Sue Hayward

I was saying last week about the lousy customer service at my local Sainsbury's (and that's not to mention the mouldy fruit I've found there on display!) so thought I'd flag up the wonderful Ocado delivery service which arrived with our food supplies on Saturday morning.    I'd been sent a £20 off voucher and having used the service on odd occasions thought I'd give it another go - just brilliant!

A one hour delivery slot, a text half an hour before as a reminder and a lovely friendly lady on the doorstep not long afterwards.  Colour coded bags and nothing broken, dented or squashed - hardly surprising they came out tops in this months' Which? magazine survey.  Great stuff Ocado!  And the cats were impressed too - think Waitrose cat food could be giving Whisker some serious competition in our house now!   

On the poor side just had a bit of wrangle with Vodafone over the fact that unknown to me I had 'mysteriously' requested their mobile phone insurance when recently upgrading with them.  Call me cynical but most people flogging insurance with products are on commission and when I rang to complain I was told in a quite matter of fact way by a chap in their call centre that 'they do it to bump up their commission - although they shouldn't do'.   Hmmmm I raised this point with Vodafone but there was no trace of my earlier phone conversation though many apologies later it's now sorted........

So well worth checking the paperwork for any deals you agree over the phone as boxes can and do get ticked 'by mistake'!

Sainsbury's profits may have gone up but the customer service was lousy at my local branch yesterday......(to be honest I'm a Tesco girl but was in a hurry and Sainsbury's is nearer so needs must and all that......) well the lady behind me pointed out (very nicely!) that the 'till closing sign on the next till was hidden which meant she'd wasted her time queuing to which she was told 'well  I don't know what you want me to do about it!'....hmmmm me thinks that's not really a great way to speak to customers......   We got chatting to the lady behind who then told us her son worked for M&S and they're given training in customer service.....maybe M&S could offer to train some of the staff in my local Sainsbury's...........

then when my turn came the dishwasher tablets I'd picked up (which had been right next to a huge half price sticker that you truly couldn't miss) went through at double the price.  Well as you'd expect I noticed and asked that they check the price.......when  the assistant came back she didn't say a word but just handed a ticket over to her colleague and I had to actually ask them what the price was - and yes suprise suprise I was right so saved myself being overcharge by nearly a fiver.

Think that could be my last visit there for a while........

Very excting!!  My latest book 'How To Get The Best Deal' is now available to pre-order on Amazon ahead of it's release in July!!!  

It's been a great fun book to write as it's all about how to get the best for less; something in the current climate we're all struggling to do....there's lots of advice and tips in there on everything from when you can and can't take stuff back for a refund (and let's face it - it's easy to get it wrong as some stores seem to take back pretty much everything even if it's been sat at the back of your wardrobe for yonks, while others won't refund your money just because you've changed your mind), to getting the best deal on holidays, getting work done around the house so negotiating with builders and plumbers, how to buy and sell successfully on eBay, and info for parents on how to make money go further with youngsters (as lovely as they are kids can be expensive little things!!!) and getting the best deal on property....plus lots of money stuff too...

I didn't want this to be a 'do this and that' book so there's lots of anecdotes and stories in there based on my experience......as well as a few other people too.....

I'll be doing lots of interviews for the book in the summer but right now for the price of a couple of glasses of wine why not get my book instead to save yourself some serious cash?

You can pre-order here - http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Get-Best-Deal-Hayward/dp/027372553X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242137791&sr=1-1

Cheers Sue

Hello!  Started last week doing a radio day with eBay which generated a huge amount of radio interviews so a great chance to chat about money making ideas and how to get a bit more cash in your pocket - always useful in the current climate.   Fabulous bacon sandwiches to keep us going throughout the morning and both the eBay team and the radio agency who fixed up the schedule were great people to work with so a really enjoyable day!

Thursday morning I was in a photo studio in London being photographed for a forthcoming issue of She magazine!  True girlie heaven -  hair and make up done and the wonderful Pamela came up with some fabulous outfits so looking forward to seeing the results in the June issue!

And more great news - the publishers love my book so just a few minor tweaks to do at my end and then it's one step nearer to hitting the bookshops this summer!  Seen the latest revamp of the front cover too which is great - really makes an impact and meeting with the publishers this Thursday to talk over ideas for publicity so all systems go!

I was in the car listenting to a consumer programme earlier today and they were talking about credit cards and how often your card limit will be automatically raised by the credit card company without you ever asking them to do it.  Yes and this is all in the hope of you spending more and more money and hopefully (for them!) not clearing the card in time so they can earn lots of lovely interesst!!  

