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Do You Work from Home? Why Not Join Our Network Today?
Many of you made the decision a while ago to work from home and for a variety of reasons, some of you are considering working from home. Although working from home means greater flexibility with the present economic climate and constant doom and gloom hitting our TV screens and newspapers, (this is if you have time to watch TV or read papers), motivation can be hard - worst of all, regular contracts can be lost at anytime and replacement contracts can be hard to find. The idea of the network is for us to help motivate each other, to give advice to each other and to encourage each other.
Jobs will be listed on the site and members are always welcome to offer other network members discounts for their services etc.
There are forums to take part in, blogs and your own page to update as you wish. Why not start a Group specific to your field? We already have "Working From Home" and "Working From Home Advice", perhaps you would like to start, Crafts, Stallholders, Pen Pushers or any Group that is of interest to you.
Good luck and I hope you find the site of benefit.
Jobs will be listed on the site and members are always welcome to offer other network members discounts for their services etc.
There are forums to take part in, blogs and your own page to update as you wish. Why not start a Group specific to your field? We already have "Working From Home" and "Working From Home Advice", perhaps you would like to start, Crafts, Stallholders, Pen Pushers or any Group that is of interest to you.
Good luck and I hope you find the site of benefit.
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Beat the credit crunch: survival tips for small businesses from XLN Telecom. 3 Replies
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Would you like to earn yourself some products? Please take advantage of these offers… see sections 3 and 5
1. DETOX TIME? Lose weight for Valentines Day!
2. TREAT YOUR VALENTINE…or yourself!
3. CUSTOMER REFERRALS
4. FOCUS ON… get ready for the Hay Fever season!
5. SPECIAL OFFER OF THE MONTH –> special prize draw to win £20 voucher
6. ONLINE SHOP
1. DETOX TIME? Lose weight for Valentines Day!
Last month I had some fantastic results with both myself and several customers who tried our 9-day aloe detox, I wanted to share those stories with you and keep my special offer running for a second month…why not consider detoxing/losing weight in time for Valentines Day, for example?
For myself, I lost 10 lbs and felt FANTASTIC, my clothes fitted more comfortably, I had LOADS more energy, I was never hungry and my skin and hair were beautiful! Another customer also commented on feeling ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT; she also lost many pounds, had TONS OF ENERGY and just had that general feeling of well-being as well as sleeping much more soundly, too…go on, try it yourself!
Don’t forget about our unconditional 60-day money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose (except your weight!) and yet plenty to gain (a slimmer, healthier you!). Try any of our products for two months and if you don’t feel the benefit, you’ll receive a FULL refund!
Just as a reminder, the health benefits of our Aloe Vera Gel drinks are:
1. Detoxes/cleanses our body – so can really help with any digestive disorders (eg. IBS, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, bloatedness, etc) and skin problems (eg. eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, etc); also, with conditions such as asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, allergies…
2. Natural anti-inflammatory – so reduces pain without the need for drugs like paracetamol
3. Increases energy levels hugely! We ALL want more energy…
4. Balances our immune system (essential for helping our bodies to naturally fight infections like swine flu, coughs and colds, etc)
5. And finally, our Aloe Vera gel is packed full of over 75 nutrients, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids, vital vitamins, minerals and trace elements
For details of our weight management programme, please call me (07746894349) or click on my online store and then click on the ‘Weight Management’ category: http://distrib.foreverliving.com/retail/EntryServlet?langID=en&storeID=GBR&distribID=440000997917
2. TREAT YOUR VALENTINE…or yourself!
Our Sonya Luxury Skincare range of 5 anti-ageing products has to be the BEST range I have EVER had the pleasure of using! Our collection’s formulation of ingredients including Aloe Vera, fruit extracts, white tea and superior moisturisers give back to your skin…Radiant Beauty like you’ve never known before! The Sonya Skincare Kit (£119.57) consists of five products: Aloe Purifying Cleanser (£25.54), Aloe Deep-Cleansing Exfoliator (£19.16), Aloe Refreshing Toner (£25.54), Aloe Nourishing Serum (my absolute favourite! £31.75) and the Aloe Balancing Cream (£24.35)…all of which are also available separately, as well as part of the collection.
3. CUSTOMER REFERRALS
Check out this link http://www.foreverknowledge.info/yourfuture …it’s a 25-minute long video with info about our company, our products and our marketing plan…if you’d like to find out more about how I can help you achieve your life-goals, then let’s meet for a chat and glass of wine or coffee…
Thank you to all of you who have passed on customer referrals to me; for new customers who don’t know about this, for any customer referrals you pass on to me who then place an order for any product in our range, you will receive a Free Aloe Lips with my compliments. In addition to this, if you refer someone to me for the business opportunity and that person joins my team, I will thank you with a £20 voucher towards any of your favourite Forever products.
