I love to save money, but I also like to make it. I have been inspired by some other bloggers to refocus my efforts on selling stuff online. This takes time, but is a good way of making extra money.
Sourcing stock to resell
With this in mind, I hit the boot sale again last bank holiday weekend to source some items to sell. If you don’t know where to start finding bargains at boot sales, read this post.
I have gone off the boil a bit when it comes to selling on eBay but I’m feeling reinvigorated!
Mercari
I decided not to stop at eBay, and to give an app called Mercari a try. I have listed some items that have been hanging around on eBay on there to see if they do any better on Mercari.
The app seems very easy to use, so it could prove another means of making extra money. If you sign up using my code, you get £2 to spend: XATXYQ.
New (to me) clothing
This week has been about saving as well as making extra money, as you would expect.
I found a couple of nice things at the boot sale for myself. I was really pleased with this Per Una skirt for only £2.50. It is a size 10, but as Per Una sizing is rather generous, it fits! I am a size 12 generally. I also got two pairs of jeans that look brand new and 3 tops for work. Those five items cost a mere £5!
Shopping around
I received a small end of year bonus from work. This was fortuitous as the washing machine has been playing up for a while.
I shopped around online and found that AO was by far the cheapest place for the model I had my eye on. I found it for £100 more on a different site!
They called yesterday to check the delivery day and offered to take the old machine away for free. That will save us a trip to the tip! I found AO very easy to use and genuinely recommend them. They aren’t paying me to say this – I have been really impressed with their service so far.
Soup making
I used lots of odds and ends from the freezer to make a large pot of vegetable soup at the weekend. I didn’t use a recipe; just chucked it all in with some stock and whizzed it up.
This has done for my work lunches all week. Batch cooking saves me time as well as money.
So making extra money and saving where I can has been the theme this week. Have you managed five frugal things? Are you making extra money?
As ever, I am linking up with Cass , Emma and Becky in this week’s Five Frugal Things I have done this Week linky.
ratnamurti says
Nice outfit Jane. You have done so well with your ‘new’ gear!
Julia says
I’ve used AO for most of my big appliance purchases and really can’t fault them either. Quite often they give you a £25 off your next purchase discount code too!
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Julia, did you take out their insurance? It claims to cover you for all repairs and to replace the machine if it stops working for 4 years. Works out at £60 a year. Thinking I won’t but it sounds more reasonable than most
CurlyTop says
Hi, I’be just had to buy a washing machine & freezer and did so from AO too. I was offered the insurance but working on the principal that I’d had my old washing machine for 10 years, it would have by a false economy, as I’d managed to get my new washer price matched by AO and got it at a great price. In terms of the freezer, my last one broke 3 months over the 4 yr from AO and I’d have lost out again. If you think you would want to take out the insurance, why not put the £60 into an ISA or something just in case you need to buy replacements. Love AO …. have used them for years long before they became as popular as they are now. No hard sell, just great friendly service.
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
I worked out the same as you and figured AO know they will make a profit on the deal. I decided not to bother. I have my emergency fund if I need a new one in a hurry!
Julia says
Usually I do because most of what I need to replace is for our old house which we’re currently renting out.
Of course, the one appliance that has actually broken down in the last 6 years ( the washing machine, which, typically is the one thing most likely to break! ) wasn’t insured and broke after about 18 months! 🙁
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
That’s really annoying!
Tree says
I’ve never heard of Mercado so I’m away for an explore! I’ve still not made it to any boot sales this year!
Tx
Tree says
*Mercari -flippin’ autocorrect!!!
shoestringjane@outlook.com says
Becky says
You look lovely in your skirt – what a bargain! #5frugalthings