Tag: bills

CCPC – New research and guidance on tipping in Ireland

Consumer watchdog issues guidance for restaurants, cafes, hair salons and other service providers as new technologies change the landscape of tipping

New tipping research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has revealed that:

  • 9 in 10 consumers tip at least some of the time
  • Women and over 35s are more likely to tip
  • 2 in 3 believe tipping is becoming less voluntary
  • 3 in 4 would like to see businesses make it easier to opt out of tipping
  • 1 in 5 have recently paid a bill that included an unexpected extra charge
  • 1 in 4 consumers who have encountered standalone tipping terminals have tapped them by mistake

New guidance

The CCPC has issued new guidance based on the research to help restaurant owners and other traders decide how best to collect tips with new technologies.

Published on the CCPC website and sent to industry bodies, the guidance states:

  1. Tipping on a payment terminal should be easy to avoid
  2. Prevent accidental tipping by keeping tipping terminals separate and clearly labelled
  3. Mandatory service charges must be very clearly communicated in advance
  4. Optional service charges must never be automatically added to a bill

Simon Barry, Director of Research, Advocacy and International at the CCPC said, 

“Newer technologies like payment screens and tipping terminals are changing the way we tip for services. It’s important that businesses using these technologies do so in a way that protects the consumer’s right to decide whether and how much to tip.

“Transparency is vital. Any mandatory service charges must be flagged well in advance, optional charges must never be automatically added to bills, and tipping terminals should be placed away from payment terminals to avoid any confusion.”

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory body responsible for enforcing and promoting compliance with competition, consumer protection and product safety law, with new and expanding roles in digital and data regulation. We make markets work better for consumers and empower consumers to make informed choices. For more information, visit ccpc.ie

Sky Mobile reveals major savings hack for 2026

New research from Sky Mobile has revealed Irish customers’ habits when it comes to their monthly mobile bills and switching mobile providers – and some new opportunities for saving money in 2026. 
The study revealed that almost half (49%)* of Irish people are making financial New Year’s resolutions this January, from paying off debt to saving more money. Cutting back on impulse purchases (50%), following a budget (43%) and reducing food and drink spending (38%) are the top three ways Irish people plan to save money this year – but there’s one major savings hack that isn’t receiving the same attention. 
The same research revealed just 1 in 10 (10%) Irish people were likely to start switching mobile providers more regularly as a New Year’s money saving hack. For the remaining 90% who planned to stay put with their provider, there’s a huge, missed opportunity for saving. This January, customers who switch to Sky Mobile today will pay just €15 a month for unlimited data, calls and texts to any network in Ireland – and switching couldn’t be easier. 
The findings also show that customers aren’t as savvy at switching mobile providers as they are with other utilities, despite 70% saying they would switch for a better deal. While some Irish consumers are still not switching utility providers as often as they could, they are switching mobile providers far less frequently. Only just over a third of Irish consumers (37%) switch mobile provider within five years — while nearly double that number say they have switched electricity, gas, or broadband providers in the last five years (73%).  
What’s more, 1 in 3 consumers say they wait over five years to switch mobile provider, while 1 in 5 admit to never switching providers. Think of the savings they could have been making! 
Speaking about the findings, Irish budgeting creator and author, Caz Mooney, said: “One of my top budgeting tips for 2026 is to switch utility providers regularly but when it comes to mobile bills, it looks like many consumers are missing a big opportunity to save money.  Sky Mobile has some brilliant offers for anyone looking to switch, and the best thing is, switching is easy.”
Speaking on the benefits of Sky Mobile, Aideen Chambers, Connectivity Director, said:  “Since landing in the Irish market in 2024, Sky Mobile has offered customers fairness, flexibility and transparency when it comes to their mobile plan. However, our research tells us that a huge number of Irish customers are overpaying with their current provider. Switching to Sky Mobile could be the answer to your savings goals for 2026.”
Sky Mobile disrupted the mobile market in 2024, giving Irish customers the opportunity to Expect More versus other providers, with fairer contracts and greater transparency providing significant monthly savings. 
Sky Mobile is available in Sky’s retail stores across Ireland and online at sky.com/ie/shop/mobile. 