4. FOCUS ON…get ready for the Hay Fever season!
For many people, the start of Spring brings misery…the onset of Hay Fever. Well, why not eliminate it this year…talk to me about how our Berry Nectar Aloe Vera gel drink plus our Bee Pollen supplement may well help you achieve just that this year…but we need to talk NOW, to catch it before it’s too late! Prepare yourself early to avoid streaming eyes, a runny nose, low energy levels that can be the symptoms of Hay Fever.
If YOU have a testimonial that you’d like to share with others, then please do email it to me and I’ll include it next months letter; thanks everso
5. SPECIAL OFFER OF THE MONTH –> special prize draw to win £20 voucher
Please open the attached document and complete the prize draw to enter my special February promo…you can complete the form and email it back to me or simply print it out and then send it to me…I’ll let you know the winner in next month’s newsletter – GOOD LUCK
Also, continuing from January, I am again offering a £25 nutrition/fitness consultation voucher, with every Clean 9 pack purchased in February…so you can combine your detox with a personally developed nutrition/exercise regime. Tony Bourdet from A121 Fitness, Peterborough's premium personal training gym, is as passionate about helping people with their health as I am, so it’s a great match. He can be found in Central Peterborough (just near the back of John Lewis, and with parking!) – check out his website at http://www.a121fitness.co.uk for more details or call him on 07516 787097 to book an appointment directly.
6. ONLINE SHOP
Just to remind you that if you live further afield and so delivery is difficult or you have family/friends who live at a distance (or even overseas) who’d be interested in trying our products for example, then we now have the facility to purchase online (in the UK, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Australia). For the UK, the prices are exactly the same as purchasing directly from me, except there will be a P&P charge, unlike if you live locally to me.
The link is http://distrib.foreverliving.com/retail/EntryServlet?langID=en&storeID=GBR&distribID=440000997917 - feel free to just browse the site without purchasing too, if you want to see what our full range has to offer…any difficulties, please ask me!
Have another healthy month and Happy Valentines Day!
Wishing you excellent health for 2010
All the very best
Jackie
Business Development Manager
Lifestyle Group
PS - If you no longer wish to receive this e-newsletter, please just reply, typing PLEASE REMOVE in the subject header, no problem! If you’re reading this via a 3rd party and would like to receive it yourself, then simply email me and I’ll add you to my monthly loop
2. TREAT YOUR VALENTINE…or yourself!
3. CUSTOMER REFERRALS
4. FOCUS ON… get ready for the Hay Fever season!
5. SPECIAL OFFER OF THE MONTH –> special prize draw to win £20 voucher
6. ONLINE SHOP
1. DETOX TIME? Lose weight for Valentines Day!
Last month I had some fantastic results with both myself and several customers who tried our 9-day aloe detox, I wanted to share those stories with you and keep my special offer running for a second month…why not consider detoxing/losing weight in time for Valentines Day, for example?
For myself, I lost 10 lbs and felt FANTASTIC, my clothes fitted more comfortably, I had LOADS more energy, I was never hungry and my skin and hair were beautiful! Another customer also commented on feeling ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT; she also lost many pounds, had TONS OF ENERGY and just had that general feeling of well-being as well as sleeping much more soundly, too…go on, try it yourself!
Don’t forget about our unconditional 60-day money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose (except your weight!) and yet plenty to gain (a slimmer, healthier you!). Try any of our products for two months and if you don’t feel the benefit, you’ll receive a FULL refund!
Just as a reminder, the health benefits of our Aloe Vera Gel drinks are:
1. Detoxes/cleanses our body – so can really help with any digestive disorders (eg. IBS, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, bloatedness, etc) and skin problems (eg. eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, etc); also, with conditions such as asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, allergies…
2. Natural anti-inflammatory – so reduces pain without the need for drugs like paracetamol
3. Increases energy levels hugely! We ALL want more energy…
4. Balances our immune system (essential for helping our bodies to naturally fight infections like swine flu, coughs and colds, etc)
5. And finally, our Aloe Vera gel is packed full of over 75 nutrients, including 7 of the 8 essential amino acids, vital vitamins, minerals and trace elements
For details of our weight management programme, please call me (07746894349) or click on my online store and then click on the ‘Weight Management’ category: http://distrib.foreverliving.com/retail/EntryServlet?langID=en&storeID=GBR&distribID=440000997917
2. TREAT YOUR VALENTINE…or yourself!
Our Sonya Luxury Skincare range of 5 anti-ageing products has to be the BEST range I have EVER had the pleasure of using! Our collection’s formulation of ingredients including Aloe Vera, fruit extracts, white tea and superior moisturisers give back to your skin…Radiant Beauty like you’ve never known before! The Sonya Skincare Kit (£119.57) consists of five products: Aloe Purifying Cleanser (£25.54), Aloe Deep-Cleansing Exfoliator (£19.16), Aloe Refreshing Toner (£25.54), Aloe Nourishing Serum (my absolute favourite! £31.75) and the Aloe Balancing Cream (£24.35)…all of which are also available separately, as well as part of the collection.
