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.

The store is also very popular with keen DIY-ers. Who shops there to stock up on everything from small items such as fixings to everything required to fit out a new bathroom? 

Whether you’re a tradesperson or someone doing it yourself, can you be sure that the price you pay at Screwfix is the best deal around? Does Screwfix price match?

Screwfix does not currently operate a price match policy for customers. However, the trade and DIY retailer does make many products as ‘Price Checked’ in their efforts to offer the best deal. If you do find a cheaper product elsewhere after purchase, you can try asking the manager to price match it. Or return it within the 30-day cancellation period for a full refund. 

How to Get a Price Match at Screwfix

There is no Screwfix price match policy. So how can you get around this, and make sure you’re getting the best deal available? 

If you look at it logically, Screwfix simply wouldn’t be as successful as they are if its prices weren’t competitive.

With over 800 stores across the UK and more popping up all the time, you can see that it’s a retail model that works. 

Like other retailers, Screwfix checks competitor prices on an ongoing basis. In theory, then, you shouldn’t need to claim a price match at all.

Their pricing is constantly being revised to stay one step ahead of the other trade and DIY stores that are snapping at their heels. 

This is known as their Price Checked policy, and the company says these prices are checked on a daily basis. This applies to selected Screwfix products. 

Of course, you may find a cheaper price elsewhere sometimes, not least because all retailers are constantly trying to beat the competition.

With no price match policy in place, how can you take advantage if you find a lower selling price for an item you want or have already bought?

It’s simple if you haven’t already bought the product, as you can just go ahead and buy it, more cheaply, from the competitor instead.

But what happens if you’ve already purchased the item from Screwfix? 

If this is the case, you have three options:

1. Accept that you perhaps should have shopped around first, and write off the extra money you’ve paid. 
2. Ask in-store if the manager can authorise a price match. Mentioning the possibility of option 3 might be enough to sway things in your favour.
3. Return the item in accordance with the Screwfix terms and conditions to claim a refund. You could then use this money to buy the item somewhere else – and have a little leftover too. 

If you do want to haggle, take proof – such as a live link – of the competitor’s price for an identical product.

In line with other retailers’ price match policies, this should be the same in terms of size, colour, and features.

If there’s a model number, this must be an exact match. It should also currently be available to buy in-store, or for immediate dispatch when the order involves delivery. 

What are the Screwfix Terms and Conditions of Sale?

Let’s run through the relevant terms and conditions so you can see where you stand if you do want to try haggling at Screwfix.

Or cut straight to returning an item for a full refund.

• Once you’ve taken delivery of goods or collected them in-store, a legally binding contract exists between you and Screwfix. 
• Despite supplying the trade, Screwfix prices do include VAT at the current rate. 
• Prices in the Screwfix catalogue are subject to change and may go up or down in line with competitors or the prices charged by suppliers. 
• Promotional prices may be advertised. To qualify for these, you need to quote the applicable code at the point of purchase. 
• Screwfix isn’t obliged to supply goods at a price that’s incorrect and has been displayed in error. 
• Their ‘Price Checked’ products are updated daily in line with Screwfix’s competitors. 
• You can cancel your Screwfix order within their 30-day cancellation period. 
• As long as you can return the unused goods in great condition, you can tell them you want to obtain a refund in person, by email, by phone, or even by post. 
• If you ordered multiple items, the last delivery date marks the start of the 30-day returns period. 
• Sending goods back is at your own cost, and you should receive a refund within 14 days. 

How to Return an Item

In-store

Take your item (or items) into the store and present it (or them) at the trade counter. This must be within 30 days of purchase. 

Email

Send your message of cancellation to online@screwfix.com.

Phone

Call Screwfix on 03330 112 112 to speak with a member of the team.

Post

If you want to cancel by post, contact:

Screwfix Direct Ltd, Trade House, Mead Avenue, Houndstone Business Park, Yeovil, BA22 8RT

Does Screwfix Have a Price Adjustment Policy?

Screwfix does not have a price adjustment policy, nor a price match policy, though they do operate a Price Checked scheme. 

To get the cheapest price, shop around or try asking in-store. Use proof of the competitor’s price when doing the latter, such as a screenshot or live link to an identical product. 

If all else fails, you can claim a full refund for unused, undamaged goods within 30 days of purchase. 

