Anyone NOT saving xmas vouchers next year?

mykidsmum_2

middleman wrote:

Hope nobody minds me asking, but apart from not being able to dip into the savings, what exactly are the benefits of these schemes. Are incentives offered? Do you get interest? Just curious because never used them and wasn't aware they were so popular until now.

you know what? I don't know! . I have used them for 4yrs but its only since the farepak business that I thought why do I do it?
the first year my friend was an agent and I did it for her, but subsequent years its been her neighbour.
so in all honesty apart from not being able to dip into it, can't see the benefit now! (wow just had another LBM!)
s

dlb

I wont be doing next year either.
But will be opening a account that requires 30 days notice for withdrawals.
Then i couldnt dip in even if i wanted to if a unexspected bills arrives ect.
Then i will give notice at the beginning of sept so i can have the money around the same time i would have got the vouchers.

Also i could put more or less in on some months.

scotlass99

:rudolf: I am very wary about saving through vouvher schemes again next year, I think what has happened to Farepak has made a lot of people think twice and I am scared more companies will now go bust because of this.

It was a convenient way to save as the money was gone, it was sitting in an account tempting me. Also, I have zero willpower and when it came to the time to put the money into a bank account, I would find something else to spend it on! Whereas with vouchers i was giving the money to an agent and didn't want to say no or spend that money on something else. Does that make sense?!!

So think this year will try and go it alone and save in some kind of bank account..

nicki_2

I've never used these schemes, I was thinking of it but then I decided that I would rather put the money away in a savings account where I can dip into it through the year to buy things in the sales and then stash them for Christmas or Birthdays

specsappeal

Hi all, I got caught out with Choices vouchers at the beginning of the year. So all through this year I have put forty pounds aside each month in my home safe and also put in any extra money i have. I have managed to save far more than i used to by getting the vouchers and it's easier as when the sales are on and i see any stocking fillers etc i can just buy them straight away. I must admit that it only works for me as i have alot of willpower - if it was left to hubby then we wouldn't have anything put by for xmas.

karren

lol, after losing £3,620 to them for my friends, family , work mates and myself, never, never, never again!!!!!

chinagirl

The Jury's still out on this one in my mind! I am a small-time agent with Home Farm Hampers, and have always been very pleased with service, delivery etc I get from them. However, with Choice ceasing to trade, I have had to convert my order to Bonus Bond. Hopefully there will be no problems with getting and spending them this year.
Also, I only have a handful of customers, (me, my mum, my cousin and a friend), so I do not make much if anything on commision, as we only order vouchers. You have to have £1000 worth in orders to earn any commision.
I will mull it over and decide after Christmas.

jo1967

I too am in a quandry. I have been an agent with Variety Christmas Club for at least 14 years. I have never had a bit of trouble. When Choice went under at the beginning of the year all my customers oders were changed to High Street Vouchers, anyone who still had Choice Vouchers were able to return them & they were replaced with High Street Vouchers. The other vouchers we save for are named shops (Asda, Arcadia etc) so no problem spending them.
My account had to be up to date by 1st November, I had it paid up on 27th October. My vouchers arrived 3rd November.

My order was £6000 (friends & family) and I felt sick when I heard about Farepak. Not sure what to do now but if anyone drops out I wont persaude them otherwise or encourage any new business at the moment. But I just dont know whether to carry on.

georgiasmum

I use Park vouchers and have been happy with the service, they were very keen to share their financial info with me to reassure me that they are financially sound and secure. I have placed my order for next year....

inkie

No, No No!