours.

School Holidays

• 13 and 14-year-olds can work up to 25 hours per week outside of term time. Five hours is the daily limit, or two on Sundays.
• 15 and 16-year-olds can work up to 35 hours weekly. The daily limit is eight hours, or two on a Sunday.

Local Bylaws

Local bylaws may also apply. These are determined by your local council. You can find more information via this link.

How to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old – FAQs

How can 13-year-old earn money in the UK?

There are many ways to make money as a 13-year-old. You can work online in some ways, or be employed locally. Ideas include selling items or services online or offering babysitting, car wash, or pet walking services.

All child employment is subject to local and national government laws.

Can you get a job at 13 in the UK?

You can legally work aged 13 or 14 in the UK, but conditions apply regarding hours during the school term, weekends and holidays. Laws regarding locations and breaks are also in place.

There is also no entitlement to the National Minimum Wage at age 13 or 14. Local council bylaws may also apply, meaning you may require a permit to work.

Can 13-year-olds get paid?

You can work when you’re school age in countries like the UK, but employment law means you must stay at school and therefore have to work at limited times outside those hours.

Many of the biggest employers won’t hire anyone aged 13, so you have to get a bit more creative when finding ways to make money.

Can a 13-year-old work at a cafe?

Under UK employment law, 13 years olds can work in a cafe for a limited time, but not in the kitchen.

Can a 13-year-old work at Starbucks?

In practice, teens in the UK may only be employed by Starbucks once they reach the age of 16.

Can I work at McDonald’s at 13?

In the UK, you can only work for McDonald’s once you reach school-leaving age – which is 16.

Can I work at Subway at 13?

As you cannot work in a kitchen at age 13 in the UK, a job as a sandwich artist at Subway is unrealistic. The final decision, though, rests with each individual franchise owner.

Can I work at KFC at 13?

KFC’s minimum age is also affected by the fact that you’d need to work in a kitchen. In practice, therefore, age 16 is more realistic.

Can you work at Burger King at 13?

Burger King restaurants tend to employ those aged 16 plus due to government laws that restrict what work under 16s can do.

Can you work in retail at 13?

In theory, you can work in retail aged 13 in the UK. As long as you don’t exceed the maximum permitted hours that apply to school days, weekends and school holidays.

Making Money as a 13-Year-Old – Final Thoughts

If you’ve just entered your teens and want to start making some money of your own, we hope this guide has given you some food for thought.

Although employment opportunities can seem thin on the ground for youngsters, in reality, it’s pretty easy to find some sort of work. As long as you’re able, determined, and have your parents’ support.

Ideally, hone in on something you enjoy and it won’t even feel like work. In time, it might even lead to a whole new career – which could even set you up for the rest of your life!

However, if you haven’t heard of it, or you’ve never used it before, you might be unsure of what buying and selling on Vinted involve.

In this article, we will look at what vinted is and how it works.

What Is Vinted?

Vinted is a free app in which you can both buy and sell your unwanted clothing, shoes, and accessories.

The app itself is free to download on both Android and IOS systems and listing and selling are also free of charge.

It is the lack of charges when using this app that really sets it apart from other selling apps that are available on the marketplace.

How Does Vinted Work?

The Vinted app has an incredibly user-friendly interface that allows you to browse, sell, and buy clothing from your phone with ease.

The experience is slightly different on both sides of the coin, selling and buying.

However, from a single account, you can both buy and sell on the app making it easier to enjoy the full scope of the app without having to swap between different accounts.

The software used with the Vinted app is easy to use and is well maintained by the company with very few users reporting major issues with the usage of the app.

Within the app, the different areas and tools are easily accessible and often marked by symbols or images that can be universally understood rather than cluttering the screen with words.

Although using the Vinted app is relatively self-explanatory, below, we will look at the different ways in which the app can be used to help you get the most out of this service.

Setting Up A Profile

The first step in buying or selling on the Vinted app after downloading it is to set up your own profile.

In order to complete your profile, you will need to fill in your name, where you are located, and why you are primarily on the platform.

Although this may feel a little like setting up a dating app, it is a great way to connect with other sellers and buyers on the app and can help make it feel more like a community than simply a shopping app.

You will also be asked to upload payment details so that you can make and receive payments through the app.

Selling On Vinted

Once you have set up your profile on the Vinted app, it is time to start selling.

There are a few steps that you should follow to ensure that you are successful in selling your items on the Vinted app.

Photography

How you photograph your items is paramount in getting them sold quickly.

The photographs that you post with your listing form the only impression that potential buyers have.

If they are poorly lit or blurry, you are much less likely to find a buyer for your item.

The best photography to sell your item will be well-lit, clear, and include multiple angles of the item.

You should also include up-close images of any defects, damage, or stains that the item may have.

People are still willing to buy items that are slightly damaged as long as the price is reasonable and the seller has been upfront about it.

Categories

When you are writing the description that will accompany the images of your item, you will be asked to select a category to put your item into.

The categories on the Vinted app include things such as “women’s clothing”, “Children’s toys”, and “Accessories”.

You will also be asked to assign a condition to the item that you are selling, this can range from “Used” to “Brand new”.

It is important that you are completely honest when selecting the condition of your item and in the description and categorization of your item, you might be surprised at the things that will still sell.

Upload

Once you have picked the best photos of your items and perfected your description, it is time to upload your listing.

When it has been uploaded, it is available for everyone else on the app to view.

You will be able to see how many people have liked or expressed interest in your item while it is live.

Be Responsive

While your listing is live, you may receive messages from potential buyers who have questions about the item or the pricing.

It is always a good idea to be polite and responsive to these questions.

Even if the person doesn’t end up buying your item, they are much more likely to follow your store and make a purchase in the future.

Similarly, when someone purchases your item, it is important to make sure you mail the item to them as soon as possible once the payment has been made.

Providing proof of postage is also a good idea.

However, if someone is being rude, aggressive, or trying to force you into selling at an extreme discount, you are free to block and report the user.

There is a difference between being polite and allowing someone to take advantage of you.

Leave Reviews

Finally, once you have made a sale on account, you have been paid, and you have mailed the item out, it is time to leave a review.

The person who bought from your store will leave you a review, and you will be given the opportunity to review them as a buyer.

Buying On Vinted

Making purchases on Vinted is a great way to refresh your wardrobe or your kids’ wardrobe without breaking the bank.

You will be able to search for specific items with the search bar or use the categories to narrow down the items you see.

You can reach out to sellers to ask about an item that they are selling, or to ask if they are running any offers on their store at the time.

When you make a purchase, you will be asked for payment straight away and the seller will not mail your item until payment has been made.

Leave Reviews

Once you have received your item it is time to leave a review.

Reviews can help sellers and buyers to become much more trusted by other users in the future.

If you have a bad experience, give the seller time to rectify the issue before leaving a negative review.

Final Thoughts

Vinted is a great way to make a little bit of extra cash and clear some space, or to purchase preloved, cheaper clothing when you are on a budget.

It would undeniably change your life forever. It’s hard to really even imagine what a difference a payout like that would make to your life. 

But while everything else in your world may be about to flip upside down and inside out, the last thing on your mind at this moment is probably taxes. 

However, you’ll probably be happy to learn that your lottery winnings aren’t taxable in most cases. 