SAJ HS3: The Most Compact Yet Powerful Home Battery

In today’s residential energy market, homeowners demand solutions that are efficient, smart, and space-conscious. SAJ’s HS3 answers that call as the thinnest 6-in-One home battery on the market, measuring just 17 cm slim. Compact in size but remarkable in capability, HS3 is designed to fit seamlessly into any home environment—indoor or outdoorwithout compromising performance.

Ultra-Compact Design for Every Home
Why size matters: Many energy storage systems are bulky, limiting installation options. HS3 changes the game with its slim, adaptable design.

1. Flexible Installation in Any Environment
Whether it’s a small garage, tight indoor area, or outdoor wall, HS3 can be installed effortlessly, maximizing space while maintaining full functionality.

2. Classic, Elegant Design
With a sleek and timeless appearance, HS3 blends naturally into home interiors or outdoor spaces, enhancing the home’s aesthetic while delivering cutting-edge energy storage.

Powerful Performance in a Compact Package
HS3 isn’t just compact—it’s packed with features that set it apart from other home energy storage solutions:


1 – 6-in-One Integration
Unlike other brands that offer only 3- or 5-in-One solutions, HS3 integrates solar inverter, EV charger, battery PCS, battery pack, backup, and Energy Management System into a single, cohesive unit.

2. Energy That Expands, Effortlessly
Start with a 5 kWh battery pack and easily expand to 40 kWh as customers’ needs grow. While mixing batteries typically risks damaging energy storage systems, the HS3 is designed to overcome this challenge. With a DC-DC optimizer in each pack of HS3, SAJ enables seamless integration of old and new batteries. Its flexible expansion design allows you to add new batteries to the existing system with ease.

3. Fast & Easy Installation and Enhanced User Experience
Designed for ease-of-use, HS3 features: Modular construction and Blind Plug Design Built-in diagnostic tools for real-time feedback and troubleshooting

4. Extreme Climate Resistance and High Safety
The HS3 Series is engineered for reliable performance under harsh conditions: Integrated thermal boosting function operates at temperatures as low as -30°C Built-in fire suppression system activates within 3 seconds at 185°C Stable energy supply and maximum safety for homeowners

5. Smart Energy, Save Energy Bills
SAJ elekeeper AI Saving 2.0 The intelligent EMS app optimizes energy use across appliances, real-time tariffs, and weather conditions—helping homeowners save up to 20% on electricity bills effortlessly.

6. Proven Stability and Local Support
With over 15 years of experience in residential energy solutions, SAJ are proud to present its third-generation home energy storage system, developed on the proven foundation of the H1, B1, and HS2. Engineered for durability and
reliability, this latest system embodies their ongoing commitment to innovation and quality. To ensure every customer receives timely and dependable service.

SAJ has established dedicated technical support teams across Ireland, the UK, and Europe.SAJ HS3: The Most Compact Yet Powerful Home Battery

PayPal study: Almost half (46%) of Irish consumers would prefer to send money to family and friends to avoid buying Christmas gifts

PayPal has announced the findings of a new study which found that almost half (46%) of Irish consumers would prefer to send money to family/friends so they wouldn’t have to buy gifts this Christmas. This preference was most popular among Gen Z respondents (50%).

The research—conducted by Censuswide and involving 1,001 consumers across Ireland—also revealed that more than three-quarters (78%) would prefer to spend quality time with friends and family rather than buying them gifts this Christmas. This time, Gen X was most inclined to express this sentiment (81%).

Festive finances & not-so-silent nights

Despite the implied desire to move away from the tradition of buying Christmas gifts, the average expected spend per person on presents came in at €525. When it comes to the counties, people from Carlow (€780), Kildare (€692), and Meath (€674) expect to spend most.

Furthermore, 49% of people surveyed feel under pressure to spend more than planned/budgeted based on what others are spending. It also appears that people are eager to get their Christmas shopping, with two-thirds (66%) predicting they will have theirs finished by the second week of December. Just 14% appear to be last-minute shoppers, completing their purchases during Christmas week or on Christmas Eve.