6 Other Ways to Save at Screwfix

Check out these insider tips for more ways to save money when shopping for trade or DIY goods at Screwfix. 

1. Look for promo codes. 

Screwfix does advertise promotional prices from time to time, so it’s wise to benefit from these where you can.

Even the retailer’s terms and conditions mention these, so it’s worth searching in the press or online in advance of making a purchase.  

To benefit from a promo price, you need to input the code when shopping online or quote it when buying in-store. 

2. Sign up with TopCashback.  

TopCashback offers up to 1.05% cashback on Screwfix purchases. To get this, you’ll need to sign up for a TopCashback account.

Once you’ve set up an account with TopCashback and are ready to go ahead with your purchase, make sure you access the Screwfix site via the link supplied on the TopCashback site. 

So visit TopCashback first, find the Screwfix link and click through. The purchase you make can then be tracked by TopCashback to make sure you get your money.

While 1.05% might not sound like a lot, it soon adds up when you spend a lot of money. Such as when fitting out a new house or when you work as a tradesperson. 

3. Look for a Low Price product.  

The Screwfix website has a Low Price section right there for customer use. Find it by clicking here, or scrolling down the homepage to find it within the menu at the bottom.

This Low Price function takes you to a results page with items that match up. At the time of writing, this consisted of over 30 pages of search results.

So it’s quite likely you’ll find something you’re looking for, somewhere on that lengthy list!

4. Shop around.  

For major purchases, in particular, don’t simply assume that one retailer will offer you the best available price. Shop around first and you might just be pleasantly surprised!

5. Factor in fuel.  

Petrol or diesel to fill your car or van isn’t as affordable as it once was. So if you need to travel to a DIY store or trade counter to pick up a specific product, do bear that in mind. 

There’s no point in burning £10 worth of fuel, for instance, to save just £5 on one item. 

6. Time is money. 

Nor may a special journey be worthwhile if you need to take an hour off for the return trip. Especially if you could have been earning a decent rate of pay by working that extra hour! 

If you could earn more than the cost savings by shopping at a retailer closer to your home or workplace, then it may make sense overall to shop at the nearest supplier.

Whether that’s Screwfix or someone else entirely. 

Screwfix Price Match FAQs

Does Screwfix price match B&Q?

Screwfix doesn’t have a price match policy at all. However, they do offer a large range of Price Checked products which are matched to competitor prices daily.

To get a price match, ask Screwfix if there’s anything they can do, with proof of B&Q’s lower price as proof. The product should be identical.

Otherwise, you can return goods within 30 days for a full refund, as long as they’re unused and undamaged. 

Summarising the Screwfix Price Match Policy 

To sum up, Screwfix doesn’t actually have a price match policy as such. However, the company could argue that this is because they don’t need one. 

Screwfix does operate a ‘Price Checked’ policy to ensure they stay competitive. If you do find the same item cheaper elsewhere after purchase, then you can try asking them in-store, on the phone, or by email for a price match.

If you have no luck, the final option is to return the product for a full refund. You can do this within 30 days, as long as it’s unused and in resellable condition. 

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) 

But what if you find a cheaper item elsewhere – does GO Outdoors price match? 

GO Outdoors does offer a price match policy to Member’s Card holders. This will beat any competitor’s price by 10%. The match is available as soon as the competitor price has been checked and confirmed as in stock.

To claim the price match, speak to a member of staff in-store, or complete the online contact form within 7 days of purchase. 

How to Get a Price Match at GO Outdoors

As with any store’s price match policy, you’ll need to prove the competitor’s price for the item you want to buy. 

Providing GO Outdoors with a URL link to the product is the simplest. 

The GO Outdoors price match plus policy covers both in-store and online purchases. 

What Are the GO Outdoors Price Match Terms and Conditions?

There are some terms of the GO Outdoors price match plus policy to be aware of, as follows:

• The GO Outdoors price match policy only applies to Member’s Card Holders
• Offers from JD Sports Fashion PLC companies are excluded from the 10% price match, though these products will be sold at the same price instead
• Gas bottles and refills and gift vouchers are also excluded
• Price Match Plus cannot be used alongside any other additional coupons, discount offers or affiliate deals
• Online and promotional codes are excluded
• The price match product must be exactly the same in terms of brand, color, and size
• The product must also be brand new
• The competitor’s item must be available for immediate sale or shipping to any member of the public
• GO Outdoors must be able to check and confirm the competitor’s price
• Price Match Plus applies only to VAT-registered UK businesses and websites
• The price to be matched should include VAT
• GO Outdoors has the final say regarding all Price Match Plus discounts
• GO Outdoors may withdraw Price Match Plus when and if the company decides to do so

You can claim a GO Outdoors Price Match Plus either online or in-store.

