Jan 3, 2015, 3:13 am
Last edit by: CWAL
Welcome to Manufactured Spending. If you are new here, please spend some time reading before posting. Most likely your questions have already been answered multiple times. Consider deals that you share. These threads are searchable by Google. A volatile deal may be worth holding close to the vest.
Hints
1) On FT, topics are heavily consolidated. Sometimes the title of the thread and first few posts may not properly reflect the broad range of discussion inside the thread. Be sure to visit any thread relating to the product or service you want to learn more about because you might be surprised by how in depth the discussion really is. High "View Count" and "Replies" are good indicators of active "master threads" on a specific topic.
2) Use Google to search FT. It works a lot better than the built-in search.
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. That being said, always be nice and courteous in the face of rejection. The biggest secret for success is to lay low so you can try again.
2) DO NOT spend more than you can afford. START WITH SMALL AMOUNTS TO TEST THE WATER! As an example.. don't start with a $5000 purchase of VGCs if you can't afford to float that much! Instead, buy one and try it, and scale up once you are comfortable with a new method. It's easy to lose track, or get robbed, when you are handling so much money. Getting a refund is NOT always possible.
3) DO NOT ask employees, cashiers, customer service representatives, etc... about how to MS, or about things you read on this forum. The information you read here are very specific, unknown, legal uses of products or services. Most employees, cashiers, and even managers do not know about them. At best you'll get bad information. At worst you'll create a lot of unnecessary misunderstanding.
4) It bears repeating that there are no guarantees. you could easily buy $10,000 in gift cards or some other instrument, only to discover that your method for liquidating them vanishes the very next day. MS is not "normal" financial activity ("normal" being defined by the banks), and thus is often perceived as "suspicious" even if it is legal.
5) never underestimate the risk of criminal activity. gift cards can easily be stolen, loaded onto a compromised account, loaded in a debit card skimmer, or even fraudulent (e.g., an already used card put back on the rack).
If you have a question that does not seem to fit anywhere, or you have not found an appropriate place for it, post it here.
- A helpful note from seat17D about some of the inherent risks of MS
Hints
1) On FT, topics are heavily consolidated. Sometimes the title of the thread and first few posts may not properly reflect the broad range of discussion inside the thread. Be sure to visit any thread relating to the product or service you want to learn more about because you might be surprised by how in depth the discussion really is. High "View Count" and "Replies" are good indicators of active "master threads" on a specific topic.
2) Use Google to search FT. It works a lot better than the built-in search.
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. That being said, always be nice and courteous in the face of rejection. The biggest secret for success is to lay low so you can try again.
2) DO NOT spend more than you can afford. START WITH SMALL AMOUNTS TO TEST THE WATER! As an example.. don't start with a $5000 purchase of VGCs if you can't afford to float that much! Instead, buy one and try it, and scale up once you are comfortable with a new method. It's easy to lose track, or get robbed, when you are handling so much money. Getting a refund is NOT always possible.
3) DO NOT ask employees, cashiers, customer service representatives, etc... about how to MS, or about things you read on this forum. The information you read here are very specific, unknown, legal uses of products or services. Most employees, cashiers, and even managers do not know about them. At best you'll get bad information. At worst you'll create a lot of unnecessary misunderstanding.
4) It bears repeating that there are no guarantees. you could easily buy $10,000 in gift cards or some other instrument, only to discover that your method for liquidating them vanishes the very next day. MS is not "normal" financial activity ("normal" being defined by the banks), and thus is often perceived as "suspicious" even if it is legal.
5) never underestimate the risk of criminal activity. gift cards can easily be stolen, loaded onto a compromised account, loaded in a debit card skimmer, or even fraudulent (e.g., an already used card put back on the rack).
If you have a question that does not seem to fit anywhere, or you have not found an appropriate place for it, post it here.
- A helpful note from seat17D about some of the inherent risks of MS
New to Manufactured Spending? Start Here (2015)
Feb 14, 2015, 2:41 am
#151
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 37
It's cash or debit only. Being able to use a credit card for MO without a cash advance fee would be like winning the lottery.
Feb 14, 2015, 8:50 am
#152
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 8
Thank you vinhboy for this advice. Do I give the CSR my Bluebird and then swipe my card after he swipes the Bluebird on his end or do I also swipe the Bluebird before I swipe the debit card?