As well as gifting, 47% of Irish consumers surveyed expect to spend more on social events and gatherings this festive season. The average anticipated spend was estimated to be €339, with respondents from Kildare (€428), Dublin (€385) and Mayo (€376) set to spend most on such outings.

Sharing is caring

Given the expectations around spending, there seems to be a shift towards sharing the load – and cost – when it comes to gifting. In fact, 63% of Irish consumers surveyed will engage in bill-splitting or group purchases.

The top bill splitting activities were revealed to be nights out (47%), family gifts (37%), and Christmas dinner (35%). When paying people back, 46% of people typically round up, while just over a third (36%) would pay people back to the exact cent.

At the other end of the scale, 45% revealed that they have previously not been paid back by friends or family for a gift or activity during the festive season. Moreover, 58% felt too awkward to ask for money they were owed, so they didn’t mention it.

Loud budgeting

Something people aren’t feeling awkward about is loud budgeting (being honest with others about their finances) – with 47% saying they would feel comfortable telling friends or family they haven’t budgeted for a specific activity or gift and almost a third (32%) having told friends as much previously over the festive season.

Speaking about the findings, Jonas Breding, General Manager Northern Europe, PayPal, said: “While it is a time of year when people are spending and when some are feeling more financial pressure than usual, people’s preferences and behaviours are changing. As well as more convenient and cost-effective ways of treating friends and family at this time of year, people are also opting to do activities with, rather than buying things for their loved ones.

“Consumers in Ireland want to make the most of the festive season, but they also want to be smart and realistic regarding their budgets. We know that being able to send money or split bills via person-to-person payments is important, as well as feeling empowered and vocal when it comes to priorities for this festive season.”

Homeowners in Ireland launch a ‘Battle of the Bills campaign for Home Insurance’ in efforts to curb inflation and overpayments

Bill Winner, a platform powered by consumers has today, announced the launch of its Battle of the Bills in Home Insurance contest. It will see the home insurance community in Ireland shop together and cast their votes for the best value provider and brokers across the country. With each Battle of the Bills competition running every three months, the rolling contest is designed to empower consumers to make better informed decisions for home insurance providers in the year ahead. Bill Winner enables more effective bill management and cost-savings through creating a leaderboard (powered by the people of Ireland) around the best saving providers, brokers, and price comparison sites. It also provides an additional layer of transparency for consumers so that they can see whether they are overpaying and notifies them when service provider renewals are due.

The ‘Battle of the Bills’ campaign, which is about providing much-needed price transparency for bills in Ireland encourages people to shop around and vote for their winning businesses which are featured on a unique leaderboard. Users are incentivised to vote and share information with the platform as it will enable them to access other insights that are more relevant to them. For example, members can see the top rated home insurance businesses in their own county, draw price comparisons and avail of support from the community. The company also aims to tackle market misinformation and reward the service providers that offer the best value and service to their members by awarding them with badges which they can then display on their website i.e top voted provider for home insurance in Dublin Q1 2024. In addition to this, Bill Winner enables businesses to provide expert advice across a number of sectors, including broadband, mobile phone, energy, banking, with users being able to rate quality.

According to figures from The Central Bank, thousands of home insurance policy holders are paying over 32% above average on their premium. In addition to this, research from Power Reviews shows that in 2023, nearly three-quarters of consumers were researching purchases more than before due to the current economic climate.

Speaking about the launch of the ‘Battle of the Bills in Home Insurance’, Fiachra Comhrai, Co-founder at Bill Winner said:

“We are excited to launch our Battle of the Bills in home insurance contest for Q1 of this year and would like to call on members of the public to sign up to the community to cast their votes. Through this contest, we hope to finally provide consumers with the transparency they deserve and also empower them to make the right choices when it comes to service providers. With inflation showing no signs of slowing down, people need to be more aware of overpayments, subscriptions, renewal dates and more. Bill Winner aims to help users navigate an extremely turbulent landscape and help them to cut costs as best as they can through providing expert insights and matching them with the best options based on their search criteria.”