3. CUSTOMER REFERRALS
Check out this link http://www.foreverknowledge.info/yourfuture …it’s a 25-minute long video with info about our company, our products and our marketing plan…if you’d like to find out more about how I can help you achieve your life-goals, then let’s meet for a chat and glass of wine or coffee…
Thank you to all of you who have passed on customer referrals to me; for new customers who don’t know about this, for any customer referrals you pass on to me who then place an order for any product in our range, you will receive a Free Aloe Lips with my compliments. In addition to this, if you refer someone to me for the business opportunity and that person joins my team, I will thank you with a £20 voucher towards any of your favourite Forever products.
4. FOCUS ON…get ready for the Hay Fever season!
For many people, the start of Spring brings misery…the onset of Hay Fever. Well, why not eliminate it this year…talk to me about how our Berry Nectar Aloe Vera gel drink plus our Bee Pollen supplement may well help you achieve just that this year…but we need to talk NOW, to catch it before it’s too late! Prepare yourself early to avoid streaming eyes, a runny nose, low energy levels that can be the symptoms of Hay Fever.
If YOU have a testimonial that you’d like to share with others, then please do email it to me and I’ll include it next months letter; thanks everso
5. SPECIAL OFFER OF THE MONTH –> special prize draw to win £20 voucher
Please open the attached document and complete the prize draw to enter my special February promo…you can complete the form and email it back to me or simply print it out and then send it to me…I’ll let you know the winner in next month’s newsletter – GOOD LUCK
Also, continuing from January, I am again offering a £25 nutrition/fitness consultation voucher, with every Clean 9 pack purchased in February…so you can combine your detox with a personally developed nutrition/exercise regime. Tony Bourdet from A121 Fitness, Peterborough's premium personal training gym, is as passionate about helping people with their health as I am, so it’s a great match. He can be found in Central Peterborough (just near the back of John Lewis, and with parking!) – check out his website at http://www.a121fitness.co.uk for more details or call him on 07516 787097 to book an appointment directly.
6. ONLINE SHOP
Just to remind you that if you live further afield and so delivery is difficult or you have family/friends who live at a distance (or even overseas) who’d be interested in trying our products for example, then we now have the facility to purchase online (in the UK, USA, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Australia). For the UK, the prices are exactly the same as purchasing directly from me, except there will be a P&P charge, unlike if you live locally to me.
The link is http://distrib.foreverliving.com/retail/EntryServlet?langID=en&storeID=GBR&distribID=440000997917 - feel free to just browse the site without purchasing too, if you want to see what our full range has to offer…any difficulties, please ask me!
Have another healthy month and Happy Valentines Day!
Wishing you excellent health for 2010
All the very best
Jackie
Business Development Manager
Lifestyle Group
PS - If you no longer wish to receive this e-newsletter, please just reply, typing PLEASE REMOVE in the subject header, no problem! If you’re reading this via a 3rd party and would like to receive it yourself, then simply email me and I’ll add you to my monthly loop
Events
Photos
Notes
CENTER PARCS AWARDED 5-STAR RATING BY VISIT BRITAIN
Created by Amanda Carlin Jan 18, 2010 at 7:04pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Jan 18.
OLDER HOMEOWNERS CAN STILL BENEFIT FROM THE EQUITY IN THEIR PROPERTY
Despite the recent slowdown in the housing market, the average price of a terraced house in East Anglia is standing at £144,000 (Source: The BBC). This means that many retired people have an asset which can be used to provide for a better retirement. Yet many home owners struggle to make ends meet without realising the solution could be sitting on their doorstep.
… ContinueCreated by Amanda Carlin Jan 18, 2010 at 4:44pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Jan 18.
PPC - Campaign Management
PPC - Campaign Management
… ContinueCreated by Amanda Carlin Jan 18, 2010 at 4:42pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Jan 18.
Get2Business 09 Event
G2B09 Stamford and Wisbech 2009 from David Bird on Vimeo.
Created by Amanda Carlin Nov 23, 2009 at 11:59pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Nov. 23, 2009.
NLP Consultancy and Help For Heroes raise funds - and cure fear of heights with 13,000 feet skydive!
Two directors of Milton Keynes based specialist Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) consultancy EdgeNLP.co.uk, together with a colleague, have raised £1,500 for Help for Heroes – a charity for the wounded in Britain's current conflicts – by taking part in a 13,000 feet skydive.
… ContinueCreated by Amanda Carlin Oct 16, 2009 at 11:24pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Oct. 16, 2009.