How to Claim Price Match Plus

In-Store

If you want to claim Price Match Plus before buying, talk to a member of GO Outdoors staff. It’s best to have the product URL link ready to show them as proof of the competitor’s price. 

When you want to claim a GO Outdoors price match after buying, you need to bring your receipt or other proof of purchase to the same store you purchased the item from.

Again you’ll also need to prove the cheaper competitor price. 

Online

For an online price match, you need to order your item first. Then use the contact form supplied here to provide details.

As long as GO Outdoors can confirm the competitor’s price and all conditions are met, you’ll be issued a partial refund. 

The form requires the following details:

• Your name, email address, and phone number
• The GO Outdoors product code (you can find this online under the product listing)
• The lower price amount, color, and size plus the URL for checking

Does Go Outdoors Have a Price Adjustment Policy?

The GO Outdoors Price Match Plus policy applies within seven days of purchase. 

So if you find that the exact same item would have been cheaper when buying from a competitor, you can still claim the price adjustment. 

GO Outdoors, therefore, honors its Price Guarantee policy within one week of purchase. 

A refund for the difference in price plus 10% will therefore be made for qualifying items. Remember that this applies only to Member’s Card Holders. 

5 Other Ways to Save At GO Outdoors

If you’re looking for other ways to save at GO Outdoors, the good news is that we have a few exclusive tips to share!

1. Get Hold of a Member’s Card.

It costs £5 per year, and in return, you get low prices plus exclusive cardholder offers.

You also need a Member’s Card to benefit from the GO Outdoors Price Match Plus policy. 

2. Subscribe to Their Emails.

At the bottom of the same price guarantee page, you can sign up with GO Outdoors.

This will entitle you to exclusive offers, which will be sent to you via email. 

3. Look Out for Codes When Shopping Online.

At the time of writing, for instance, a banner across the top of the page gave shoppers an additional 10% off clothing when using the code supplied. 

4. Check if You Qualify for a Partner Discount.

Members of both local and national outdoor groups can claim an additional 15% off their purchases.

This applies to anyone with a DofE card, or members of the Scouts Association or GirlGuiding.

You’ll need to show proof such as a card or item of uniform, or use a code when shopping online.

Other organizations such as the YHA, Hostelling Scotland, the NUS, the Defence Discount Service, the Blue Light Card, and the Camping and Caravanning Club also qualify.  

5. Search Online for ‘GO Outdoors Discount Codes’.

At the time of writing The Independent, NHS Discounts, The Telegraph, and more published codes for up to 25% off at GO Outdoors. 

GO Outdoors Price Match FAQs

Does GO Outdoors Price Match Amazon?

GO Outdoors does price match Amazon, as with any other high street or online retailer. The same terms and conditions apply to Amazon as to all other Price Match Plus transactions.

This means the item must be the same color, size, and brand, and you must supply GO Outdoors with the URL to check this. Amazon must have the brand-new item in stock, ready for immediate shipping. 

All the other terms apply, as usual, so you must have a GO Outdoors Member’s Card to qualify. Remember also that the company reserves the right to withdraw its price guarantee whenever they wish. 

Who Owns GO Outdoors?

As of 2017, GO Outdoors has been under the ownership of JD Sports Fashion plc. The group’s other outdoor brands include Millets and Blacks. 

While the GO Outdoors Price Match Plus policy applies to products sold by other JD Sports Fashion plc brands, in this case, the price will be matched and the extra 10% not applied. 

How Do I Get an Extra Discount at GO Outdoors

Members of certain groups and associations can get up to a 15% extra discount at GO Outdoors. This is in addition to the Member’s Card price. 

Qualifying groups include members of the Scouts Association, the NUS, YHA, the Defence Discount Service, the Camping and Caravanning Club, Hostelling Scotland, the Blue Light Card, and GirlGuiding. Holders of a DofE card also qualify. 

Summarising the GO Outdoors Price Match Plus Policy

In brief, the GO Outdoors policy offers to match an identical competitor’s price plus give customers an extra 10% off. To claim this you’ll need to hold a Member’s Card and provide proof, as well as meet certain other conditions.