 Ironically enough it's a really mixed picture right now as some card companies are in fact lowering or cutting limits on cards for some customers and raising them for others.  I'm one of those people who always pays off my card in full each month (well guess I would be being a financial journalist!) so they don't make much money from me.  But I do remember a couple of years back when 0% deals were at their most generous, delieberately getting several cards, maxing them out and transferring the 'cash' to a top rate savings account.  This way I end up with around £50K in savings; all earning me lovely interest while I was just making the minimum repayments to the card providers.   Not a new trick back then BUT funny thing was as soon as I'd maxed out all the cards I was landed with a whole heap of free gifts from the credit card companies - I had watches, a DVD player and others things as a 'reward' for being a great customer - ha what they meant was they were  hoping I'd overspend and becoming a money spinning customer for them.

The whole issue of the credit crunch and recession was one I was talking about last week when I was asked to speak at the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference in Cardiff - my first visit to Cardiff and a fabulous place!

And talking of the recession and being strapped for cash check out this week's Woman's Weekly (cover date 17th March) for a feature I've done on great things to enjoy for less than £1!!!  Yes it can be done!

Cheers Sue

Finished writing my book and the manuscript is now winging its way to the publishers so watch this space this summer for details of when it's coming out!  Very exciting - have seen the layout for the front cover which looks great so hope it'll be a 'must have' purchase this summer!

I was recently asked to come up with some moneysaving tips for parents for a feature in this week's Independent and I've just done another column for www.mybabytalk.co.uk plus check out the March edition of Prima for advice on how to cut call costs (you know those horrid 0870 numbers that rack up the bill when you're calling your credit card or mobile phone company?), plus there's advice on how to get the best deal on home delivery and whether you should consider equity release as a way of unlocking the cash in your home.......

Cheers Sue

If you're entitled to a tax rebate the easiest (and free way) to get it is by contacting the tax man yourself.  Start with your local office unless you know which of the regional offices handles your affairs.

So watch out for third party companies offering to get rebates for you in exchange for a nice big fat fee.........I don't even want to give this website any additional publicity by naming it but sadly it comes up quickly enough on a google search for tax rebates - it's not a Government backed website and certainly nothing to do with the Revenue but it's offering to get rebates for you but pocketing £94 excluding VAT for processing and admin costs and it wants to hang on to any interest you're owed on the rebate too!  

I've had a chat with the Revenue today who are monitoring the activities of agencies like this very carefully and advise anyone who thinks they're entitled to a rebate to contact them directly as they'll do the work for free!!!    So if you're asked to pay fees to get a tax rebate don't!!!!! 

Hello - last week was a busy one - my book deadline is looming so I've been hard at work writing the final chapters.....will tell you more when I can but I'm really excited about it and great to see it all taking shape!!

Was asked to come up with some money tips for a feature in the Sunday Express on 'New Year, New You' which came out yesterday and just been interviewed by Sky for a forthcoming money feature too.  With sorting out your cash and making money go further top of pretty much everyone's New Year's resolution list it's all about doing it in bite sized chunks.    I always suggest keeping a money diary for a couple of weeks as it's easy to do and usually shocks you into seeing just how much cash you waste...... 

And yes hands up I do give in to the occasional skinny latte at Starbucks when I'm out and about but make it just the one!  Having that second takeout coffee every day costs you over £50 a month or that magazine you buy over the counter every week (take out an annual subscription - it's cheaper!), or spending £20 in Boots on lipsticks and make up while you wait to meet a friend for a drink....or giving in to the kids in the supermarket with sweets and comics is all a huge drain on your finances.  So start by writing down what you spend and when  as it really helps you work out where you can start saving!  

I've also compiled some tips on how to save money running your car in February's Prima magazine and my top ten moneysaving websites in Woman's Weekly (20th Jan issue).

Let me know how you get on.....or if you've got cash saving tips of your own?

Cheers Sue

I was interviewed on the BBC yesterday about making your money go further in the current cold (both physically and financially!) climate - yes it's that horrid time when the credit card bills are hitting the mat; you've made all those new year resolutions to be more savvy with your money and don't know where to start.....   Anyhow we were talking about tips to bag a bargain and when I suggested people haggle and try and get a discount when they buy the presenter said that I'd made it all sound very easy......is it really that easy to haggle on the high street?

 Yes is the short answer; of course I'm not suggesting you try and knock 20p off the price of a stamp next time you're in the Post Office or try and get your daily paper half price; but whenever you're buying anything it's worth thinking about whether there's the opportunity to ask for a discount.   Typical examples include - 

* Buying something that's ex display, in a battered box (as you won't even be using the box!) or without it's original packaging.   I once got my usual moisturizer for half price in Boots simply because the box was bashed up!

* Buying more than one of something so shoes, shirts or buying say a washing machine and kettle at the same time.......