New research reveals only one in ten UK organisations have a dedicated social media budget
Just over one in three (35%) UK organisations believe that the impact of social media is now just as, or more important than traditional media, according to a study carried out by PR consultancy, Portfolio Communications. Despite this, around 90% of organisations are still working without allocating a budget to a dedicated social media programme, though 31% plan to do so within the next six months.
These fin
… ContinueCreated by Amanda Carlin Oct 16, 2009 at 11:21pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Oct. 16, 2009.
What is Irradiated Food and Why Should I Avoid It? Written by Marygrace Stergakos
If you’re a Whole Foods shopper who occasionally peruses the market’s free pamphlets and brochures, you might know a thing or two about the dangers of irradiated food–at least, that’s where I learned about it. We hear a lot of talk about harmful ingredients: dyes, preservatives, trans fats, and HFCS, for instance, but little is mentioned about this equally harmful process that can… Continue
Created by Amanda Carlin Sep 13, 2009 at 11:29am. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Sep. 13, 2009.
Britain is a nation of mobile phone squirrels - Survey uncovers the truth behind our upgrade culture
When it comes to mobile phones, Brits always insist on having the latest models with cutting-edge technology. But what happens to all the mobile phones that are replaced when an upgrade is offered? According to a survey by The Recycling Factory, the answer is very little.
The survey reveals that more than half of us (52%) hoard our unused phones at home in case our current handset is stolen, lost or broken.
… ContinueCreated by Amanda Carlin Sep 13, 2009 at 11:24am. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Sep. 13, 2009.
Join us on Facebook.
Business Services, Virtual Assistance, Sales, Marketing, PR &… Continue
Created by Amanda Carlin Aug 13, 2009 at 5:09pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Aug. 13, 2009.
Become a Fan on Facebook.
ContinueCreated by Amanda Carlin Aug 4, 2009 at 2:33pm. Last updated by Amanda Carlin Aug. 4, 2009.
Become "Leaner & Meaner" in These Difficult Times.
Regus Launches £10m Support Package for UK Start-ups.
Regus, the leading UK and global provider of workplace solutions, has announced plans to support UK start-up businesses with an investment worth up to £10 million by offering free use of its business centres. In the Get Started campaign, backed by the British Chamber of Commerce, Regus calls upon other businesses to join the cause and do what they can to inject new activity into the UK economy.
Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus said: “In years to come people will look back to 2009 as a time of great economic depression. We all have a part to play in getting Britain working again, which is why we have launched the Get Started campaign. Whilst the government has announced plans to get the unemployed and small businesses moving again, it’s vital the private sector takes decisive action now to support people who want to set up their own business.
We believe the key to kick-starting the economy is to help our entrepreneurs create new enterprise, the life blood of the economy. I’d encourage other private sector companies to support the movement and develop similar packages.”
Managing Director, John Dunsmure, of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Entrepreneurs and small companies are currently being squeezed on all sides – from declining consumer confidence to increasing energy and office costs as well as lack of access to credit. Small business closures have risen to around 85 a day, meaning over 6,000 have closed since October 2008 creating a huge amount of redundant people.
We welcome the commitment by Regus to help entrepreneurs get going. They need huge amounts of support, and our Chamber Business Start-up and the access to Regus’ extensive network and facilities will for many make the difference between disaster and a successful future.” The BCC will run a number of mentoring sessions for entrepreneurs throughout the year in Regus centres across the country. Their business experts will provide support and guidance to all those embarking on a new venture.
Latest figures* show the number of new businesses opening in the third quarter of 2008 fell by just 4% to 129,282, improving on expectations for a 10% decline. The research suggests there is still a desire to embark on new business ventures despite increasingly volatile economic conditions.
Get Started offers office space and practical support for start-up’s who need help getting off the ground. Under the scheme, Regus is offering unlimited use of its business lounges and cafés – worth approx £10m - in over 1,000 locations worldwide by signing people up to its revolutionary businessworld program. More than 100,000 people have become members of businessworld since its launch in 2008 and are already benefiting from the flexible low cost workstyle it provides. The Get Started campaign will help up to 50,000 budding entrepreneurs realise their business ambitions whilst mitigating some of the risk.
Potential Entrepreneurs can access three options within the scheme:
1. Gold membership to Regus businessworld for three months – Unlimited
access to 135 Regus business lounges and cafes (1,000 worldwide) with administrative support, free internet access, complimentary refreshments and preferred rates on additional products
2. Free use of day offices or meeting rooms – If a business plan is
not finalised Regus will provide day offices for intense planning and meeting rooms so entrepreneurs can meet with potential partners, suppliers and customers in a professional setting
3. Free office space for three months – If you have a clear plan and
are ready to get started then Regus will provide free office space for up to three months. Office space is a significant cost for start ups and therefore this offer will aid start up businesses
Get Started gives access to an environment built for business with free use of the internet and private office space. Regus intends to make the step of launching your own business that much easier.