Throughout this article, I’ll answer any questions you may have about lottery winnings and taxes and when you may need to pay. So let’s get straight into it.  

Is The Lottery Tax-Free?

Way-hey! If you’ve recently won some big money on your lucky lottery ticket, the good news is that simply put, those winnings are tax-free. 

As long as you are a UK tax resident you’ll be exempt from all of the following taxes (only on your winnings, you may be lucky but you’re not completely tax-exempt lucky): 

• Capital Gains Tax
• Income Tax
• National Insurance 

According to HMRC, lottery gains are not classed as income but rather as gambling. So should you win, you won’t be losing massive chunks of that money to the taxman. (Yay!)

Tax On Deposited Funds

Of course, it couldn’t be quite that simple. There are some things to bear in mind should you receive those millions overnight. 

Once that money enters your bank account, you won’t be taxed on the actual sum of money. 

However, that large amount of money will quickly start to build up some hefty interest in your bank. And the interest that you accumulate will be taxed. 

If you wisely decide to invest your money into other venues that will create additional income, you will also need to pay income tax on any money that you earn from this investment. 

So for example, say you use some of your winnings and purchase a property that you decide to rent out. 

Then you will need to pay income tax on those earnings given you receive more than £12,570 annually. 

Lottery Winnings & Inheritance Tax

Once you receive that massive winning and it’s officially in your bank account, that money automatically becomes part of your estate. 

So once you pass away, the person that inherits your estate will need to pay Inheritance Tax on the money they are bestowed. 

Not only that but any property or assets purchased from your lottery winnings that are inherited will also be eligible for Inheritance Tax. 

Unfortunately, Inheritance Tax is quite high, currently standing at around 40%. Keep in mind though that you will only be taxed on anything above the value threshold of £325,000. 

So if the estate is below this value you will not have to pay Inheritance Tax. You will however still be required to declare your inheritance to HMRC. 

Lottery Winnings & Gift Tax

Many lottery winners very graciously share their newfound wealth with family members and friends. 

But it is important to note that gifts from winnings are subjected to Inheritance Tax. If you want to avoid this tax you’ll have to follow the restrictions below: 

• Gift the money more than 7 years before you die
• Gift the money to your spouse or civil partner
• Gift the money within the £3000 annual allowance. 

What Is Annual Allowance? 

So annually, you’ll only be allowed to gift £3000 tax-free. Any more than this within the year will be taxed. 

One year’s allowance can be carried forward to the next year. But this can only be done once as there is a maximum limit of £6000. 

What Happens If You Die With 7 Years Of The Gift?

HMRC has a tax scale for what rate of Inheritance tax will need to be paid in this instance. 

• 0-3 years – 40% Tax rate
• 3-4 years – 32% Tax rate
• 4-5 years – 24% Tax rate
• 5-6 years – 16% Tax rate
• 6-7 years – 8% Tax rate
• 7+ – 0% Tax rate

Other Tax-Free Gifts

If you are hoping to be a little more charitable with your winnings, you can give as much as £250 per tax year to anyone at all without there being any Inheritance tax. 

This is true as long as they haven’t received any gifts from the annual allowance mentioned earlier. 

Wedding gifts may or may not be taxable. That doesn’t sound very helpful. Let me explain in further detail. 

Gifts must fit particular criteria to be tax-free, but usually, if you receive a gift that is valued above £1000, then it will be subject to Inheritance tax. 

So when are wedding gifts tax-free? 

• When they’re given to the couple before the wedding
• When there is proof the wedding went ahead
• When the gift valued up to £5000 is for a child
• When the gift valued up to £2500 is for a grandchild or great-grandchild
• When the gift valued up to £1000 is for anyone

Final Thoughts

The only thing that could be better than winning free money is not having to pay tax on that free money! 

We all love when 100% of the amount ends up in our own back pockets right? And however much you win is completely yours. Now that really is a cause to celebrate. 

However, it is important to keep in mind that any interest accrued from your winnings will be subject to National Insurance. 

And when you eventually pass that money onto your children or other family members as inheritance, it’s likely that there will be some tax on that too. 

Then of course, if you are a generous soul, who expects to be sharing their wealth, you’ll need to take gift tax into account too. 

If you have won a life-changing amount of money on the lottery recently, I’ll end this article by saying a big congratulations! (and ask if you can pick my lotto numbers in the future please, I’d like some of your luck) 

With the explosion of home baking here – thanks in part to the popularity of the Great British Bake Off – demand for high-quality, photogenic baked goods has never been so high.

If you like to put on an apron before whipping up a delectable baked treat or two, then you might well have wondered whether you could make a living from starting a home baking business.

With kids’ birthdays, special occasion parties, corporate events, and even weddings to cater to, running a food business can be immensely satisfying. It can also be very rewarding in financial terms.

But there’s more to it than creating a cake that looks pretty and tastes delicious. What about food safety? Do you need to pay tax?

Where might HMRC, your local authority, or the food standards agency come into things? Can you use your own kitchen? How about pest control?

If you’re considering making corporate, birthday, party, or wedding cakes for profit, then you need to read this post. Covered here is all you need to know about starting your very own home baking business.

From whether you need a food hygiene certificate and register as a sole trader to what type of cakes you could sell, this article outlines it all.

Here are 13 (yep, a baker’s dozen) of the steps to follow.

Setting up a Home Baking Business – 13 Simple Steps

First, let’s take a look at the legal side of starting a food business from home in the UK. This is what food businesses need to do before selling cakes on a self-employed basis.

1. Do the Rules Apply to You?

Selling Cakes Occasionally

There may be no point in following all these stringent standards and rules if you don’t have to.

When you’re making a batch of cakes for the local summer fair, a fundraising charity event, or a school bake sale, then there’s no need to tick all of these boxes.

You should always think about food hygiene and those with allergies, though, as not doing so could negatively impact other people.

A Cake Business

If you want to sell cakes to other local businesses – such as a café, farm, or gift shop – then you will need to comply with all the regulations. The same applies if you want to sell your goods via social media.

2. Prepare Your Kitchen

You need to think about where to store ingredients and how to ensure your kitchen is safe to work in before getting started. Where will goods be stored? Where will you work?

Don’t worry – your kitchen isn’t expected to be up to the standard of a restaurant or larger-scale food business. These are some of the factors the Food Standard Agency takes into consideration.

Walls and Floors

Your walls and flooring should be in good condition. That means they should be well maintained and in a decent state of repair. They should also be disinfected regularly.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors should not allow for the build-up of dirt and should be simple to keep clean. They should also be disinfected regularly.

Removable insect screens should also be fitted to doors and windows to keep out contaminants.

Ceilings

The ceiling above your workspace must also be well-kept, with no flaking plaster or paint. There should be no mold or condensation build-up, and it should be kept clean.

Cleaning Food and Equipment

You also need to be able to wash food as required, clean your equipment and wash your hands. A hot and cold water supply is necessary, as is a sink.

You should have a separate washbasin for hand washing. A downstairs WC that’s nearby should be sufficient.

Storing Food and Equipment

Food and equipment storage is also needed. All equipment and cleaning areas should be kept clean, and should also be disinfected on a regular basis.

3. Get a Food Hygiene Certificate

If you want to set up a home-based food business, then you’re going to need to get a food hygiene certificate. The good news is that this can all be done via online courses, and these are inexpensive.

