We highlight seven innovative ways the web can save you money.
By now, many of us will be familiar with well-established moneysaving websites like MySupermarket, Gumtree and Freegle.
However, innovative frugal initiatives are setting up all the time - with hundreds popping up in the last year alone.Here, we’re going to highlight seven moneysaving websites you may not yet have heard of…
1.GiffGaff
GiffGaff is a sim-only, pay as you go mobile provider that gives more power to its community. Users deal with certain technical support issues, and contribute ideas for the design of new bundles and tariffs.
Many people have already found GiffGaff plans to be cheaper than those of more established providers. And because it runs on the O2 network, it benefits from an extensive operational infrastructure and good network reception.
2. MyBuilder
Have you paid a small fortune to a cowboy builder? If you need a reliable, good value building professional, check out the MyBuilder website.
You post a description of the work that needs doing (giving as much detail as possible) and can ask for quotes from builders with expertise in a particular area, or from just those in your local area.
Builders registered on the site then reply to your ad with their details, and quotes for job described.
And each builder will have been rated by previous MyBuilder customers (a bit like the eBay feedback system) so it’s easier for you to sort the wheat from the chaff.
3. WeeeBuy
The WeeeBuy website was established in response to the WEEE Directive - a European directive aimed at reducing the amount of electrical waste across Europe.
And using WeeeBuy makes financial as well as environmental sense: In a nutshell, you can use the website to trade in a wide range of used electrical items for cash.
These include mobile phones, laptops, games consoles, iPods and many more. To find out how to get started, read this guide.
4. PriceCutReview
If you thought Amazon was good value, check out PriceCutReview. This website rounds up the items on Amazon that are at half price or less, and divides them into different categories so you can search more easily.
Simple but effective!
5. SellMyWeddingDress
After they’re married, most women pop their wedding dress at the back of the wardrobe… forever. If you want to sell yours (and can overcome the sentimental aspect of things) check out SellMyWeddingDress.
You can sell your dress here (paying a £15 fee). And there’s also the option to sell bridesmaid dresses and other wedding accessories.
Alternatively, if you’re still looking for an affordable dress for your big day, you can search by designer, model, colour, size and price and buy one here.
6. SupermarketOwnBrandGuide
Buying ‘value range’ supermarket items can be a bit of a gamble. Most are absolutely fine, but occasionally you come across a dud that tastes dodgy or doesn’t do the job it’s meant to.
The SupermarketOwnBrand site helps you find the best own-brand goods around. You can search using the top tabs (food, drink, household, health and so on).
Alternatively, this search tool helps you find a huge range of everyday items (in all the leading supermarkets), and reviews them for taste and effectiveness!
7. LiftShare
Finally, Liftshare is a car sharing network that started as a social enterprise. You can reduce your transport costs by using it to find other car owners going your way, so you can travel in one car instead of two.
You can search for a regular ‘car buddy’, or - if you don’t mind sharing with a stranger for a one-off trip - you can use the site to find out if anyone is making the same journey.
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