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!

Does Argos Price Match?

Unfortunately, Argos has never offered a price-matching service. Whereas other companies might match or try to beat a competitor’s product prices, Argos sells products at the recommended retail price.

This is probably because they do not have similarly minded competitors in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, allowing them to charge the full price for the products and still ensure a customer base.

Remaining Competitive

Despite not offering price matching, there are several things Argos do to remain competitive in the ever-changing marketplace.

Sales

Argos run sales at specific times of the year.

One predominant period is after Christmas time during the January sales, where much of the left over stock is then sold at a reduced time for an extended period.

This usually lasts until February, and is a great time to pick up bargains that would have been more expensive before Christmas.

Clearance

There are also Argos clearance stores in certain locations, stocking remnants of past product lines that interested people can purchase at a drastically reduced rate.

Whilst not commonplace around the country, they are worth looking out for, as bargains might be found amongst the stock.

Price Adjustments

In an ever changing and competitive market, Argos adjusts its prices accordingly to remain relevant and popular on the market.

Same Day Delivery

If you file your online order by 6pm at the latest, you have the chance to receive your chosen product by 10pm on the same day.

This is true of urban and rural markets, and the company has engaged in widespread career drives in the last few years to enable this to happen.

However, this only applies to certain items, which will say “fasttrack” if eligible.

Nectar Points

You can collect and spend Nectar points at Argos, which is a handy way to use those points you’ve accumulated. 500 Nectar points are worth £2.50. You can spend a maximum of 100,000 Nectar points (£500) in one transaction. 

Use Cashback sites

Cashback sites like Quidco offer up to 5% cashback on Argos purchases. It definitely pays to check out the top UK cashback sites to compare their rates. Here are our top picks: 10 Best Cashback Sites in the UK

History

Founded in 1972 by Richard Tompkins, the previous owner of the Green Shield Stamps initiative (wherein customers could save stamps and use them to purchase goods), Argos is a catalog store, allowing customers to order items and pay with cash.

Named after the real life Greek town Argos, the oldest inhabited township in the world, and a famed location in the Peloponnese region, Argos has become a popular mainstay in the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland.

Building on his Green Shield Stamp catalog system, Tompkins realized that people enjoyed the catalog shopping experience from home, but didn’t necessarily want to have to wait and save up the necessary stamps.

This led to the change in company and business model in 1972, offering similar products and goods, whilst allowing customers to instead use money to pay for them.

Services

Since their inception, Argos have provided several different services and business models, ranging from a home catalog, a television ordering service called “Argos TV”, physical stores, and item collection points.

Catalogue Stores

Their current business model is primarily based around physical stores, usually located within the nearest Sainsbury’s supermarket, thanks to a recent acquisition in 2016.

Using home catalogs for people to freely take, and in-store digital computers for people to search for specific products, the system used to involve customers searching for the item number, making a note of it and the quantity on a purchase form (using their stereotypical small, blue pens), before taking it to the cashier for payment.

Under the current system, the order system is digital and requires customers to locate the product on the in-store computers, add it to a digital order, before transmitting it to the cashiers, who will then process the payment.

Online Business

A large proportion of Argos’ business is also done online.

With the full range of products available on their website, and the ability to have goods delivered to your doorstep (as well as collected from the store), Argos developed their business model to compete with modern rivals such as Amazon.

This is also useful for customers purchasing large ticket items, such as televisions, as the home delivery service means a delivery person can bring the item to their home, saving them from having to carry it home themselves.

Collection Points

Along with the acquisition by Sainsbury’s, smaller Argos collection points were established in certain stores.

Whilst they were not capable of stocking the full range of products on the premises, customers could use the online ordering service to arrange for their chosen item to be delivered to their local collection point.

Then they can collect it at their convenience.

Products

Offering a wide range of products, Argos stocks big-name brands, as well as independent and own brands affiliated with the company.

Some of these brands include: Challenge, Visiq, Pro Action, Cookworks, Beanstalk, Pro Fitness, Opticom, Grosvenor, Steamworks, Aquarius, Coolworks, Elevation, Acoustic Solutions, Mega Games, and the now-out-of-business Elizabeth Duke.

In 2009, they also acquired several independent brands, such as: Alba, Bush, and Chad Valley.

