Jan 3, 2019, 1:46 pm
Last edit by: randomperson24
NEW TO MS? It's suggested that new arrivals should do some serious reading for a month of all the posts and wiki to get an understanding of MS before asking common questions.
Note: the 2017 - 2018 version of this thread is here, 2016 version of this thread is here, the 2015 version of the thread is here
Welcome to Manufactured Spending. Marathon Man did not write this message, but he has edited it and anyone can. 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.
3) A glossary wiki for MS located in the thread Glossary, Manufactured Spending Forum
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. Some might argue that MS is like card counting in a casino. It is not illegal but casinos dont like it. Orhers have said its like having a fake ID in college to use just to get into bars where all the fun is. Just because it worked here yesterday doesnt mean it will get you in today. MS is like being a wood worker constantly using a table saw. Always watch what you are doingalways! Or you will lose something. 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).
6) MSing can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from smallish amounts to meet minimum spend requirements to get a credit card signup bonus, to accumulating huge numbers of points for travel/cashback/etc. Remember too that you will often have expenses such as purchase fees, liquidation fees, and gas.
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 MSers can also read all these threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...-spending-719/
Note: the 2017 - 2018 version of this thread is here, 2016 version of this thread is here, the 2015 version of the thread is here
Welcome to Manufactured Spending. Marathon Man did not write this message, but he has edited it and anyone can. 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.
3) A glossary wiki for MS located in the thread Glossary, Manufactured Spending Forum
Important Rules
1) MSing is very YMMV. It varies by store, manager, and right down to the cashier working at the moment. Some might argue that MS is like card counting in a casino. It is not illegal but casinos dont like it. Orhers have said its like having a fake ID in college to use just to get into bars where all the fun is. Just because it worked here yesterday doesnt mean it will get you in today. MS is like being a wood worker constantly using a table saw. Always watch what you are doingalways! Or you will lose something. 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).
6) MSing can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from smallish amounts to meet minimum spend requirements to get a credit card signup bonus, to accumulating huge numbers of points for travel/cashback/etc. Remember too that you will often have expenses such as purchase fees, liquidation fees, and gas.
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 MSers can also read all these threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...-spending-719/
New to Manufactured Spending? Start here (2019-2024)
Mar 6, 2023, 10:53 am
#586
Join Date: Jun 2022
Posts: 31
I waited the hour and then called them to make sure.Then after the not authorized I called and they said it was a large amount so they flagged is and put a hold on the card. So then I did a MO for 315.00 and I got approval. I keep hearing about a new limit of 485.00, not sure I need to do more testing.
I had the same issue today with my Simon VGC at the Giant Food. 'Not Authorized' for two $450s. Tried single $100 and it worked.
Mar 6, 2023, 11:26 am
#587
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 376
I waited the hour and then called them to make sure.Then after the not authorized I called and they said it was a large amount so they flagged is and put a hold on the card. So then I did a MO for 315.00 and I got approval. I keep hearing about a new limit of 485.00, not sure I need to do more testing.
Mar 6, 2023, 5:36 pm
#588
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Dallas, Texas
Programs: AA ExPlat. Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 78
I tried Walmart today with my $500Vanilla VGC and did 400/100 swipes with no problem. Went back with one of my my $200OD VGC and another $500 Vanilla VGC. Swipes for a $699MO were Vanilla card $250/$250 (no issues), next OD card $swipe 1- $100 (no problem) #2 swipe $100 turned down. Swiped again for $99 and it went through. It appears that the OD cards with extra security on box, square hologram reverse, and space to sign name, do not like to be drained totally with 50% value. I purchased something at Walmart and used the $1 off of it no problem. It has been quite awhile since I have used Walmart and hope someone could tell me there experience with non Vanilla VGC there. When I stopped going, there was a $99 swipe limit on them but that seems to have changed with me doing $100. Is it possible to go to $200 on VGC, non Vanilla? Im trying to prevent my cards getting put on hold. When I called Vanilla, it took about an hour on hold. Calling visa, I was lucky to get someone and stayed on the phone for a good hour there too. .