Feb 14, 2015, 9:04 am
#153
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 31
The key here is that you're not volunteering information, you're not being anxious, and you're not handing over the card (because the swipe machine is on your side of the counter for a reason). If you start getting fidgety or if they ask questions... LEAVE. Don't argue or debate. Just politely ask for your BB and leave.
Feb 14, 2015, 9:40 am
#154
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
Hand cashier the BB card. Tell them you want to load $nn. Hold in your hand, a bit like a magician might, the target card AND a regular bank debit card, with the second one on top. You're not flashing the card(s)... you're just patiently waiting to swipe when ready. When cashier tells you to swipe, swipe from the bottom of the deck. Done.
The key here is that you're not volunteering information, you're not being anxious, and you're not handing over the card (because the swipe machine is on your side of the counter for a reason). If you start getting fidgety or if they ask questions... LEAVE. Don't argue or debate. Just politely ask for your BB and leave.
The key here is that you're not volunteering information, you're not being anxious, and you're not handing over the card (because the swipe machine is on your side of the counter for a reason). If you start getting fidgety or if they ask questions... LEAVE. Don't argue or debate. Just politely ask for your BB and leave.
Feb 14, 2015, 11:37 am
#155
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 8
Hand cashier the BB card. Tell them you want to load $nn. Hold in your hand, a bit like a magician might, the target card AND a regular bank debit card, with the second one on top. You're not flashing the card(s)... you're just patiently waiting to swipe when ready. When cashier tells you to swipe, swipe from the bottom of the deck. Done.
The key here is that you're not volunteering information, you're not being anxious, and you're not handing over the card (because the swipe machine is on your side of the counter for a reason). If you start getting fidgety or if they ask questions... LEAVE. Don't argue or debate. Just politely ask for your BB and leave.
The key here is that you're not volunteering information, you're not being anxious, and you're not handing over the card (because the swipe machine is on your side of the counter for a reason). If you start getting fidgety or if they ask questions... LEAVE. Don't argue or debate. Just politely ask for your BB and leave.
Feb 15, 2015, 3:41 am
#159
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 23
My Kroger store in the area which is a "Food 4 Less" stopped selling MO's a year ago 
Feb 15, 2015, 4:44 pm
#160
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 8
If one can obtain a Redbird, it looks to me like that's a much better option than the Bluebird. Anybody disagree?
Feb 17, 2015, 1:08 pm
#161
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 12
Questions from Newby
Hi all,
I have been trying to wrap my head around this concept intently for a day or two now (been aware for years but not had the time to study the methods), and
I just have a couple of questions before I make a fool of myself buying multiple GCs and MOs at WM. Please be kind and patient with me because reading the multiple threads across the forum has cluttered my brain and am now quite confused because some methods are now dead but I still read some comments that some posters are still doing this. Here is my understanding of MS so far, please feel free to fraternally correct me or pm me if my conclusions are wrong or questions confusing:
1. To MS, the primary method is to purchase a GC, preferably VGC and then purchase MOs at WM. I read a thread where a woman loaded prepaid cards including BB. What is the purpose of the last step? Is it to enable the user to spend the cash more conveniently? And how does one load MOs into the prepaids anyway?
2. Can we still purchase MOs using GC? Or is this dead? I'm reading confusing posts as to this. Where is the preferable place to purchase the MOs?
3. The other method I'm observing is to reload certain prepaid cards, e.g., the RedBird Target card or BB, both by Amex. Could we use the same FI (in this case Amex) to do the reloads? Is there a list of prepaid cards that can be reloaded? Can we use this like a regular bank account and pay mortgages and bills that cannot be paid by cc?
Thank you for any information you can share.
I have been trying to wrap my head around this concept intently for a day or two now (been aware for years but not had the time to study the methods), and
I just have a couple of questions before I make a fool of myself buying multiple GCs and MOs at WM. Please be kind and patient with me because reading the multiple threads across the forum has cluttered my brain and am now quite confused because some methods are now dead but I still read some comments that some posters are still doing this. Here is my understanding of MS so far, please feel free to fraternally correct me or pm me if my conclusions are wrong or questions confusing:
1. To MS, the primary method is to purchase a GC, preferably VGC and then purchase MOs at WM. I read a thread where a woman loaded prepaid cards including BB. What is the purpose of the last step? Is it to enable the user to spend the cash more conveniently? And how does one load MOs into the prepaids anyway?