Financial Assistance

There are also specified ways and means that the company handles payments.

Argos Financial Services

Before the acquisition by Sainsbury’s, Argos ran a system called Argos Financial Services, which allowed for the purchase of large ticket items in smaller instalments over a defined period of time.

Following the acquisition, this process became integrated into Sainsbury’s Bank, the company’s own financial aid system.

Final Thoughts

And there we have everything you need to know about Argos stores, the services they offer, and the financial systems they have in place.

Whilst not offering price matching, Argos has remained a popular mainstay on the British and Irish markets, offering high-quality products at reasonable prices and establishing themselves as a key feature on most high streets in the process.

These large added fees happen whenever you travel with a standard debit card and use it for all your purchases abroad.

Although these fees may seem small one-offs at the time, they will add up over the weeks or months you spend abroad.    

For those of us who travel a lot, these payments really can take a toll on the trip and mean that we may have to limit some of the fun activities we had planned due to these charges. 

After a few bank statements, it can leave you wanting to find a card with no foreign exchange fee.

But are there actually any out there? If there is, then you can continue to travel the world without the pain of the bank taking half of your account in costs, and instead, you can use that money to travel even more.

When you find yourself in a scenario like this a Monzo travel card comes in hand the bright coral-coloured card can come to save your summer trip. Monzo’s travel card comes without the pesky 3% foreign exchange fees to pay.

This card is great for whether you are shopping in Albert Heijn in the centre of Amsterdam or just the local Tesco around the corner. 

The Monzo travel card is one of the best prepaid travel cards available and is ideal for those year roundly trips. But what is so special about it?

What Is A Monzo Travel Card?

Monzo is a new style of a bank that is rising at the moment, an app-only bank that was initially only used as a prepaid travel card or prepaid money card provider which could be topped up via an app. 

The prepaid travel card has now been integrated into the Monzo current account.

Monzo currently is only available to United Kingdom residents but the company does have plans to expand to other countries eventually. 

How Can I Get A Monzo Card? 

UK residents aged 16 and over can apply for a Monzo account by downloading the app and signing up, the app is available on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. 

To register for a Monzo account simply download the app, scan your ID using your phone’s camera, and then make an introduction video, the video is simply to verify that you are a real human being.

Then just wait for your account to be approved. 

Once your account is activated you will be sent your card through the post. Monzo designed the app for easy customer application, it has a simple user-friendly interface with easy functionality that anyone will be able to use. 

Monzo is considered the bank of the future and is the perfect traveling companion and if you refer a friend then Monzo will give you and the person referred a reward.

The prepaid travel cards are perfect if you wish to keep track of your spending whilst traveling. 

Why Use The Monzo Card Abroad 

There are many benefits that you can expect when using your Monzo card abroad, here are some of the perks you can enjoy abroad.

0% Foreign Exchange Fee 

The main draw to using a Monzo card abroad is that you will not have to pay those annoying 3% bank foreign exchange fees that most banks will charge you.

Those fees add up over time and will eat into the money you have saved for your travels. 

No Need To Notify The Bank

Most banks require you to notify them before traveling. Monzo has no need for this and you are able to use your card abroad without letting them know beforehand, there are no charges for making online payments in a foreign currency. 

You can also use the cards for any international subscriptions that can be paid for in any international currency. Usually, these may incur an extra charge so you will be saving a small amount that will add up over time.

Instant Freeze If The Card Is Lost

If you have ever lost your bank card you know the spine-chilling feeling of realization, double that feeling if you are traveling abroad during the time you lose the said card.

You have to call your bank and fear someone is spending all of your money before you can convince them to cancel your card.

With Monzo these feelings are a thing of the past, of course, they cannot find your card for you but with the ‘freeze’ option available in the app allows you to freeze your card immediately.

If you find said card before needing to send for a new one, (there is also an easy option on the app for this!) then there is the option to ‘defrost’ it and carry on as if it never happened. 

Monzo Welcomes You

When you arrive in a new country you will get a nice welcome screen. This will give you information about the destination you have arrived at, and info such as the current exchange rate and any fees for the destination will show up.

Easily Track Spending 

If you like to keep an eye on your money whether you are at home or abroad, Monzo makes it easy by sending an instant notification whenever you make a transaction, so no more waiting days for transactions to clear.

You can also see a summary of your spending broken into categories, such as food, transport, bills, etc. 