“You have to start somewhere. I began at the bottom so I know what it takes to get things moving” said Dixon, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year.
“Despite the gloomy economic outlook there is still opportunity for businesses to flourish. Entrepreneurship is in the Regus DNA giving us the ability and experience to support the next generation of successful businesses. Through our Get Started campaign we want to encourage people to fulfil their entrepreneurial dream by making it easy for them to set up a new venture giving them and the economy a much needed boost.”
Britain has produced many of the world’s most influential and successful
entrepreneurs. One entrepreneur who used Regus as a platform to get
started is Sunay Shah , CEO of CDO Software. “We were a small business start-up 3 years ago needing a flexible and professional work-space to support the development of the business. Regus provided the perfect solution. We now have offices in London and a virtual office in New York, and Regus continues to provide us with the resources we need to succeed, particularly in the current environment.”
Sign up to Get Started can be done online at www.regus.co.uk/getstarted or by visiting any Regus centre.
More information on the BCC’s start-up scheme can be found at www.thebusiness-startup.co.uk
Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus said: “In years to come people will look back to 2009 as a time of great economic depression. We all have a part to play in getting Britain working again, which is why we have launched the Get Started campaign. Whilst the government has announced plans to get the unemployed and small businesses moving again, it’s vital the private sector takes decisive action now to support people who want to set up their own business.
We believe the key to kick-starting the economy is to help our entrepreneurs create new enterprise, the life blood of the economy. I’d encourage other private sector companies to support the movement and develop similar packages.”
Managing Director, John Dunsmure, of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "Entrepreneurs and small companies are currently being squeezed on all sides – from declining consumer confidence to increasing energy and office costs as well as lack of access to credit. Small business closures have risen to around 85 a day, meaning over 6,000 have closed since October 2008 creating a huge amount of redundant people.
We welcome the commitment by Regus to help entrepreneurs get going. They need huge amounts of support, and our Chamber Business Start-up and the access to Regus’ extensive network and facilities will for many make the difference between disaster and a successful future.” The BCC will run a number of mentoring sessions for entrepreneurs throughout the year in Regus centres across the country. Their business experts will provide support and guidance to all those embarking on a new venture.
Latest figures* show the number of new businesses opening in the third quarter of 2008 fell by just 4% to 129,282, improving on expectations for a 10% decline. The research suggests there is still a desire to embark on new business ventures despite increasingly volatile economic conditions.
Get Started offers office space and practical support for start-up’s who need help getting off the ground. Under the scheme, Regus is offering unlimited use of its business lounges and cafés – worth approx £10m - in over 1,000 locations worldwide by signing people up to its revolutionary businessworld program. More than 100,000 people have become members of businessworld since its launch in 2008 and are already benefiting from the flexible low cost workstyle it provides. The Get Started campaign will help up to 50,000 budding entrepreneurs realise their business ambitions whilst mitigating some of the risk.
Potential Entrepreneurs can access three options within the scheme:
1. Gold membership to Regus businessworld for three months – Unlimited
access to 135 Regus business lounges and cafes (1,000 worldwide) with administrative support, free internet access, complimentary refreshments and preferred rates on additional products
2. Free use of day offices or meeting rooms – If a business plan is
not finalised Regus will provide day offices for intense planning and meeting rooms so entrepreneurs can meet with potential partners, suppliers and customers in a professional setting
3. Free office space for three months – If you have a clear plan and
are ready to get started then Regus will provide free office space for up to three months. Office space is a significant cost for start ups and therefore this offer will aid start up businesses
Get Started gives access to an environment built for business with free use of the internet and private office space. Regus intends to make the step of launching your own business that much easier.
“You have to start somewhere. I began at the bottom so I know what it takes to get things moving” said Dixon, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year.
“Despite the gloomy economic outlook there is still opportunity for businesses to flourish. Entrepreneurship is in the Regus DNA giving us the ability and experience to support the next generation of successful businesses. Through our Get Started campaign we want to encourage people to fulfil their entrepreneurial dream by making it easy for them to set up a new venture giving them and the economy a much needed boost.”
Britain has produced many of the world’s most influential and successful
entrepreneurs. One entrepreneur who used Regus as a platform to get
started is Sunay Shah , CEO of CDO Software. “We were a small business start-up 3 years ago needing a flexible and professional work-space to support the development of the business. Regus provided the perfect solution. We now have offices in London and a virtual office in New York, and Regus continues to provide us with the resources we need to succeed, particularly in the current environment.”
Sign up to Get Started can be done online at www.regus.co.uk/getstarted or by visiting any Regus centre.
More information on the BCC’s start-up scheme can be found at www.thebusiness-startup.co.uk
Avoid This Devious Credit Card Sting - Donna Werbner - Lovemoney.com
Using this little-known trick, companies can take automatic payments from your credit card - even after you've closed it down!