Mar 6, 2023, 6:49 pm
#589
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 376
I tried Walmart today with my $500Vanilla VGC and did 400/100 swipes with no problem. Went back with one of my my $200OD VGC and another $500 Vanilla VGC. Swipes for a $699MO were Vanilla card $250/$250 (no issues), next OD card $swipe 1- $100 (no problem) #2 swipe $100 turned down. Swiped again for $99 and it went through. It appears that the OD cards with extra security on box, square hologram reverse, and space to sign name, do not like to be drained totally with 50% value. I purchased something at Walmart and used the $1 off of it no problem. It has been quite awhile since I have used Walmart and hope someone could tell me their experience with non Vanilla VGC there. When I stopped going, there was a $99 swipe limit on them but that seems to have changed with me doing $100. Is it possible to go to $200 on VGC, non Vanilla? Im trying to prevent my cards getting put on hold. When I called Vanilla, it took about an hour on hold. Calling visa, I was lucky to get someone and stayed on the phone for a good hour there too. .
The Vanilla VGCs are serviced and distributed by InComm which should work to liquidate for the full amount. The VGCs at OD/OM carry the regular VGCs serviced and distributed by Blackhawk Network which I think can be liquidated at WM for $99 per swipe. The Everywhere VGCs serviced and distributed by Blackhawk have been reliable to liquidate at WM for $200 swipes. But recently it appears that Blackhawk may be altering the velocity on the Everywhere VGCs.
The OD/OM VGC that you liquidated for $100 - Was it an Everywhere VGC or a regular VGC?
Mar 7, 2023, 6:10 am
#590
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 376
Last 4 digits should work. Staples VGCs may be limited to $99 at WM but not sure. I only do OM/OD VGCs.
Mar 7, 2023, 7:48 am
#591
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA. USA
Programs: MR, AA, UA, DL, AVIS and growing
Posts: 1,172
Thanks for the info regarding your experience.
The Vanilla VGCs are serviced and distributed by InComm which should work to liquidate for the full amount. The VGCs at OD/OM carry the regular VGCs serviced and distributed by Blackhawk Network which I think can be liquidated at WM for $99 per swipe. The Everywhere VGCs serviced and distributed by Blackhawk have been reliable to liquidate at WM for $200 swipes. But recently it appears that Blackhawk may be altering the velocity on the Everywhere VGCs.
The OD/OM VGC that you liquidated for $100 - Was it an Everywhere VGC or a regular VGC?
The Vanilla VGCs are serviced and distributed by InComm which should work to liquidate for the full amount. The VGCs at OD/OM carry the regular VGCs serviced and distributed by Blackhawk Network which I think can be liquidated at WM for $99 per swipe. The Everywhere VGCs serviced and distributed by Blackhawk have been reliable to liquidate at WM for $200 swipes. But recently it appears that Blackhawk may be altering the velocity on the Everywhere VGCs.
The OD/OM VGC that you liquidated for $100 - Was it an Everywhere VGC or a regular VGC?
Approximately 1 year ago I search for Everyday card in my region and found OD/OM refused to have stocked in Seattle for any city within 30 miles.
So I never could find a card that worked at WM to load for a MO.
Blackhawk did not know why Seattle region would not stock Everyday card nor did OdOM store mangers.
However, since I know of one FT poster 50 miles away from Seattle who had it working I confirmed OD did sell the Everyday card at that location(Olympic).
So as I read these posts for new cards and newbies wanting to know if it works no tracking if what works wouldn't be best to start spreadsheet of which GCs
work in which areas?
I doubt any GC works in my region(Seattle within 30 miles ) and have found nobody who has been successful in my area within 30 miles to getting it work for 2 years..
I did several years ago get Simon GVC to work at WM but that has been stopped in my region.
Mar 7, 2023, 7:56 am
#592
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 217
What's the PIN for OM/OD VGCs, same last 4? And reading the last few posts, should I look for Vanilla VGCs?