2. Can we still purchase MOs using GC? Or is this dead? I'm reading confusing posts as to this. Where is the preferable place to purchase the MOs?
3. The other method I'm observing is to reload certain prepaid cards, e.g., the RedBird Target card or BB, both by Amex. Could we use the same FI (in this case Amex) to do the reloads? Is there a list of prepaid cards that can be reloaded? Can we use this like a regular bank account and pay mortgages and bills that cannot be paid by cc?
Thank you for any information you can share.
Feb 17, 2015, 1:30 pm
#162
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 197
Hi all,
I have been trying to wrap my head around this concept intently for a day or two now (been aware for years but not had the time to study the methods), and
I just have a couple of questions before I make a fool of myself buying multiple GCs and MOs at WM. Please be kind and patient with me because reading the multiple threads across the forum has cluttered my brain and am now quite confused because some methods are now dead but I still read some comments that some posters are still doing this. Here is my understanding of MS so far, please feel free to fraternally correct me or pm me if my conclusions are wrong or questions confusing:
1. To MS, the primary method is to purchase a GC, preferably VGC and then purchase MOs at WM. I read a thread where a woman loaded prepaid cards including BB. What is the purpose of the last step? Is it to enable the user to spend the cash more conveniently? And how does one load MOs into the prepaids anyway?
2. Can we still purchase MOs using GC? Or is this dead? I'm reading confusing posts as to this. Where is the preferable place to purchase the MOs?
3. The other method I'm observing is to reload certain prepaid cards, e.g., the RedBird Target card or BB, both by Amex. Could we use the same FI (in this case Amex) to do the reloads? Is there a list of prepaid cards that can be reloaded? Can we use this like a regular bank account and pay mortgages and bills that cannot be paid by cc?
Thank you for any information you can share.
I have been trying to wrap my head around this concept intently for a day or two now (been aware for years but not had the time to study the methods), and
I just have a couple of questions before I make a fool of myself buying multiple GCs and MOs at WM. Please be kind and patient with me because reading the multiple threads across the forum has cluttered my brain and am now quite confused because some methods are now dead but I still read some comments that some posters are still doing this. Here is my understanding of MS so far, please feel free to fraternally correct me or pm me if my conclusions are wrong or questions confusing:
1. To MS, the primary method is to purchase a GC, preferably VGC and then purchase MOs at WM. I read a thread where a woman loaded prepaid cards including BB. What is the purpose of the last step? Is it to enable the user to spend the cash more conveniently? And how does one load MOs into the prepaids anyway?
2. Can we still purchase MOs using GC? Or is this dead? I'm reading confusing posts as to this. Where is the preferable place to purchase the MOs?
3. The other method I'm observing is to reload certain prepaid cards, e.g., the RedBird Target card or BB, both by Amex. Could we use the same FI (in this case Amex) to do the reloads? Is there a list of prepaid cards that can be reloaded? Can we use this like a regular bank account and pay mortgages and bills that cannot be paid by cc?
Thank you for any information you can share.
2) You'll have to figure that out for yourself. It's different for everyone because different local stores have different policies even within the same chain.
3) See my answer to #1 and yes you can use them to pay off legitimate bills otherwise not payable by CC. Or you could simply pay off the CC bills you used to buy the loads onto said prepaid cards.
There is no way around experimenting with various options available to you in your area. Nobody here can definitively give you a yes or no because it's different everywhere you go. Take some time to travel around and start small to see what will and won't work at your local chains.
Feb 17, 2015, 2:50 pm
#163
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
1. To MS, the primary method is to purchase a GC, preferably VGC and then purchase MOs at WM. I read a thread where a woman loaded prepaid cards including BB. What is the purpose of the last step? Is it to enable the user to spend the cash more conveniently? And how does one load MOs into the prepaids anyway?
---VGC>>MO at WM or other grocery stores is just one of the ways people turn their GCs back to cash via their bank; this is not advisable if you're just starting this hobby. You may be better off loading VGCs to RB, BB, Serve or other reloadable cards but the 3 from amex are the best. If you have Target, that's where you load RB, BB and Serve can be loaded at WM although Serve can also be loaded at Family Dollar. You can only get either RB/BB/Serve using one SSN but if you have family members willing to cooperate with you, you can use their SSN to get other cards since there is no limit per household/address.