Imagine this. You pay off your credit card, close down the account and cut up the card. All is settled until months later, out of the blue, you get a statement from the credit card provider, demanding payment for a new transaction on the card. It's for a 'recurring payment' - and it's one of the slimiest credit card stings ever hidden in the small print.
How recurring payments work
On the surface, a recurring payment works in exactly the same way as a direct debit. You authorise a company to take regular payments - say, for an annual subscription or service - from your credit card. Simple, easy, convenient... until you want to cancel it.
Unlike a direct debit, a recurring payment does not automatically cease to exist when you close your account down. You cannot even cancel it by notifying your credit card provider that you want it to stop. The only way to cancel a recurring payment is to ask the original merchant you set it up with to stop taking the payments.
A dangerous system
As if that wasn't enough, there are two big dangers associated with this method of payment:
You and you alone are responsible for keeping a record of all the recurring payments you have set up on your card. The credit card provider will not keep track of them. And if you don't know which companies are authorised to take recurring payments from your card, then you will not be able to cancel the payments.
If you cancel the account and then, say, move house, your statement will go to your old address. So you will have no way of knowing that a new payment has been taken from your card, and that you need to pay it off. This could lead to a black mark being placed on your credit record, which could cause you serious problems if you try to take out a new card or borrow a mortgage in the future.
So if you're ever faced with the option of making a regular payment by credit card or direct debit, my advice would be to choose the direct debit route every time.
Too late
If this advice comes a little too late for you - as it did for one lovemoney.com reader, Neil D. - then what can you do about it?
Neil wrote in to lovemoney.com because, six months after cancelling an MBNA credit card, he received a statement stating that more than £90 had been paid from the card to a car breakdown company. This was for cover he no longer needed or wanted.
What to do
What should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
1. Dispute the payment with the company that took it.
Believe it or not, you are much more likely to get a refund this way than arguing with the credit card company that you closed the account or weren't aware that the payment would recur. Here's how to argue your case:
A reputable company will send you a letter warning you that your subscription is up for renewal, and that payment will be taken on a particular date. If you didn't receive this letter, you have a case for disputing the payment.
Depending on what you have bought, you should have a cooling off period of at least seven days, where you can cancel the policy or return the goods. Contact Consumer Direct to double-check your rights, if you find this cooling off period is disputed. You may even have longer than seven days.
Finally, try explaining your situation calmly and reasonably. For example, Neil, our 66-year-old reader, no longer drives a car and therefore has no need for car breakdown cover. Clearly, he would not have renewed this cover voluntarily. Most reputable companies will take a reasonable attitude when there is a clear case for a refund like this. If they don't, you could try reporting them to a relevant regulator or trade body.
2. Dispute the payment with the credit card provider.
If you fail to get a refund from the company that took the payment, it's still worth at least trying to get a refund from the credit card provider - although it may be difficult.
If you have cancelled your card, you could argue that you hadn't realised that the payment would be taken. This is especially true if it is obvious, as in Neil's case, that you would never have knowingly renewed the subscription or service.
Alternatively, do bear in mind you have Section 75 Protection for payments over £100. So if the product cost more than £100 and was misrepresented to you in any way, you could dispute the payment on these grounds.
Using these arguments, I am pleased to say Neil successfully managed to get his payment refunded - but only after Citizens Advice got involved.
Many of you with recurring payments on your cards may not be so lucky. So watch out for this nasty little credit card sting - and stick to direct debits whenever you can!
Imagine this. You pay off your credit card, close down the account and cut up the card. All is settled until months later, out of the blue, you get a statement from the credit card provider, demanding payment for a new transaction on the card. It's for a 'recurring payment' - and it's one of the slimiest credit card stings ever hidden in the small print.
How recurring payments work
On the surface, a recurring payment works in exactly the same way as a direct debit. You authorise a company to take regular payments - say, for an annual subscription or service - from your credit card. Simple, easy, convenient... until you want to cancel it.
Unlike a direct debit, a recurring payment does not automatically cease to exist when you close your account down. You cannot even cancel it by notifying your credit card provider that you want it to stop. The only way to cancel a recurring payment is to ask the original merchant you set it up with to stop taking the payments.
A dangerous system
As if that wasn't enough, there are two big dangers associated with this method of payment:
You and you alone are responsible for keeping a record of all the recurring payments you have set up on your card. The credit card provider will not keep track of them. And if you don't know which companies are authorised to take recurring payments from your card, then you will not be able to cancel the payments.
If you cancel the account and then, say, move house, your statement will go to your old address. So you will have no way of knowing that a new payment has been taken from your card, and that you need to pay it off. This could lead to a black mark being placed on your credit record, which could cause you serious problems if you try to take out a new card or borrow a mortgage in the future.