Mar 7, 2023, 8:27 am
#593
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 376
Is it possible to start spreadsheet of what card works in which area?
Approximately 1 year ago I search for Everyday card in my region and found OD/OM refused to have stocked in Seattle for any city within 30 miles.
So I never could find a card that worked at WM to load for a MO.
Blackhawk did not know why Seattle region would not stock Everyday card nor did OdOM store mangers.
However, since I know of one FT poster 50 miles away from Seattle who had it working I confirmed OD did sell the Everyday card at that location(Olympic).
So as I read these posts for new cards and newbies wanting to know if it works no tracking if what works wouldn't be best to start spreadsheet of which GCs
work in which areas?
I doubt any GC works in my region(Seattle within 30 miles ) and have found nobody who has been successful in my area within 30 miles to getting it work for 2 years..
I did several years ago get Simon GVC to work at WM but that has been stopped in my region.
Approximately 1 year ago I search for Everyday card in my region and found OD/OM refused to have stocked in Seattle for any city within 30 miles.
So I never could find a card that worked at WM to load for a MO.
Blackhawk did not know why Seattle region would not stock Everyday card nor did OdOM store mangers.
However, since I know of one FT poster 50 miles away from Seattle who had it working I confirmed OD did sell the Everyday card at that location(Olympic).
So as I read these posts for new cards and newbies wanting to know if it works no tracking if what works wouldn't be best to start spreadsheet of which GCs
work in which areas?
I doubt any GC works in my region(Seattle within 30 miles ) and have found nobody who has been successful in my area within 30 miles to getting it work for 2 years..
I did several years ago get Simon GVC to work at WM but that has been stopped in my region.
Mar 7, 2023, 8:44 am
#594
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA. USA
Programs: MR, AA, UA, DL, AVIS and growing
Posts: 1,172
need Spreadsheet of Working GC/Locations
I asked about a spreadsheet not trying new option.
What regions has Icomm cards worked and with what cards? Every post on thread starts from scratch trying it over and over in locations that might have have already failed since there is no tracking process.
Mar 7, 2023, 9:05 am
#595
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 376
I do the last 4 for the PIN. I buy the Everywhere (Style, Dining, & Grocery)($200) VGCs at OM/OD which are Blackhawk. They have been working for MOs at WM for the full amount but things may have changed recently. I dont remember seeing any Vanilla VGCs at OM/OD.
Mar 7, 2023, 9:16 am
#596
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 376
Missed my point ------ this would be a new attempt at a new location not documented.
I asked about a spreadsheet not trying new option.
What regions has Icomm cards worked and with what cards? Every post on thread starts from scratch trying it over and over in locations that might have have already failed since there is no tracking process.
I asked about a spreadsheet not trying new option.
What regions has Icomm cards worked and with what cards? Every post on thread starts from scratch trying it over and over in locations that might have have already failed since there is no tracking process.
I am not sure what new attempt is or a new location not documented or new option.
AFAIK, InComm cards work for MOs at WM and grocery stores.
What does with what cards mean?
Mar 7, 2023, 9:27 am
#597
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA. USA
Programs: MR, AA, UA, DL, AVIS and growing
Posts: 1,172
True, I did miss your point and I am still unclear on what you are asking. My apologies for not understanding. If you could be more specific.
I am not sure what “new attempt” is or a “new location not documented” or “new option.”
AFAIK, InComm cards work for MOs at WM and grocery stores.
What does “with what cards” mean?
I am not sure what “new attempt” is or a “new location not documented” or “new option.”
AFAIK, InComm cards work for MOs at WM and grocery stores.
What does “with what cards” mean?
History si NOT documented in a manner that allows people to know what works in what location./
I can'T even tell where you getting your card to work since your location is unknown.
My suggestion is to start an Excel Spread sheet........identifying what cards at working and the location.
I gave aN example that in Seattle area Everyday cards cannot be purchased with 30 mile radius. I personally contacted all stores and confirmed not sold in my region.
