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| As a stay-at-home mom, I'm always looking for ways of earning a little money. Whether it is for gas or some scrapbooking materials, it's always nice to have a little cash in the pocket. Home-based businesses are great for working at home and being able to still take care of your household. Right now I'm coming up on a pre-empty nest situation (my baby is starting Kindergarten) and there will be a lot of time on my hands. This is the time to start planning what I am going to do for me. My husband asked me years ago (he has since stopped) if I'm going back to work when both of the kids get into school. "Why?" has always been my answer. I love to work and miss the comraderie of co-workers, but I need the freedom to be a mom. When a child gets sick, I need to be able to take off at a moments notice without wondering if I have the leave or without inconveniencing other people. There are days when school is closed and days when it snows and I need to have the freedom to be there for my kids because ultimately, they do come first. Home-based businesses allow that kind of freedom and they are growing at an alarming rate! There are businesses from make-up to candles to sex toys! (i just found that one out). The first step is to find something that you are passionate about and DO YOUR RESEARCH! Do you your research? Absolutely! These businesses catered to women, especially those who stay home. They provide everything you need for a business for, sometimes, a relatively small start-up fee. Always remember though, that they are in the business of making money. A long time ago I wanted to sell Creative Memories. In NO way am I bashing Creative Memories. I love the company and use their products, but it is the only one that I have really looked into since I was seriously wanting to be a consultant. The start-up fee is a little rough - about $175, but you get loads of product for that money. It is well worth it! There was one catch though that I just couldn't get around and still can't to this day - consultants are required to purchase $300 worth of inventory a quarter or else they are no longer consultants. Now, some people may have no problem hitting that quota and there are creative accounting ways to get around it, but I have a little family (none of which will buy anything from me) and at the time, I had very little friends (very young children, didn't get out much). There was NO way I could order $300 worth of product every quarter. I'd be going into debt! I had a friend who I use to work with and she began with Creative Memories many, many years ago. She had a large family and she got everyone into scrapbooking and she grew a very nice business for herself. It's all realtive. That's why I say...do your research. Find out those hidden costs and expectations. All the businesses are different. Creative Memories has quarterly sales quotas, Avon is very busy with catalogs and ordering, and Tastefully Simple is a direct sales company (no inventory). Take the time to look into the company. Many people have been very successful and you can too. Oh, one more thing - don't expect to get rich. For most of the companies, you will only earn about 25% of the retail price. You won't make too much money, but you can get some good consultant deals on products so make sure you sign up for a company that you will use and enjoy the product! |
| Weigh the Pros and Cons of any business! |
| Pros Offer Training Supply all necessary selling tools Comple package - everything is there for you Support system |
| Cons High start up costs Inventory quotas Friend and family sales base High incentives for recruitment Low income - mostly discounts of products |
| The Gossip Mill What people are saying about these companies! |
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