Food Hygiene Level 1

The more basic level 1 course is aimed at those who may work around food but who are not directly involved in its preparation. A level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety certificate is thus recommended.

Food Hygiene Level 2

There are several versions of the level 2 course. The Catering version is more appropriate than the Retail or Manufacturing ones for a home baking business.

As well as instruction in good food hygiene, the courses help ensure compliance with UK and EU food law when operating your cake-making business.

As well as those running a baking business from home, the level 2 Catering course is also suitable for those with food trucks or stalls or who run a more general catering business.

Food Hygiene Level 3

The level 3 food hygiene course is aimed at those working in a supervisory capacity. If your business grows in the future and you need to move premises or employ people, then it may be worth considering this course.

4. Tell Your Local Authority

Your business should be registered with the local authority for your area. This is to protect the public – and you.

If you sell cakes to the public and someone reports you for doing so, you could get into trouble by failing to register this with your local authority. It’s actually the premises you’ll be using that they’re most interested in.

Registration should be completed 28 days or more before you start trading. If you’ve already commenced, do make sure you register as soon as possible.

The good news is that it’s free to register with your local authority. They are also unable to refuse your registration but will send someone out to inspect the premises.

5. Learn About Allergens and Food Labelling

The Food Standards Agency provides free online training courses which you should complete. These include labeling and food allergy training.

6. Expect a Visit From the Environmental Health Service

It’s not only food hygiene training you need to prepare for. When you’re setting up a baking business from home, you should expect the local environmental health officer to pay a visit.

This is, again, in the interests of the public, and to ensure their health and safety when buying your edible goods.

Having a current Food Hygiene Certificate helps to show the environmental health service that you understand the principles and applications of food safety.

7. Make a HACCP Plan

Another necessary step in starting your home baking business is to make a HACCP plan. The acronym stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, and your plan should adhere to the principles of this.

The concept centres on freedom from chemical, biological and physical threats to food safety. Critical Control Points (CCPs) are the measure used to identify, prevent, reduce and remove any such hazards.

CCPs must be monitored and any appropriate action should be taken promptly. You’ll need to undertake regular checks and keep records of doing so.

HACCP training courses are also available online. These can help you to understand not only what you need to do, but also why this matters.

8. Register With HMRC

Food safety aside, you’ll also be liable for tax on any income generated by your cake business. This means you must register as self-employed with HMRC.

Assuming you’re running the business alone, the simplest way is to register as a sole trader. You’ll then need to complete a Self Assessment tax return each financial year, as well as pay any monies owing to HMRC.

Don’t be daunted – this is fairly easy to do, and HMRC provides plenty of guides to ensure you fill out the forms correctly.

To ensure you’re covered by the law – and can fill in your return accurately – you must keep clear, up-to-date records of all income and expenditure.

You don’t have to have a business bank account to set up as a sole trader.

9. Think About Delivery

How will your baking business deliver the goods, in a literal sense?

Wedding cakes, in particular, are tricky to transport, and failing to get them there in good condition could put a dampener on someone’s big day!

You could offer collection only, of course, but this might mean you’re not competing with other local enterprises that do offer a delivery service.

10. Consider Insurance Cover

Having adequate insurance cover is a must for any small business – and it exists to protect you. What would happen if someone sued you for causing food poisoning, or if you accidentally caused damage to their home or business premises while delivering cakes?

You may need further cover if you employ anyone else, or if you want to insure the value of your equipment or stock.

11. Determine Your Niche

What are you planning to offer that will make your baked goods stand out? Should your bakery business specialize in children’s party cupcakes or have an old-school theme?

What about gluten-free bakes or vegan-friendly cakes?

If possible, hone in on a unique selling point (USP). Put yourself in the customer’s shoes. Why should they come to you, rather than anyone else?

You’ll then need to set up social media accounts that reflect your USP – while targeting the customers you want to attract.

Clear, attractive photography is absolutely critical. As is a beautiful cake that’s also delicious to eat!

You’ll also need a name. Ideally, one that reflects what you offer. It should also be fairly short, and easy to spell and remember.

12. Inform Your Mortgage Lender or Landlord

Hopefully, this will merely be a formality, but you should tell your landlord or mortgage lender that you’ll be operating your own business from the address.

In either case, permission is required.

Your landlord cannot delay or withhold permission without a good reason.

13. Establish a Local Presence

If you can exhibit your wares in the local area, then for goodness sake, seize this with both of your flour-coated hands!

Summer fetes, the school fair, and a food festival or local market could give you a chance to get your name out there. You could offer free samples here to gather – and gauge – interest.

You could also bake cakes for a local cafe for free, giving the owner and their customers a limited supply to try before they buy.

Selling Cakes From Home – FAQs

Can you sell cakes from home in the UK?

Yes, within the UK, you can indeed sell cakes you make at home. To do this regularly and on a business footing, you will need to take certain steps before doing so. This is in the interests of public health and safety.

Do I need a qualification to sell cakes in the UK?

A food hygiene certificate isn’t a legal requirement for those wishing to sell cakes in the UK from home. However, having one is highly recommended – including by the Food Standards Agency and perhaps your local council.

Can I make food at home and sell it in the UK?

If you want to sell food you’ve made at home, then you should register with your local authority, who will want to inspect the premises. You can do this for free and should do so 28 days before you begin trading.

The authority can’t refuse your registration.

Do I need to register if I sell cakes from home UK?

According to the Food Standards Agency, you do need to register as a food business with your local authority. Any food sold – even online – is covered by UK food law.

How do I start selling cakes in the UK?

There are a number of steps involved in setting up a cake business from home. This baker’s dozen can be summarised as follows:

1. Check if the rules apply
2. Prepare your workspace
3. Get food hygiene certified
4. Tell your local authority
5. Learn about labelling and allergens
6. Expect an environmental health inspection
7. Make a HACCP plan
8. Register with HMRC
9. Think about delivery
10. Consider insurance
11. Decide on a niche
12. Inform your landlord or mortgage lender
13. Establish a reputation locally

A Home Food Business – Final Thoughts

Though it may seem complicated initially, the legal requirements for setting up a cake business are minimal. They’re also only in place to ensure public health and safety.

Telling your local authority and mortgage lender or landlord isn’t too time-consuming, and self-assessment as a sole trader is actually pretty simple.

Getting public liability insurance and even food hygiene certification isn’t too difficult or expensive either. Especially when you put this into the context of how much money you could make.

If you want to run a business from home that will put a smile on customers’ faces and make you a pretty penny into the bargain, making cakes could be the ideal side hustle or full-time gig.

For creative types who love to bake, surely selling cakes from home is nothing short of living the dream. Just remember to resist temptation when it comes to those goodies you’ve baked for paying customers!

You have to have knowledge of the market, an eye for quality and authenticity, and a willingness to take a gamble.

It’s not for everyone, but you can tip the odds of this gamble in your favour by choosing an item that is known to do well upon resale, and below, I’ve listed 32 of the best for turning a profit in the UK.

32 Best Things To Resell in the UK

1. Cots

If your child is a little bigger now, you can pick up a tidy sum by selling their old cot.

You certainly won’t make a profit, as they rarely, if ever, appreciate in value, but as an expensive item when new, many parents-to-be are looking to pick one up second hand.