* You want it delivered but there's a delivery charge. Always ask if they can waive this - if you can point out which of their competitors offer free delivery they'll usually price match.

And remember don't haggle when the store's busy or at the till when there's a queue behind you as they won't want everyone in the store to hear you're getting discount!  Be friendly, chatty and charming and you'll be amazed at how much you can save! 

* If  

oooh Wednesday evening saw me tripping the red carpet at the film premiere of 'Australia' the new Nicole Kidman & Hugh Jackman film after a lovely champagne dinner at the Criterion!   Was fabulous to be invited and brilliant film - won't spoil it for you at all but it was a great night out!

As a Mum myself one of my concerns is making sure my daughter's got a little nest egg put aside by the time she wants to go travelling, buy a car, house or just splash out on her Mum???  And when it comes to childrens' savings accounts there's no shortage of banks willing to snap up your cash, give you a fluffy toy and a lousy interest rate (and even more lousy with the current low bank base rate right now!).  So check out the Jan issue of Rightstart magazine which has heaps of advice on how to start saving for your kids' future, what the Child Trust Fund is all about and what to do if you've still got one of the vouchers kicking around!

And lots of advice this month in Woman's Weekly from me on finding the best bargains, Christmas shopping and a whole heap more....

And more exciting news - can't say too much right now but am about to start work on an exciting new book project so watch this space for details and of course I'll be flagging up publication dates and where and when you can buy it!!!   Had a meeting with the publishing PR people last week so will say more when I can!!!

Wednesday's Sun newspaper featured the highlights of my shopping expedition with their reporter Judy when we put our haggling skills to the test recently to find out just how much you can barter and bargain in your own high street.    While some of the shops admitted they were surprised to be asked for 'discount' it really wasn't difficult to knock between 10 - 20% off the ticket prices.

In case you missed the tips I've jotted down my top five here for you -

* Smile, be friendly and get the shop staff on your side - who's going to offer discount to a rude and grumpy person?

* Haggling takes time!  Don't think you can rush into the store, grab what you want and ask for discount - it doesn't work that way - haggling's a game and you've got to enter into a bit of banter first (just like you would if you were bartering in Egypt!)

* Don't queue at the till or go on a busy Saturday if you're planning a day of discounts; go when the store's not busy and ask for the manager as they're usually the people with the power to agree discounts! 

* Look for faults - loose threads or buttons on clothing, battered boxes, display models - all great opportunities for discount!

* Make friends with commission hungry salespeople - the end of the month is likely to be when they've got to hit their sales targets so a good time for big purchases and cars and try indpendent outlets as they'll be keen to compete with their high street competitors!

Was talking more shopping this morning on BBC London's Breakfast Show with Paul Ross and JoAnne Good as London's West End shops opened their doors at 7am today in a bid to lure shoppers in with free champers, breakfast, discounts and personal shoppers but make sure  you pay for those purchases with your credit card if the bill's over £100 as under consumer law you can tap your credit card company for a refund if the item's faulty or the supplier goes bust before you've had your goods!

And check out the January issue of Prima which is now on sale with more consumer advice from me in there!

Last week was an incredibly busy one - early on in the week I finished three features for Prima Magazine and was on BBC Radio Northampton's consumer show on Monday talking about making cash from your old junk. 

Then had a fantastic lunch at Jamie Oliver's fabulous 'Fifteen' restaurant on Wednesday with the press team from Nationwide talking work (of course!) but with some great girlie gossip too!!!!  

Thursday morning was an early start as I was doing a Radio Day with Tesco Mobile so down to radio studios in Chelsea where I chatted about making your Christmas Budget work for you without a financial hangover come New Year!   A radio whirlwind tour of the country chatting to everyone from Sky News to BBC stations and commercial stations so a great mix with some great presenters!  

Friday morning found  me in Shepherds Bush in London with a reporter from one of the national newspapers hitting the shops for a feature they're running on Haggling and whether you can haggle in your own high street for some great Christmas discounts!    With lots of high street stores already slashing their prices by around 25% we set out to find out just how much you can save if you're prepared to have a haggle!   Will tell you just how much we saved when the piece comes out very soon!!!

Cheers Sue

Hello - have been busy this month coming up with lots of tips and ways to make your cash stretch just that little bit further in these credit crunch ridden times.  Even with the Bank of England's 1.5% rate cut it's still going to be tough for many people this Christmas so here's where you can read my money advice this month......

* Grab December's issue of Prima to find out how to save a couple of hundred pounds over the next month and your rights on taking  your Christmas presents back if you do get something that just isn't you!!!!

* December's Practical Parenting has a column from me about how to have a great time without suffering a new year financial hangover! 

* And check out my money advice for Mums at www.mybabytalk.co.uk

And there's my regular consumer advice column in Woman's Weekly where this week I cover 'best before' dates and what they really mean.