So if you're ever faced with the option of making a regular payment by credit card or direct debit, my advice would be to choose the direct debit route every time.
Too late
If this advice comes a little too late for you - as it did for one lovemoney.com reader, Neil D. - then what can you do about it?
Neil wrote in to lovemoney.com because, six months after cancelling an MBNA credit card, he received a statement stating that more than £90 had been paid from the card to a car breakdown company. This was for cover he no longer needed or wanted.
What to do
What should you do if you find yourself in this situation?
1. Dispute the payment with the company that took it.
Believe it or not, you are much more likely to get a refund this way than arguing with the credit card company that you closed the account or weren't aware that the payment would recur. Here's how to argue your case:
A reputable company will send you a letter warning you that your subscription is up for renewal, and that payment will be taken on a particular date. If you didn't receive this letter, you have a case for disputing the payment.
Depending on what you have bought, you should have a cooling off period of at least seven days, where you can cancel the policy or return the goods. Contact Consumer Direct to double-check your rights, if you find this cooling off period is disputed. You may even have longer than seven days.
Finally, try explaining your situation calmly and reasonably. For example, Neil, our 66-year-old reader, no longer drives a car and therefore has no need for car breakdown cover. Clearly, he would not have renewed this cover voluntarily. Most reputable companies will take a reasonable attitude when there is a clear case for a refund like this. If they don't, you could try reporting them to a relevant regulator or trade body.
2. Dispute the payment with the credit card provider.
If you fail to get a refund from the company that took the payment, it's still worth at least trying to get a refund from the credit card provider - although it may be difficult.
If you have cancelled your card, you could argue that you hadn't realised that the payment would be taken. This is especially true if it is obvious, as in Neil's case, that you would never have knowingly renewed the subscription or service.
Alternatively, do bear in mind you have Section 75 Protection for payments over £100. So if the product cost more than £100 and was misrepresented to you in any way, you could dispute the payment on these grounds.
Using these arguments, I am pleased to say Neil successfully managed to get his payment refunded - but only after Citizens Advice got involved.
Many of you with recurring payments on your cards may not be so lucky. So watch out for this nasty little credit card sting - and stick to direct debits whenever you can!
Seth Codin Presentation.
Blog Posts
She's the Spice Queen by Tara Dundon - Peterborough Evening Telegraph.
Inspired to create a curry kit for her student son who missed her home cooking, a Peterborough housewife is now using this inspiration to launch a new business venture.
Spice queen Parveen Ashraf hopes her own range of spices combined with easy to follow step-by-step recipes will prove a hit with budding curry chefs across city.
The 44-year-old entrepreneur, of Cr
… Continue The 44-year-old entrepreneur, of Cr
Posted by Amanda Carlin on February 6, 2010 at 12:14am
Vonage UK Makes Doing Business with India Easier
Vonage UK, a pioneer in the Internet phone industry, announced that its award-winning V-plan 4i, offering consumers unlimited calls to India from the UK, has also proven to be a big hit with businesses that have strong connections with India. "By providing a service that allows our users unlimited calls to India and
… ContinuePosted by Amanda Carlin on February 5, 2010 at 11:42pm
New Year New Start with L'Amore UK
L'Amore UK is a New and Dynamic Brititsh Catalogue Company just launched,
Family run and based in Bristol, promoting a fantastic range of high quality and very affordable Natural Skincare Products,some of which are listed below ...
Hand Creams Face Creams Face Masks Foot Creams
Body Lotions Anti Wrink… Continue
Posted by Mel on January 4, 2010 at 2:04pm
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Dear Readers,
Here's wishing everyone a merry and peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010.
Amanda
Here's wishing everyone a merry and peaceful Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010.
Amanda
Posted by Amanda Carlin on December 24, 2009 at 3:09pm
Demand for Complementary Therapies up due to Recession
More and more people seek out a good complementary therapist, acupuncturist or counsellor because they feel stuck in recession stress. A new website that helps people to find a practitioner has been launched.
www.NaturalTherapyForAll.com also puts complementary therapists and practitioners in touch with clients.
All the user has to do is choose the therapy, practice or treatment they want and fill in their contact and location details online at… Continue
www.NaturalTherapyForAll.com also puts complementary therapists and practitioners in touch with clients.
All the user has to do is choose the therapy, practice or treatment they want and fill in their contact and location details online at… Continue
Posted by Amanda Carlin on November 4, 2009 at 11:20pm
Royal Hospital Chelsea Welcomes its frist Women In-Pensioners.
In an historic moment in its long history, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to some 300 veteran soldiers, will welcome women to its ranks for the first time on Thursday 12 March. Chelsea Pensioners are recognised world-wide by their distinctive uniforms and this is the first time that women will be seen wearing scarlet.