Final Thoughts

So is Monzo the best card for traveling abroad? Yes, paying no exchange fees on top of all the other perks that Monzo has to offer makes this relative newcomer to the banking world the go-to choice for any keen travelers.

You fill it up, turn it on, crank up your heater and then indulge in a nice long soak.

Then you get the electricity bill and it seems a bit higher than usual and depending on how often you use it, the bill could be a lot higher.

Before you purchased the hot tub you may have thought “how much does it cost to run a hot tub?” and just thought you would work it out as you went along. 

Well now it’s time to see if you can make some adjustments so that you can save both money and energy, whilst keeping your fancy hot tub. 

What Are The Running Costs?

Well it really depends on several factors. That’s probably not what you would want to hear and as nice as it would be if there was a definitive answer there is not.

How much it costs you to run your hot tub is not going to cost you the exact same amount as your neighbour or others in your town. 

There are just too many variables to take into consideration:

• The make and model of your hot tub can make a big difference due to some heating up faster than others.
• Hot tub age, this one is simple the older your tub is the longer its going to take to get up to heat and thus draws more power
• Cost of utilities, obviously your water and electricity bills are going to go up. You can get an estimate for energy costs with this energy efficiency calculator.
• Local sales tax, any supplies you purchase will have the tax applied to them immediately making them fairly pricey.
• How long you run the hot tub, self explanatory but the longer you run the hot tub the more you will be paying.
• How often you run the hot tub also obviously impacts the running costs as the more you run the tub the more you pay.
• How many people use the hot tub, the more load placed on the tub, the more power needed to maintain the heat and water level as well as more chemicals being required.
• Whether you keep the hot tub covered, if you do not then the chemicals and hot water will slowly evaporate and the heat in the water will dissipate. 
• Maintaining the temperature, keeping the water at the perfect temperature for you and any friends to enjoy will draw a lot of power.
• If the hot tub is salt water or pure, salt water naturally contains chlorine so having a salt water hot tub means it will keep itself cleaner than a pure water hot tub where you will need more chemicals to maintain.
• How well you take care of your hot tub, this is vital as if you constantly clean and check your hot tub it will last longer and cost less than having to call out for a repairman when the hot tub faces inevitable wear over time.
• If you have upgraded any of the equipment, this is for those of us with older tubs, obviously they will not last forever but upgrading equipment whilst costly will extend the life of your tub.

Whilst it is impossible to perfectly pin down the exact cost of your hot tub, what is possible is using some certain tactics to keep your hot tubs maintenance costs as low as possible, regardless of any variables.

Some Cost Saving Tactics

Heat The Hot Tub Up During Off Peak Hours

The cost of electricity does go down later in the day and is often cheapest at night or early in the morning.

This is due to less people using appliances during these off peak hours and thus you will save money on your energy bill by heating up your hot tub at night or early in the morning.

If your hot tub contains a thermostat and has a circuit timer then set the thermostat to heat your hot tub during off peak hours. 

Use A Hot Tub Cover

Putting a cover over your hot tub will reduce evaporation, trap heat, and prevent chemicals from evaporating with the water. Maintaining the levels with a hot tub cover will lead to you not needing to replace them as often.

If you do already have a cover and it has been sitting next to your hot tub getting dusty, clean it off and start using it as it is an underrated tool to save money.

If you regularly use your cover then take some time to inspect it for any tears or damage that could affect its performance.

Blocking Wind

If your hot tub is kept outdoors then you do have more to worry about compared to those who keep their hot tubs indoors. Leaves and other debris can fall into the water.

As well as any insects or small animals who will get stuck. 

Wind seems pretty innocuous but it can have a noticeable effect on your hot tub’s water level. The more the air moves above your hot tub, the faster the water will evaporate.

Wind also cools down the water thus making your heater have to work harder and use more power to maintain the temperature you set.

There is no danger of this happening whilst there is a cover over your hot tub but this will not be the case whilst you are using it. So what can be done to protect your wallet from the wind whilst you are using the hot tub?

Creating a windbreak around your hot tub is crucial to deflecting wind, a natural breaker such as a shrub or a man made one like a screen will do the job.

You could only watch these channels, or if you had a Sky TV subscription you could watch all the channels you liked, but of course that was – and still is – very expensive (tips on cancelling Sky here). 

With the introduction of Freeview, homes across the UK were able to access many channels for free through their TV aerial.