Don’t sweat it if you don’t get an immediate bite when you put your cot up for sale, as some prefer to buy new for their first child, but there will absolutely be swathes of people out there hoping for a bargain on a used cot in good condition.

2. Toys

The profit-potential of toys can be quite significant, but it depends on a couple of key factors.

Demand & Scarcity — If you have a rare toy on your hands, people will be willing to pay more for it.

Condition — Mint or unopened toys are the most valuable, and even if they’re not worth much money, impeccable condition will still be an incentive for buyers.

My advice is to, of course, sell toys from your own collection, but also to keep your peepers peeled for toys in charity shops that you might be able to sell for a profit.

3. Sofas & Chairs

If you’re into upcycling and you’re handy with a spot of home upholstery, then you can make a mint by giving down-and-out chairs and sofas a makeover and flipping them for a profit.

Facebook Marketplace is a great place to look for “flippable” seats, as is a good old-fashioned jumble sale.

Sometimes, if you’re willing to pick up and haul the furniture yourself, people will hand over their chairs and sofas for free, allowing you to make some big gains minus the fuel money used to collect.

4. Tables

Tables are another fantastic piece of furniture to upcycle and flip for a profit. You’ll often find affordable tables with potential in charity shops such as The British Heart Foundation furniture outlets.

Check your prospective tables for structural integrity, ensuring that it’s not on the wonk or any of the legs are wobbly and insecure.

If you find it’s got good bones, you could clean it, polish it, varnish it, or perhaps apply a lick of paint, then sell the beauty on for a lovely return!

5. Desks

Desks are one of those items you don’t realise are extortionately expensive until you head to a store or online to buy one.

Oftentimes we’ve blown our budget on the exciting stuff that will sit on the desk, such as laptops, printers, instruments, etc., and will then be on the lookout for a second-hand desk.

This is where you swoop in with some quality products that you bought low, rejuvenated, and then priced high (but still lower than new).

6. Musical Instruments

The idea of playing an instrument is incredibly enticing, but putting in the hours and actually learning how to play is a big commitment, one that many kids (and adults) find they’re not ready to make mere months after you fork out a small fortune to pick up their musical weapon of choice.

The good news is that as long as they’re in good condition, instruments hold their value pretty darn well, and as expensive items (even the “cheap” ones), you always have a wide audience when you list them for resale.

7. Pianos

Okay, so I know pianos fit into the “musical instruments” umbrella category above, but I thought I’d give them their own spot due to their unique position in second-hand markets. 

To put it bluntly, people just want these things gone, and they want them gone pronto.

You can pick up countless pianos for free across the UK, and if you’ve got an appropriate vehicle and some muscular friends to help you pick them up, you can sell them on for big profits, especially if you know how to distinguish the chaff from the wheat.

8. Books

That dusty, dog-eared old copy of 101 Western Stories you accidentally pinched from your secondary school English class probably isn’t going to be your ticket to infinite riches, but rare editions of famous books may just well be.

What’s more, a single trip to Waterstones with a child or two can decimate a parent’s bank account, but if you have some beloved children’s books gathering dust, you can offer guardians an opportunity to nurture their kid’s imagination and education without having to remortgage their home.

Selling books in bundles for a low price is a smart way to find a buyer. They save money, you make money, kids get smarter… Everyone wins!

9. Antiques

Granted, it can be difficult pulling in a profit by flipping antiques bought at antique shops, as they’re priced accurately, but there could be things already in your possession that you bought cheap a lifetime ago that have since become antiques.

So be sure to have a rifle through your attic and see what you’ve got lying around. 

Jumble sales and older friends can also be valuable resources if you’re trying to get your paws on a few antiquities to flip.

Once you’ve acquired a few choice pieces, I’d recommend taking them to an appraiser to get a true valuation — They might be worth more than you thought!

10. Jewellery

Jewelry is one of the most active second-hand markets in the UK, and that’s likely because the bought-new market is flourishing.

According to precisionbusinessinsights.com, the UK jewelry market is sized at roughly 3500 million pounds with the scope to grow at an astounding CAGR (compound annual growth) of 13.1% over the next half-decade.

Popularity and rising prices in the general market lead to increased interest in the second-hand market, so now might be the time to start amassing some jewelry for resale.

11. Games Consoles & Games

Games consoles are a tricky affair. They’re ridiculously expensive when first released, then 5 to 10 years later, they seem to be worth very little, even when sold with a pile of games and accessories.

However, when a console survives long enough to reach vintage status, you can cash in on their rarity and nostalgia factor.

Don’t believe me? Check out this listing of a mint condition Star Wars Episode One Pod Racer Nintendo 64 bundle. Not exactly pocket change, is it?

Of course, waiting for that vintage label to fall into your lap takes time, but you can speed up some returns by hunting for some ready-vintage consoles online and selling them for more than you bought them for.

12. Vinyl Records

Audiophiles are willing to pay extortionate amounts of money for the original pressings of their favourite albums, and with the popularity of vinyl skyrocketing in the UK, now might be the absolute best time to part ways with those old vinyls of yours.

That crate of records you no longer have time to listen to might just be an untapped treasure trove of value, but don’t limit yourself to your private collection; search further afield and you could strike resale gold!

Just look at this list compiled by the experts over at Lovemoney.com. One of these records was picked up for a measly £1 at a second-hand shop and subsequently resold for an astonishing £10,000.

13. Wedding Dresses

Traditionally, much like baby gear, people prefer to buy or make new wedding dresses for their big day, but as prices of buying brand-new bridal gowns have risen significantly in recent years (and seem set to continue), the second-hand market has really opened up.

14. Sporting Goods

In the same way a child might flirt with the idea of playing a musical instrument only to find they don’t like it, they might also try their hands (or feet) at a number of different sports, each requiring its own set of expensive equipment and clothing.

But don’t let those light pockets weigh too heavily on you, as the second-hand sporting goods market is booming! Part-time athletes want a taste of the good stuff but not if they have to buy new.

Kit them out with your backlog of tennis rackets, football boots, and hockey sticks to raise their game, and to give you some extra disposable income.

15. Ink Cartridges

Is this the most glamorous option on the list? No. Is it an effective way to make money from resale? Absolutely. Believe it or not, even as most paper trails and correspondence get a digital makeover, printer ink is still in high demand.

Snatch some up at office wholesales then look for an appropriate online marketplace to unload them.

16. Guitar Pedals

Business is booming in the guitar pedal world, especially if you can get your hands on some boutique USA-made specimens.

Rising import fees, as well as supply chain shortages, have really cut the UK off from the big names in the States, so you can generate a significant amount of interest if you’re selling one of their pedals on a platform such as Reverb.

It doesn’t have to be a US pedal, though. Not long ago, I sourced a pedal from a builder in Germany who only makes a handful of pedals every three years or so, then sold it on Reverb for a profit.

In this situation, the item was simultaneously available (if you were willing to wait) and rare, establishing a pretty perfect foundation for resale.

But the golden ticket in terms of guitar pedals is a discontinued pedal from a revered brand. These can be purchased initially for a few hundred pounds, and may eventually reach values exceeding the £1K mark.

17. CDs & DVDs

Outdated entertainment disc formats aren’t the biggest earners in the world, but they do better than you might expect on the second-hand market.

For one thing, they’re becoming rarer each day, as are their corresponding devices. 