Catch you soon! 

Just got back from being interviewed on BBC Radio Two's Jeremy Vine Show where they'd asked me to look at ways the Queen can streamline her finances.    As you'll probably have seen in today's papers -  it's big news and a controversial subject as many of the subsequent callers had strong opinions on whether the Queen should be given more money and how savings could be made.

Not sure whether the Queen would indulge in spot of haggling but I did recently for Prima magazine when I took to the high street to see if it's possible to get money off in these credit crunch ridden times.  While most of us have probably enjoyed a good haggle in the markets of Marrakech or the souqs of Cairo, when it comes to the high street I'm sure most of us probably just pay the price on the ticket.  So you can can see how I got on in the November issue which is out now! 

The news that tour operator XL has collapsed and gone into administration has naturally brought widespread panic amongst those currently on holiday or those expecting to jet off abroad with the company....

Here's how to do as much as you can to protect yourself against nightmares like this...............

* If you're booking a 'package' holiday then check the agent or tour operator is a member of ABTA (The Association of British Travel Agents) which means if the're s a problem you'll get home or if you've not left yet then your money back!

* If you're booking independently or just flights then check the company is ATOL bonded which means the Civil Aviation Authority will get you home or refund your money if you've not yet taken off.  

 * If you use your credit card to pay for your trip then you'll get your money back, providing you paid at least £100 on your card.   Under consumer legislation your credit card company is legally liable to refund you the money if you've ordered goods or services that can't be delivered, (in this case your holiday!), and the company you bought from can't pay out.   If you want the official jargon then this bit of legislation comes under section 75 of the 1974 Consumer Credit Act.

Hello - yes next month - October 9th to be precise I've been invited to speak at the National Association of Estate Agents International Forum in London; it's being held in a fabulous hotel - the Renaissance Chancery Court Hotel in Holborn and during the day there'll be lots of speakers sharing their tips, advice and experience including James Caan from Dragons Den who's top of the bill.  

This year's theme is 'Staying Profitable In A Challenging Market' which as we all know from the current state of the housing market is no mean feat!  I'll be talking about marketing your property through the media based on my experience as a Presenter and Journalist and as you can imagine I've got some stories to tell about companies who've thrown away some opportunities as well as those that have grasped them with both hands which has paid off hugely in terms of publicity and raising their profile! 

Talk soon! Sue

Hi there - don't know if you saw the 'Dodgy Restaurants' programme on TV on Thursday night but certainly got me thinking about just what can happen to your food before it reaches you - luckily never had a meal in the UK that competes with my rice served complete with a generous portion of weevils running across it in a backstreet cafe in Northern Thailand but when it comes to sloppy and messy restaurants Pizza Hut could win the award.

Popped in there on Friday with hubby as he'd got some free cinema tickets from his radio presenter friends so wanted a quick bite first - it was next door to the cinema so seemed the easy option and went for the lunchtime buffet but we were talking slow service to take the order, a ten minute wait for pizzas to arrive on the buffet table and the dregs of salads at the salad bar.   A walk past the 'all you can eat' ice cream table revealed an absolute mess of sweets and sauce over the table and while yes we all know that it's going to get messy once the children have dived into it surely there's sure a thing as having something to clear up regularly to keep it looking clean?  Tables weren't being cleared and we had to wait for our 'free' drinks refills........

After drawing this to the attention of the staff one of them merely shrugged and said there wasn't a lot they could do about it?   Mind you when I reviewed the chain for a feature on family friendly restaurants last year we found a whole olive stone in the middle of the pizza and got the wrong order so maybe I should have known better?!    Currently awaiting Pizza Hut's response after contacting their head office - will keep you posted - anyone else found the same story with Pizza Hut?

Cheers Sue  

Hello feels like the first day back at school - back at my desk after a great time on holiday in France and found where the sun's been hiding these past few weeks too!!!   Fabulous time and now back to work so all systems go!!!  

Got a photo shoot this week for a magazine feature for one of the monthly glossies so watch this space for more details!  Right now you can catch up with me every day on my TV show  'Women In The Property Market' between 2.30pm and 3pm on  Sky Overseas Property TV channel 274 where I'll be catching up with women who've made their mark in the property market.

Grab the September issue of Prima where you can read my advice from everything from the lowdown on 'Tipping' - when, where and how to do it plus your rights on travel insurance, the top ten financial questions every couple should ask (and probably doesn't!)  

And I'm sharing tips on how to make your money go further for Mums to be in this month's Pregnancy & Birth magazine and check out my regular money advice column for parents on www.mybabytalk.co.uk - if you've got any tips of your own to share do let me know!

Talk soon!  Sue