Since Freeview first came to our homes, there’s been many questions surrounding how it actually works, what you need to be eligible for it and if you need internet access to receive the free channels.

In this article, we’re going to be discussing all of these common questions and more, so that you can be on your way to watching free live TV in no time. 

What Is Freeview?

Freeview was launched in 2002 as a joint venture between BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and the communications company Arqiva.

It’s the UK’s digital terrestrial television service and, it according to the Freeview website, it has just “one simple aim: to give you the best possible line-up of TV, for free”

Freeview can be found in 17 million homes across the UK and it boasts more than 70 standard channels and 15 HD channels, and they do all this for no monthly cost.

It works by using your aerial in your TV, so there’s absolutely no need for an internet connection to connect to these channels. 

Two decades on and Freeview still remains as popular as ever, especially since the introduction of Freeview Play in 2015 which integrates streaming channels into a hub with access to live, catch-up and on-demand TV rolled into one service over an internet connection. 

Freeview Play

You don’t need an internet connection to watch regular Freeview channels on your TV, but you’ll need an internet connection if you want to access Freeview Play.

Freeview Play gives you 95% of the nation’s favourite TV for free and if that’s not enough, you can top-up with extra on-demand TV, movies and sport from the range of apps you can download. 

Apps that come as part of the Freeview Play package include BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, My5, UKTV Play, Horror Bites, and CBS Catch Up Channels UK, STV Player, POP Player and BBC Sounds.

But of course, you can download apps like NowTV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and many other streaming services, if you have a subscription with them. 

How Do I Get Freeview Play?

Freeview Play is usually built directly into most devices that are sold in the UK. It’s available in the Amazon Fire TV Edition, Panasonic, Toshiba, TCL and Hisense TVs just to name a few.

You’ll be able to check if a TV supports Freeview Play before buying it by looking for a mention of ‘Freeview Play’ in the TV’s features list. 

If your TV doesn’t support Freeview Play, there’s always an option to buy a set-top box, boxes are available for £100 or less. If you want to record content, there are recordable set-top boxes that can sometimes be upwards of £200. 

What Equipment Do I Need To Have Freeview?

1. A TV With Freeview Built Into It, Or A Freeview Box Or Recorder

Since Freeview is really popular nowadays, most TVs will have Freeview built into them already, so it’s never been easier to access the Freeview service.

However, if your TV doesn’t have Freeview built into it, Freeview boxes and recorders are still widely available to purchase for as cheap as £40 and upwards. 

2. An Aerial

To be able to receive Freeview, you’ll have to have an aerial plugged into your TV that goes into a specific socket that should already be built into your wall.

External aerials are usually the best to use, though loft aerials or portable indoor aerials may work in stronger signal areas. 

3. A TV License

Anyone that broadcasts live or on-demand TV in the UK needs to pay a TV licence fee. This is the only fee you’ll need to pay towards Freeview as there’s no subscription fees. You can buy a TV license here.

4. An Internet Connection (Optional)

If you only want to watch digital terrestrial Freeview channels, then you won’t require an internet connection. But if you’re wanting to access catch-up and on-demand content or any apps, you’ll have to use Freeview Play, which we mentioned earlier.

To access this, you’ll need an internet connection of around 2Mbps. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does Freeview Keep Breaking Up?

The trouble with going through an aerial and not internet connection is that the signal is either available or not.

TV programmes are no longer shown through a snowstorm of interference and you may not even be able to receive all the channels that are being broadcast from the local transmitter. 

There’s a few different reasons why you may be experiencing interference. 

Firstly, it’s a good idea to check your local area for the channels you’re predicted to get using this Freeview channel checker https://www.freeview.co.uk/freeview-channel-checker. 

Next, make sure that your aerial is aligned correctly to the transmitter, make sure there’s no damage to any of the cables and that it’s connected securely. 

The weather can also cause reception and interference issues. Wait until the weather clears up to see if that was the reason why, if it wasn’t make sure to contact the Freeview team. 

Will A Signal Booster Improve Digital Reception?

Yes, a signal booster will do just that! As it’s specifically designed to boost your digital TV signals. They help to improve the signal quality that is being received by aerials that are in locations with a weak signal from a TV transmitter. 

TV aerial boosters can help to prevent poor picture and sound quality that may be caused by long cables that are distributed to multiple TVs.