However, 50 miles away.....Everyday cards are sold in a different city AT OD STORE and a poster on FT has repeatedly documented it works for him.
Having also done the SIMON cards at WM and seen that stopped in my area I don;t get motivated to test this same process over.
yes, it works in a different location but as a group were not tracking it.
I met a foreign born FT( 2 1.5 years) online who claimed in Tennessee of doing $30k/month churning on GCs that zero worked in Seattle.
NO spread sheet tracking this after I tested.
Just my idea----- trying to see if the GC information can be tracked so not everyone has test all over in an area confirmed dead like Seattle for several of these cards simon, everyday.
Last edited by euromannn; Mar 7, 2023 at 10:10 am
Mar 7, 2023, 10:11 am
#598
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 376
3rd time
History si NOT documented in a manner that allows people to know what works in what location./
I candy even tell where you getting your card to work since your location is unknown.
My suggestion is to start an Excel Spread sheet........identifying what cards at working and the location.
I gave ab example that in Seattle area Everyday cards cannot be purchased with 30 mile radius. I personally contacted all stores and confirmed not sold in my region.
However, 50 miles away.....Everyday cards are sold in a different city and a poster on FT has repeatedly documented it works for him.
Having also done the SIMob cards at WM and seen that stopped in my area I don;t get motivated to test this same process over.
yes, it works in a different location but as a group were not tracking it.
I meta foreign born FT online who claimed in Tennessee of doing $30k/month churning on GCs that zero worked in Seattle.
NO spread sheet tracking this,.
Just my idea----- trying to see if the GC information can be tracked so not everyone has test all over ion an area confirmed dead like Seattle for several of these cards simon, everyday.
History si NOT documented in a manner that allows people to know what works in what location./
I candy even tell where you getting your card to work since your location is unknown.
My suggestion is to start an Excel Spread sheet........identifying what cards at working and the location.
I gave ab example that in Seattle area Everyday cards cannot be purchased with 30 mile radius. I personally contacted all stores and confirmed not sold in my region.
However, 50 miles away.....Everyday cards are sold in a different city and a poster on FT has repeatedly documented it works for him.
Having also done the SIMob cards at WM and seen that stopped in my area I don;t get motivated to test this same process over.
yes, it works in a different location but as a group were not tracking it.
I meta foreign born FT online who claimed in Tennessee of doing $30k/month churning on GCs that zero worked in Seattle.
NO spread sheet tracking this,.
Just my idea----- trying to see if the GC information can be tracked so not everyone has test all over ion an area confirmed dead like Seattle for several of these cards simon, everyday.
Do you know if Seattle WMs and grocery stores are friendly to purchasing MOs with VGCs (if you have the right VGCs)?
Mar 7, 2023, 10:24 am
#600
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Seattle, WA. USA
Programs: MR, AA, UA, DL, AVIS and growing
Posts: 1,172
Spreadsheet
It is my opinion that Seattle is not friendly at the two WM located within 20 miles of me.
KR another load store has worked in TN but KR has banned GC loads for 2 years in Seattle.
Another reason to start a spreadsheet.
WM used to be friendly doing SIMON cards but that has stopped.
Lakewood, WA.
SO I have answered your questions on only what I know zero feedback from anyone in my area on your new GCs.
Since this FC process is a mad scramble of inconsistency and WM is 20 miles away I'm not willing to try your idea until See what areas it works.
Once again Everyday GCs are no longer sold in Seattle region ------checked all OD?OM, Safeway, KR stores no store stocks these cards within 30 miles of Seattle center.
L
ast time I checked ONE store in Lacey, WA sold Everyday which si 60 miles from my home and I find no value validating that point.
WM in Lakewood, WA, per FT poster seems to have worked loading Everyday cards bought in Lacey, WA, at OD store 5 miles away last post confirmed 1 year ago.
Sorry, I have no knowledge of successful post DP other than my own experience and 2 FT posters far away from my region.
NO other data points I can share as it's not my personal experience it's all heresy of posts on FT.
Last edited by euromannn; Mar 7, 2023 at 1:10 pm