What’s more, they’re still surprisingly expensive to buy new, so loads of people are on the hunt for their favourite films and albums for less.

You might have an entire crate load of these things just lying around taking up space, so it makes sense to see what people are willing to offer you for them.

18. Electrical Appliances

Electrical appliances sell like hot cakes, especially if they’re relatively new or otherwise yet to be superseded. 

19. Computers

Computers used to be kind of like cars… you bring them home, and poof, there goes their value, but these days, they hold their value for the first 3 to 4 years incredibly well, especially if they’re in good condition and were quite pricey to begin with.

In fact, computer resale is such a breadwinner that big name brands such as Apple try to rope you into a trade-in for credit.

They hem you into their ecosystem by securing your purchase of a new device and they get your old one back that they can then “recycle” and generate even more profit.

20. Phones

Phones work in more or less the same way as computers do. Newer models in good nick can be sold on for impressive figures, so it’s best to sell them independently than trade them in for credit on a new model.

That way, you’re pulling in 100% of the profit.

21. Wood, Metal, Or Wicker Furniture

These materials are equal parts robust and stylish, the perfect cocktail for some amazing upcycling.

Furniture of this type is often easy to restore or reimagine, and there will always be a gazillion people out there looking for stylish, interesting pieces to make their room positively pop!

22. Bicycles

Not long ago, my father-in-law bumped into someone dropping off a bike at the dump. It was a little bruised and battered, but he thought it had potential, asked the fella if he could have it, and took it home with him.

After a brief cleaning session and one replacement part, it was good as new, and he sold it on for £170.

Now, I know that it’s not technically a resale if you never actually bought it to begin with, but it’s something to keep in mind on your next trip to the dump.

Besides, after tripping over them in their garage one too many times, there are plenty of people that just want these contraptions off their hands and will let them go for a song.

23. Gym Equipment

People have good intentions when funnelling ridiculous sums of money into a home workout space, but, inevitably, most lose sight of their fitness goals a few months down the road, leaving the expensive equipment to gather cobwebs.

They may then sell it on for very little, giving us an opportunity to purchase, get ripped, then sell on for a profit — hooray!

The bigger workout machines tend to be more of an imposition on the original owner, so they might be offering a staggering discount just to get them out of their living space.

24. Brand-Name Clothes

Thanks to e-commerce platforms such as eBay and Vinted, branded clothing has become one of the most commonly bought and sold commodities in the country.

All you have to do is keep an eye out for some nice deals online or in charity shops, bump the price up a little, then sell the garments on.

Do bear in mind, however, that buying low at charity shops and selling high online is considered poor taste by some, so be prepared to take some flack if anyone cottons on to what you’re doing.

Check out our guide for more: 10 Places to Sell Clothes for Cash in the UK

25. Prams

Prams these days are built to withstand the force of storms, all while keeping our children soundly asleep in their cushioned basket or seat, which is great, but the quality models go for crazy money new.

The good news is that as kids grow out of them so quickly, their service life far exceeds their usefulness, meaning they’re prime for resale.

Frazzled parents will often just want these old prams gone, and will list them for next to nothing on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

If they’re in good condition, you can then flog them for a damn sight more.

26. Luxury Handbags

If you’ve got an eye for the real deal and can weed out fakes in your sleep, then luxury handbags may be a good focus for your reselling mission. You can often find them cheap at outlet stores or online.

27. Shoes

There are a couple of tricks to making money from the resale of shoes. One is to follow that general golden rule of reselling… shop quality for cheap, then sell for more.

But my personal favourite is picking up limited releases and collaborations, waiting for stocks to bottom out, then reselling at a premium.

For instance, Dr. Martens did a hugely successful collab with the cartoon Adventure Time a few years back. I purchased the Beemo boots, and now they’re insanely valuable.

Honestly, you won’t find them anywhere new or second-hand, so I plan to list them shortly, blow everyone’s mind, and cash in, big time!

28. Cookware

Pots, pans, coffee mugs, plates can all be purchased at low prices on the second-hand market, yet they have the potential to sell for quite a bit more if you target the right audience.

Vintage cookware is the big find, as it’s often sold cheap by an owner that doesn’t recognize its true value.

29. Old Board Games

You can often find vintage board games for a quid or two at jumble sales and charity shops, and as long as they’re in relatively good condition, you can sell them on for between £10 and £100 depending on the game.

30. Cars

You have to know what you’re doing to make money reselling cars.

You’ll need at least a basic understanding of mechanics and/or bodywork, as well as up-to-date knowledge of values of specific models, but if you’ve got these rudiments, you have the potential to make some serious money.

Reselling cars are sort of the options trading of the resale game as they lose so much value over time, so cars should never be your long position. You need to act relatively quickly to maximise your profits.

You might get lucky picking up some cars dirt cheap from those who were perhaps just going to sell for scrap anyway.

If you see any cars that seem to never move from their position in the driveway and have perhaps seen better days, why not give the owner’s front door a knock and make an offer?

31. Watches

When something goes awry with a watch, people would often rather avoid the hassle of seeking an expensive repair by selling it on for pennies, but a lot of the time, a quick DIY fix is all that’s needed.

If you can pull it off, you’ve got some prime wrist candy to flog for a killing!

32. Pokémon Cards

These trading cards were my childhood, and I’m sure they have at some point played a part in your life too.

Whether you were buying them for your kids, or you were that kid tugging at your parent’s sleeve in the hopes they’d buy you a pack, there was no escaping Poke-fever.

For many years, it was ubiquitous, and the shiny cards have only appreciated in value.

The problem is, it takes patience to make money on this kind of thing.

You have to wait for the right moment, but this is actually a great thing for us. Sellers get impatient and end up parting ways with their pride and joy cards of far less than they’re worth.

We snatch them up, then bide our time, waiting for value and demand to hit the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

There you have it — It’ll take some smarts, some float cash, some gambles, and a bunch of research, but any one of the above-listed items could fetch you a mighty profit when resold.

So, choose your niche, stay vigilant, and you’re bound to find some golden ticket items to boost your reselling side hustle.

An unfortunate fall for your device is all it takes to render your phone unusable and you find yourself stuck with a handset that is no use to you.

Luckily there are places such as CEX that will buy older devices, it is reasonable to assume that they will also buy damaged and broken phones from the public as well.

In this article, we will look at whether or not CEX will buy a broken phone and whether it is worth selling your old handset to CEX.

What Is CEX?

CEX, or Complete Entertainment Exchange, is a business that buys and sells used electronics and games.

From old phone handsets to games consoles to DVDs and computer games, they will buy any entertainment paraphernalia that you are clearing out.

Anyone who is a fan of gaming or movies will view CEX stores as a place filled with nostalgia and childhood memories, truly a treasure trove of gaming history.

If you are less interested in gaming, movies, and electronics it can be a place to clear some extra space in your house and make a little bit of money in the process.

Alternatively, it can be a great place to replace a broken phone at a significantly reduced price or to purchase a first phone for your child.

Do CEX Buy Broken Phones?

The simple answer to this question is, yes they do. If you take your broken or damaged phone to a CEX store, they will most likely purchase it.

An exception to this would be if the phone is so old as to render it obsolete.

When you take your broken phone to a CEX cashier, they will make an offer based on the condition of the phone and what they can sell it for.