You DO NOT load MOs to prepaids, you deposit them to your bank account. Do some more reading and make sure you understand it well enough before you start buying MOs with VGCs.
2. Can we still purchase MOs using GC? Yes, if you find a store that accepts debit cards for them. Or is this dead? it is YMMV, just ask stores in your area which sells them for debit/cash. I'm reading confusing posts as to this. Where is the preferable place to purchase the MOs? ANY store that accept DEBIT card as payment. Practice referring to VGCs as DEBIT CARDS from now on so when you're asked for your mode of payment, say DEBIT....NEVER say prepaid or worse, giftcard.
You have to keep reading until you have better understanding of what it is. Just start small, you may have to buy the fixed value GCs first (even if fees are higher) just to get a feel of how it is to transfer funds from a DEBIT to a reloadable card. Once you gain the confidence, you're ready to try the variable amount up to $500. Resist the urge to buy several thousands worth of VGCs because you never know when a certain method is closed abruptly w/o warning. In case this happens, make sure you have funds to pay for your mounting CC bills or else you'll end up paying a lot of interest/penalties while finding ways to liquidate your VGCs. Just take it slow and know what you're doing. You'll be fine.
---VGC>>MO at WM or other grocery stores is just one of the ways people turn their GCs back to cash via their bank; this is not advisable if you're just starting this hobby. You may be better off loading VGCs to RB, BB, Serve or other reloadable cards but the 3 from amex are the best. If you have Target, that's where you load RB, BB and Serve can be loaded at WM although Serve can also be loaded at Family Dollar. You can only get either RB/BB/Serve using one SSN but if you have family members willing to cooperate with you, you can use their SSN to get other cards since there is no limit per household/address.
You DO NOT load MOs to prepaids, you deposit them to your bank account. Do some more reading and make sure you understand it well enough before you start buying MOs with VGCs.
2. Can we still purchase MOs using GC? Yes, if you find a store that accepts debit cards for them. Or is this dead? it is YMMV, just ask stores in your area which sells them for debit/cash. I'm reading confusing posts as to this. Where is the preferable place to purchase the MOs? ANY store that accept DEBIT card as payment. Practice referring to VGCs as DEBIT CARDS from now on so when you're asked for your mode of payment, say DEBIT....NEVER say prepaid or worse, giftcard.
You have to keep reading until you have better understanding of what it is. Just start small, you may have to buy the fixed value GCs first (even if fees are higher) just to get a feel of how it is to transfer funds from a DEBIT to a reloadable card. Once you gain the confidence, you're ready to try the variable amount up to $500. Resist the urge to buy several thousands worth of VGCs because you never know when a certain method is closed abruptly w/o warning. In case this happens, make sure you have funds to pay for your mounting CC bills or else you'll end up paying a lot of interest/penalties while finding ways to liquidate your VGCs. Just take it slow and know what you're doing. You'll be fine.
Feb 17, 2015, 8:06 pm
#164
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: IND
Programs: Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glbl, Marriott Lftm Plat, National EE
Posts: 316
You have to keep reading until you have better understanding of what it is. Just start small, you may have to buy the fixed value GCs first (even if fees are higher) just to get a feel of how it is to transfer funds from a DEBIT to a reloadable card. Once you gain the confidence, you're ready to try the variable amount up to $500. Resist the urge to buy several thousands worth of VGCs because you never know when a certain method is closed abruptly w/o warning. In case this happens, make sure you have funds to pay for your mounting CC bills or else you'll end up paying a lot of interest/penalties while finding ways to liquidate your VGCs. Just take it slow and know what you're doing. You'll be fine.
Key bits of advice:
- Start Small. Run through the process at least 3 times with $20 to $50 amounts. Yes, you will lose money, but you also aren't risking much.
- Never do more in a 'batch' than you can comfortably 'float' if your liquidation method dies *today*
- ALWAYS have a backup plan for liquidation. If you don't have at least two liquidation methods that you know work, you are going to find yourself in a world of hurt if your liquidation plan dies.
- Never argue. Never threaten. Even if you know you are right. Just. Walk. Away.
Feb 17, 2015, 11:19 pm
#165
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 37
Mamibear knows best, listen to her.
I would say based on reading her many posts she is an expert and one to keep an eye on.
I would say based on reading her many posts she is an expert and one to keep an eye on.