Mrs Dorothy Hughes (85) and Miss Winifred Phillips (82) the first women to become In-Pensioners, will be welcomed to the Hospital by the Governor, General the Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE DL, Adjutant Brigadier David Radcliffe OBE, as well as some of the current In-Pensioners.
After years of fundraising, the Hospital is finally in a position to accept women, who will live temporarily in the new Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, which was built entirely through donations. The women will then move to more permanent accommodation alongside the men, but more funding is needed to refurbish this area before the move can take place.
In his welcoming speech, the Governor, General the Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE DL, said: “This is a wonderful and momentous occasion in the life of the Hospital and we are proud and delighted to be welcoming women for the first time in our 300-year history. Dorothy and Winifred will make a positive and lively contribution to life here at the Hospital and everyone has been looking forward to their arrival.
“It has taken us some time to be in a position to accept ladies because we have not had the necessary funds to create the appropriate accommodation until now. But we have not waited a moment longer than we have had to before inviting them come.”
Dorothy Hughes was born in Swansea and joined the ATS in 1941 and was subsequently posted to 450 Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery in the London Division. In 1945 the Battery was deployed near Rye to defend against V1 rocket attacks. Dorothy later worked with the Army Operational Research Group developing fuses in shells used against V2 rockets and was discharged from the Army in 1946 in the rank of sergeant. After the war, Dorothy worked as a secretary before training as a teacher and following her retirement in 1982, has been heavily involved in a variety of voluntary work. Her interests include gardening, reading and travel. Dorothy says: “Everyone has been extremely kind and welcoming and I am very excited about the prospect of my new life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.”
Winifred Phillips trained and qualified as a nurse before joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1948. She enlisted into the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) in 1949. She completed 22 years’ service with the Colours and retired in 1971 in the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2.
During her long military career Winifred served in Egypt, Singapore, Cyprus and Germany as well as several tours in the UK. She has been employed as a switchboard operator, clerk, office supervisor, administrator and PA.
Since she retired from the Army, Winifred has worked as PA to a solicitor and in the Department of Education. Her interests include painting and computers. “I am very much looking forward to this new phase of my life and feel very happy that I will be able to pursue my interests in the homely and friendly surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.”
The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1682 for the ‘succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war’. Today, the Hospital is home to some 300 elderly veterans in a vibrant and stimulating community. It also provides the highest standard of medical and nursing care.
Mrs Dorothy Hughes (85) and Miss Winifred Phillips (82) the first women to become In-Pensioners, will be welcomed to the Hospital by the Governor, General the Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE DL, Adjutant Brigadier David Radcliffe OBE, as well as some of the current In-Pensioners.
After years of fundraising, the Hospital is finally in a position to accept women, who will live temporarily in the new Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, which was built entirely through donations. The women will then move to more permanent accommodation alongside the men, but more funding is needed to refurbish this area before the move can take place.
In his welcoming speech, the Governor, General the Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE DL, said: “This is a wonderful and momentous occasion in the life of the Hospital and we are proud and delighted to be welcoming women for the first time in our 300-year history. Dorothy and Winifred will make a positive and lively contribution to life here at the Hospital and everyone has been looking forward to their arrival.
“It has taken us some time to be in a position to accept ladies because we have not had the necessary funds to create the appropriate accommodation until now. But we have not waited a moment longer than we have had to before inviting them come.”
Dorothy Hughes was born in Swansea and joined the ATS in 1941 and was subsequently posted to 450 Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery in the London Division. In 1945 the Battery was deployed near Rye to defend against V1 rocket attacks. Dorothy later worked with the Army Operational Research Group developing fuses in shells used against V2 rockets and was discharged from the Army in 1946 in the rank of sergeant. After the war, Dorothy worked as a secretary before training as a teacher and following her retirement in 1982, has been heavily involved in a variety of voluntary work. Her interests include gardening, reading and travel. Dorothy says: “Everyone has been extremely kind and welcoming and I am very excited about the prospect of my new life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.”
Winifred Phillips trained and qualified as a nurse before joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1948. She enlisted into the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) in 1949. She completed 22 years’ service with the Colours and retired in 1971 in the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2.
During her long military career Winifred served in Egypt, Singapore, Cyprus and Germany as well as several tours in the UK. She has been employed as a switchboard operator, clerk, office supervisor, administrator and PA.
Since she retired from the Army, Winifred has worked as PA to a solicitor and in the Department of Education. Her interests include painting and computers. “I am very much looking forward to this new phase of my life and feel very happy that I will be able to pursue my interests in the homely and friendly surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.”
The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1682 for the ‘succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war’. Today, the Hospital is home to some 300 elderly veterans in a vibrant and stimulating community. It also provides the highest standard of medical and nursing care.
When - Elizabeth Kubler Ross.
When you have come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step out into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid to land on, or you will be taught to fly.
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