In the case of a broken phone, they will be unlikely to try to fix it and sell it on unless it is a brand new phone that could be sold for a significant profit.

Instead, they are more likely to purchase it for parts and spares.

Because a phone that is only used for parts and spares isn’t going to provide much of a profit if any, the price that they will give you will be extremely low.

Testimonials from previous customers attest to broken handsets being valued at under ten dollars a piece.

However, when your phone is broken, it is less about the profit that you can make than it is about getting rid of a broken item in the best way possible.

When you sell your broken handset to CEX or any other company that takes old and broken handsets, you know that the parts that still work are being recycled and used to increase the longevity of other handsets.

This is always a better option than simply throwing your broken phone away.

Is It Worth Selling A Broken Phone To CEX?

Of course, if the price that you get for your broken phone is important to you, CEX may not be the best option for you.

As mentioned above, companies such as CEX will always offer the lowest price possible for an item so that they can maximize the amount of profit they make from it.

In the case of broken handsets, they are not generating any profit in themselves, therefore the price that they are worth to CEX is very low.

While this may not be as big of an issue if your broken phone is an old model, if it is a newer model it can be annoying to be offered such a low amount.

You may also wish to make back as much of the cost as possible in order to be able to replace the handset.

In these cases, it is probably a better idea to bypass companies such as CEX and instead sell your handset for spares and parts yourself.

With this method, you can make a significantly higher amount of cash than you would do by selling to a company.

Alternatives To Selling To CEX

If you have decided that the amount of money you get from the sale of your handset is important to you, there are some alternatives to selling your phone to CEX that can result in a higher financial gain.

One of the best places to sell your broken handset is on bidding sites such as eBay.

It is common for people to sell phones for parts or spares on such sites and reach final bidding prices of closer to fifty dollars than less than ten.

It is important to point out that getting a higher sum online is not always guaranteed and that the price people are willing to pay depends greatly on the make and model of the phone that you are selling.

If it is a popular phone that is still in high demand, you are likely to get a higher price for it than if it is an older model.

Another alternative to selling your broken phone to CEX for parts is to sell it to a company that recycles phones.

These companies are more likely to offer a flat rate for handsets rather than focusing entirely on the profit they can make from using the parts.

This is because the main purpose of these companies is to ensure that old and broken handsets are being broken down and recycled rather than ending up in landfills.

Also, with these companies, you can sometimes get vouchers for money off refurbished phones when you send your handset to be recycled.

Final Thoughts

CEX will buy your broken phone from you if you take it in, although it will be for an insignificant amount of money.

If the money you get for your phone is important to you, you may be better off looking into alternative options such as selling the handset yourself on a bidding site.

People who have never been a part of it might have asked themselves in the past, “what’s the point? Do you make any money off it?”

And this makes sense. You don’t know the student and you’ll be signing up for a long commitment where you would be financially responsible for the food and energy bills, along with potentially some problems. 

So, can you make money by hosting a foreign exchange student? 

In this article, we’ll be taking you through the foreign exchange program with all the ins and outs of it. We’ll answer this question and more! 

What Exactly Is The Foreign Exchange Program?

Okay, so we need to make a distinction between foreign exchange and foreign hosting.

The foreign exchange program which exists in many countries involves the exchange of two students “swapping” houses for the agreed duration of studies.

This might be for one term or one year – sometimes longer. In essence, if you agreed to foreign exchange, your child would be “exchanged” for a foreign child for a specific period of time. 

However, this differs slightly from foreign hosting. Foreign hosting is where you sign up on a website or through a different third party and agree to host a student from a different country for an agreed period of time. 

Most of these services will agree to cover certain costs including flights and sometimes more. 

The program is a great way to help others and learn about different cultures, but it does come with a huge responsibility – and of course, you’ll need to have patience and a spare room! 

The way it works for most services is you would be given a whole lot of information about the student, including their photograph, their likes and dislikes, their family history and some information about their country, city or town. 

You will be able to agree to a student or decline until you find a student that you might be best suited with. Of course though, you’ll need to understand that there will be a vetting process on you too. 

The vetting process can be a long, drawn out affair. Your past will be looked at including things like a CRB check (criminal background), a credit check (to assess your financial capabilities) and sometimes your medical records. 

If you are successful and terms are agreed amicably, you will be responsible for things like having a friendly environment and ensuring that your spare room has specific things in it.

It must be well-lit, well ventilated, large enough to be comfortable, have a key, have a place for clothing, have heating and include a study area such as a desk and chair. 

Obviously, there will need to be a bed present in the room, but it has to have clean linen which is frequently washed and replaced, and the same applies with towels. 

The student must have the same rights and treatment as anyone else in your family for things like access to the bathroom etc. 

If you are planning to host a younger child, you will have to ensure you are safely taking the child to and from school. They may also need more support around the house and keep them feeling safe and looked after.

Typically, services that you will liaise with will have around the clock support for any problems that arise. So you know you’ll be in safe hands. They’re normally happy to answer any questions – no matter how basic they are!

So, Can You Make Money?

A lot of third parties will pay you a set amount per month or per term, depending on the circumstances.

This aims to cover the costs that would be incurred for things like food and education resources. 

However, there are many ways to host foreign students. If you’re not going for these services listed above – you can make money by renting out your spare room to foreign students that are typically college or university students. 

The UK Government has a scheme called the “rent-a-room” scheme that allows you to earn £7,500 from hosting students completely tax free for the year. 

As long as your property is furnished and has all the amenities that you can expect if you were to rent a property from a registered landlord, then you can advertise your spare room for foreign students. 

Remember though, under the rent-a-room scheme – you can earn £625 per month which is tax-free but any other earnings must be taxed.

So, for example, if you were charging the student the maximum for the year, you wouldn’t be charged more. 

However, if your rent charged was £725 – you’d be taxed on the extra £100 per month for the year. 

Where Can You Locate Foreign Students?

Depending on which way you’re planning to do it, you can either go through the entire service system and they will do it all for you, paying you a flat rate either monthly or termly. 

Or, you could decide to rent out your spare room to a foreign student yourself. If you do this, you can look online for resources or ask at your nearest University for assistance in advertising your room. 

Universities normally have their own resources which can help you and them out with this type of advertising – and will likely liaise between you and them. 

Summary 

The answer to this question is yes, you can make money from hosting foreign students and there are 2 different ways to do it. 

You must ensure though that you are psychologically prepared for it and you have done your research on the student and country they’re from. Additionally you must have a suitable room and suitable amenities. 

Related: 42 Smart Ways to Make Extra Money in the UK

Heck, who wouldn’t? Getting your mitts on a free Amazon voucher is almost the same as having free cash to spend any way you like.

You can buy just about anything at Amazon.

The colossal online retailer sells it all, from their own brand devices like the Kindle e-reader, the Fire tablet and Alexa speakers to beauty, clothing, homeware and even groceries.

Then there’s books, electronics, pet supplies, shoes, toys… whatever you want, there’s a very high chance you’ll be able to get it delivered the very next day by Amazon.

Especially if you’re a Prime member and that’s included for free.

This article will tell you exactly how to earn your first free Amazon gift card – and then how to keep ‘em coming.

Prepare to be amazed by the number of apps and sites that want to reward you with free Amazon gift card codes in the UK!

26 Best Ways to Get Amazon Gift Cards UK

The best ways to earn Amazon gift cards in the UK are all detailed here.

