If you love shopping but don’t love what it does to your bank balance- you’re not alone! It doesn’t have to mean cutting everything out completely though as with the right mix of side income, smart offers and a bit of patience, there are ways to fund your regular little treats without feeling guilty or overspending. The key is mixing in a few low effort habits that actually add up.
Resell What You’re Done With
Selling old clothes online isn’t exactly new, but there’s a difference between clearing out your wardrobe once a year and doing it regularly. Think of it like trading in, if something’s not getting worn or used, sell it and put the money straight into a pot for your next purchase.
It doesn’t have to be high end either. Everyday brands sell surprisingly well on apps like Vinted and Depop, especially if they’re in good condition and photographed properly. Some people even batch list things once a month and treat it like store credit.
Try Product Testing and Panel Sites
There are legitimate testing platforms that send out everything from skincare and snacks to shoes and tech accessories. Some let you keep the items, others pay in vouchers or points. Look for long running panels rather than anything promising free designer gear overnight. A few examples include TryIt, Home Tester Club, and paid panels run by brands themselves.
Use Referral and Loyalty Loops
It’s easy to forget about referral bonuses once you’ve signed up to something, but some platforms still offer £10 to £20 for getting a friend to join. Use that towards something you’d buy anyway, and the small wins add up. Supermarkets and beauty retailers are now offering proper loyalty perks too. If you’re shopping anyway, check whether there’s a members-only price or double points deal. It’s rarely huge on its own, but it means getting extras later without having to spend again.
Enter Competitions with Strategy
Comping gets a bad reputation because most people give up after one try. But if you focus on low entry free competitions run by smaller brands or local businesses, the odds are actually decent. Instagram giveaways with under 1,000 comments are a good place to start. Set up a separate email address for entries and don’t waste time on anything that looks spammy. Some people enter a few competitions a day with a coffee and have built up wardrobes, gadgets and gift cards without spending anything.
Get In on Preloved Loyalty Schemes
Lots of resale sites now reward regular sellers and buyers. Vinted gives discounts on postage for frequent users, while Thrift+ offers things like high street vouchers. It’s basically a way to get money back without needing to spend anything new. If you’re shopping anyway, you might as well make the system work in your favour!
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