So if you want to know how to get free Amazon gift cards to spend in any way you want, read on to see how you can earn them in your spare moments.

1. Branded Surveys

Our number one favourite way to earn a free Amazon voucher in the UK is to sign up with Branded Surveys, so we thought we’d feature them first.

If you’re interested in sharing your opinion so it’ll be taken on board by big name brands, this is also a great one to sign up with.

What does it involve? The clue is in the name. This market research company specialise in conducting online surveys on behalf of leading brands. 

Quite simply, join Branded Surveys and they’ll send you carefully selected surveys to complete.

The insider information you give them is used to inform their partners regarding what real life consumers really think.

This means that the products and services offered by market leaders could be developed, marketed and sold based on what people like you have to say.

Every completed survey earns you points, which you can later redeem for cash paid via PayPal – or, of course, a free Amazon gift card. 

Branded Surveys users see it as a fun way to make some extra money, working from wherever you happen to be at the time. Whether that’s waiting for school pick-up, watching TV at home or travelling via public transport.

Check out Branded Surveys here

2. Valued Opinions

In this case, the name says it all. This survey site values your feedback, thoughts and ideas, and will reward you for sharing these with them so they can pass them onto brands.

Valued Opinions tend to offer a range of interesting surveys, and each should take anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes to complete.

Rewards are generally between £1 and £5 per survey, so you can quickly rack them up when you fill them in regularly. Amazon is just one of the retailers whose vouchers you can earn. 

The emphasis is very much on making your voice heard by the brands they work with, so if you like to share your opinion this could be the survey site for you. 

Take a look at Valued Opinions here

3. SurveyBods

Just signing up to SurveyBods will earn you a bonus worth £1.50, so it’s a good incentive to get started. 

SurveyBods also specialises in the consumer surveys side of market research, and they pledge to offer participants regular questionnaires.

Members can also be entered into regular prize draws, giving you the chance to win a bigger reward each month.

Your points can be traded for a free gift card or cash, just as you prefer. 

Discover what SurveyBods is all about here

4. LifePoints

LifePoints is another paid survey site, where you can earn cash or free Amazon vouchers for taking part in the surveys you’re offered.

At the time of writing they’re offering 10 LifePoints just for signing up. If you download the LifePoints app, you can also answer surveys wherever you are and whenever you have any time available.

Again LifePoints works with some major brands, so by giving your opinions you have the potential to shape future products and services.

As you’ll often be giving feedback before products go on sale, you also get a sneak peek and what’s brand new on the market – in advance of it being launched to the public.

Take a look at LifePoints here   

5. Crowdology

Crowdology provides UK residents with another way to make surveys pay. Their specialism is shorter questionnaires, so these typically take between two and 15 minutes to fill out.

This site is also committed to creating a user-friendly experience. Rather than endless lines of tick boxes, surveys are designed to be fun and intuitive to take part in.

The minimum payment is 40p, while for some surveys you could be paid £10 plus. This can be withdrawn via PayPal or converted to Amazon gift codes.

Crowdology also runs regular competitions, with big prizes like iPads or Apple watches up for grabs.

See if Crowdology might be for you here

6. MindMover Connect

MindMover Connect is aimed at users living in the UK, and is an online community devoted to market research.

Surveys are more varied and interesting than with some of the competitors, and users can also take part in online discussions with other members.

You may also get the opportunity to win prizes, and can earn cash or gift cards simply for sharing your views via the surveys offered.

It’s not only about products with MindMover Connect – they also garner public opinion on a range of issues. You can get a quick taster by taking the latest poll on their homepage. 

View MindMover Connect’s current ‘quick poll’ here

7. Triaba

Triaba UK is part of a company which operates survey panels in over 80 countries worldwide. Surveys tend to be fast and simple to complete, so you can earn vouchers pretty quickly.

Up to £4 is paid per survey completed and you can start to cash in once you’ve reached their £8 threshold.

You can also participate via the OpinionAPP, which will show you immediately if there are surveys available to fill out.

Explore what Triaba has to offer here

8. Attapoll

Attapoll is also a survey site, but the idea is to complete surveys on your smartphone or tablet rather than a laptop or desktop. It’s thus ideal for those who are always on the go.

It’s really simple to get started, as all you need to do is install the app on your iPad, phone or other mobile device.

Attapoll allows users to choose their reward, and you can of course pick Amazon vouchers. Instead, you can also opt to donate to charity or claim cash via PayPal.

Like some others, Attapoll also rewards users who refer friends to the app, so if you know a lot of people who might like to join in, that’s another way of earning more money.

Find out all about the Attapoll app here

9. Opinion Panel

Opinion Panel is looking for anyone aged between 13 and 30 to join up, so if you’re a teen or twenty-something it’s a good one to go for.

At the time of writing, Opinion Panel were offering voucher credits worth £10 for signing up with them, so it’s money for nothing initially. 

Earnings range between £4 and a whopping £70, depending on exactly which surveys you take part in. Once you’ve reached the £25 threshold, you can claim your reward.

Instead of receiving a gift card, you’ll then be emailed a unique code that can be redeemed at a range of online or high street retailers. Including Amazon.

Get started with Opinion Panel here

10. Opinium

Opinium stands out from other survey sites because they offer users the chance to share opinions on a wider range of topics than most. 

Their strapline says they want to know what the public think, how they behave and how they feel about all manner of things.

Opinium’s list of partners is impressive, including retailers such as Lidl and Next as well as charities, banks, universities and even a government office. 

If you want to help make sure a wide range of organisations stay connected to what real people think, do and feel, Opinium could provide you with your ideal way of earning money to spend at Amazon.

Discover what Opinium offer members here

11. Maru Voice

Maru Voice UK is a little like Opinium, as they also work with non-profit and government organisations as well as big brands.

Get a taster by checking out their homepage, which displays the current ‘quick poll’. At the time of writing, this was about how frequently respondents exercised. 

If you want the media to hear your opinions this could also be the one for you, as Maru Voice also works with them.

Around £5,000 per month is paid out to Maru Voice members, and you can cash your points for Amazon vouchers or cash via PayPal.

Explore what Maru Voice is all about here

12. PrizeRebel

If you want to look a little beyond just the free Amazon gift card, PrizeRebel could be the perfect site for you.

PrizeRebel offers their members gift vouchers for a wide range of retailers. It’s great for gamers, as you can claim steam codes, PlayStation vouchers, Roblox game cards and more.

This Californian company has been around since 2007, and says they have over 12 million users across the planet.

PrizeRebel may also reward you for taking part in games, watching videos or snapping up special offers.

Find out what PrizeRebel offers right here

13. Hiving

If you’d like to do a little more than just fill out surveys, Hiving could be the app or site for you to get signed up with.

You may also be offered the opportunity of trying out new products, and you can also get rewarded for referring friends.

Hiving’s community of consumers also gives you the chance to join in with quizzes, raffles and competitions, as well as connecting with other like-minded folk.

You can pick how to be paid with Hiving. Claim PayPal cash, Amazon gift codes or even donate your earnings to a chosen charity.

Get set up with Hiving here

14. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is also one of the best sites and apps to use when you want to get free Amazon gift card codes in the UK. 

It works in a similar way to Branded Surveys and the like, but it’s not only about completing questionnaires. With Swagbucks there’s a wide range of tasks available, so there’s always something different to do.

Swagbucks say they reward users for doing the things they normally would while online – such as shopping, searching the web, looking for great deals and watching short videos. They even pay you to play games.

They do send out surveys too, so if you’re interested in giving your opinion there are various ways to make sure your voice is heard.

You can take part via the Swagbucks app, available via Apple or for Android. Again you rack up points each time you get involved, which can later be exchanged for PayPal cash or Amazon gift cards.

Discover what Swagbucks offers here

15. GetPaidTo

Get paid to do what, exactly?

GetPaidTo offers their members various ways to earn a crust – in the form of an Amazon voucher, if you like.

You can be rewarded for activities ranging from playing games or filling out surveys to grabbing online offers or completing quick tasks.

The quick tasks are pretty varied, and include the likes of completing captchas as well as watching videos, trailers or ads.

Set yourself up with GetPaidTo here

16. InboxPounds

InboxPounds also rewards users for filling out surveys – and even for completing internet searches too.

They are paid by brands for providing consumer opinions, and in turn you’ll be rewarded by them for taking part.

Rewards offered can be paid in cash or as gift cards – and yes, you guessed it, Amazon gift vouchers are high on the list!

You can even search the web via InboxPounds’ very own search page, and you may also be paid for reading any emails they send.

See more about how InboxPounds works here

17. Opinion Outpost

Like Branded Surveys, Opinion Outpost is a survey site, but like Swagbucks you can earn points in other ways as well as by completing surveys.

Opinion Outpost members can also be rewarded for watching ads or even testing products. They can then share opinions in exchange for rewards.

Once you’ve stacked up enough points, you can swap those for your chosen rewards – and the options, of course, include Amazon gift vouchers. 

Like the other survey sites it’s free to join, and Opinion Outpost has over 2 million members across the world.

The brands Opinion Outpost works with include entertainment and fashion companies, and as you’ll never be sent the same survey twice there’s no risk of boredom.

Check out Opinion Outpost here

18. Toluna

Toluna’s unique selling point is that they are building a community, with every member known as a ‘Toluna influencer’. The focus is thus very much on making your opinions matter.

The idea, they say, is to make sure your thoughts reach the people who can use them to shape how services and products are developed and advertised.

If you’re impressed by big brand names, you should like the look of Toluna – their website proudly proclaims that they work in partnership with Coca-Cola, L’Oreal, Kellogg’s, Sony Music and Fiat. Oh, and Amazon.

Most Toluna surveys take about 15 to 20 minutes to fill out and you can cash in your rewards by claiming an Amazon gift card or cash. 

Explore the world of Toluna Influencers here

19. InstaGC

InstaGC? Instant Gift Cards, of course – including Amazon ones!

This site offers user rewards to those who participate in various activities, including online searching and shopping as well as surveys or watching videos.

If you already do these things online, why not get paid for doing just that? With over 320 different gift cards to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to spending those pounds.

Voucher codes are also delivered instantly, so there’s no waiting around when that must-have item has your name on it.

View how InstaGC could work for you here

20. FeaturePoints

FeaturePoints offer rewards in a range of ways, including via cashback and paid surveys. It can be accessed via the website or app.

This company also offers instant contests, so you could win a big 50,000 points bonus just for playing a virtual scratch card game. 

Consumer feedback is sought on a range of issues, from the car you drive to which games consoles you play or if there’s a pet in your household.

There’s an assortment of rewards to choose from, including names like PlayStation, Starbucks, XBox and Bitcoin in addition to Amazon.

Click here to find out more about FeaturePoints

21. Quidco

Quidco is a cashback site, so you earn a little top-up every time you spend money when shopping online. 

Once you sign up, all you need to do is shop via the retailers you’d normally use. Just make sure you access them via the Quidco links so that your purchases can be tracked and thus rewarded correctly.

In fact, Quidco promises the ‘highest cashback’ of any UK site offering this sort of bonus. Apparently, the average member earns around £300 per year, which is not bad for shopping just as you normally would.

One of Quidco’s partners is Amazon, so you can even earn points towards your next gift card while you spend with them. 

Just make sure you press the ‘get cashback’ button every time, so every time you spend you earn more cashback.

22. MobileXpression

MobileXpression says you can earn a £10 Amazon gift card in just a fortnight – and all for simply installing their software.

Rather than paying cashback or providing your feedback to big companies, MobileXpression is concerned with making the internet a better place to be.

They’ve given away five million dollars worth of free gift vouchers – and all you need to do is use the internet on your device just as you normally would.

23. YouSpotProperty

If you dislike seeing empty properties sitting around when they could be put to good use, YouSpotProperty could be the site for you.

When you report a qualifying empty property they’ll pay you £20 in the form of a gift card. 

If the property then goes on to sell, you’ll also get 1% of the purchase price – and they’ll also make a donation to your chosen charity. 

As the company has an experienced team of researchers, they reckon your chances of that 1% payout are pretty good.

24. Honey

Honey is a cashback site that offers users the chance to earn rewards in the form of Honey Gold.

Users can earn rewards when they shop online by using the free browser extension to claim cashback and coupons. Honey also offers a handy price drop feature to show you when an item changes price.

Honey makes it super simple to redeem Amazon gift cards once you reach the points threshold. You can top up your Amazon gift card balance directly from the Honey website.

25. Amazon Trade-in

The Amazon Trade in program allows you to trade in eligible electronic devices in order to receive UK Amazon gift cards as payment.

The devices must be functional, in good condition, not financed and unlocked from your network.

According to the Amazon UK website: “To be paid at the highest value for your trade-in, your device must be in good condition with all features of the device operational. It must power on, hold a charge, and not power off unexpectedly.

It mustn’t have any breaks, dents, cracks, missing buttons, or other defects beyond normal wear and tear, and mustn’t have any water damage, corrosion, or significant wear marks. “

If you have an old device gathering dust that meets this criteria, you could be a shoe in for an Amazon gift card.

26. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie offers the opportunity to earn free gift cards as well as other rewards like cash through PayPal.

One of the top survey sites in the UK, Survey Junkie offers frequent well-paid surveys with a low payout threshold

Redemption options include Amazon gift cards, iTunes vouchers and loads of other sites.

How to use free Amazon gift cards?

One of my favourite ways to use free gift cards is to buy Kindle books. I add the gift cards to my gift card balance and then it’s just one click to purchase a new book.

There are loads of other ways to maximise value from the free money you are earning from the above sites – you could save them up for Christmas presents, birthdays or even for Black Friday. You can even get your groceries in with Amazon Fresh.

Keeping a balance in your Amazon account can be a neat way to save money and then purchase items you need when the price is reduced.

Gift cards expire ten years after the date of issuance so you’ll have plenty of time to use your credit for online shopping.

How will you get free Amazon gift cards in the UK?

As you can see, there are so many ways to get your mitts on a free Amazon gift card!

Whether you earn it as cashback, for completing surveys or other tasks, using shopping apps or even for reporting an empty property, those free Amazon vouchers will soon stack up. Then all you have to decide is – how will you spend yours?

Related:

• 42 Smart Ways to Make Extra Money in the UK [2024]
• Shoppix Review: Is This Receipt App Worth Your Time?
• 13 Best Product Testing Websites in the UK [2024 Guide]