I want to find something I can do at home for a few hours a day, but everything I find seems to be a scam. People have said that you shouldn't have to put money down.. but everything I have looked into thats all they ask. Anyone know of any proven businesses that I can look into? thanks in advance!

Sarah P

Have you considered starting your own business?
There are alot of things you can do that have very little start up costs.
I stay away from scams as they are tons of them out there.
How about a direct sales business, they are many wonderful one's you can do from home?

Serenity
http://www.AllAboutTown.org

I say, forget looking to other people for ideas...go out there and find something you love and that there is a need for and build a business around it.

It worked for me, and it is a lot better than paying to be part of a great "business opportunity."

-Jennifer
http://www.eczemamom.com

Hello
I was reading your e-mail message and I agree with you. May I ask what type of business you have started and how long have you been in business?
thanks

We have an online store that sells eczema products: http://www.eczemamom.com

As an off-shoot we've also developed our own brand of moisturizing cream for eczema sufferers. It has been great!

and most all try to one's GREED.

Regarding the spending of money....I don't know of a legitimate business at home or otherwise that you don't have to spend money for. Traditional businesses require the MOST! I opened a restaurant that required thousands to open the door and over $600 dollars a day income, everyday 7 days a week just to break even.

I have a blog where I write about some of the scams I've run across as well as document my progress in my businesses. You might find them helpful and should you have any questions, I woudl be more than happy to give you my honest 2-bits worth.

My opinions/commentary:

http://www.peakincome.blogspot.com/
and
http://myameriplanbiz.blogspot.com/

phil

Hi

I started a home business with our company 1 year ago & am having a great time with it. We have a large support team that we are in contact with immediately. Are only start up cost is $29.00 which you receive a free website, a business portfolio from the company & unlimited training & support. The $29.00 is fully refundable for up to 4 months if someone finds this is not for them. Please view my website luvmyfreedom.com & fill out the section for more information or just e-mail me & I will be glad to share my information with you.

Good Luck
Mary

Hi,

Take a look through Idea Cafe's Profiles of successful small business owners. Then use this food for thought to brew up your own ideas for a business that fits you.

As you'll see, most of the Profilees mold a business to their own skills, likes and dislikes. You can do the same. I guarantee you will find it much more rewarding to shape your own business than to pay for the opportunity to fit yourself into a business that's already cast in stone by someone else.

Here's the link to our Profile 'home' page. This page is only the tip of the iceberg, so from there, click to the various industry pages to see many more Profiled Small Business Owners:
http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_people/index.php

If you want step-by-step instructions on how to start a business from scratch, check out our
Starting Your Biz section:
http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/starting_business/index.php?IC=15

Cheers,

Cyberhost at Idea Cafe

I strongly suggest you stop looking for someone else's business and start your own. I had your same experience for a long time and finally it hit me. If they can make money off of scams surely I can do it honestly. You can start a business doing almost anything. Here are some suggestions: carpet cleaning, selling greeting cards, gift baskets or anything, be an answering service for a professional office such as a doctor, type resumes for people, start a copy center( you may want to think about becoming a Notary Public too). Good Luck!!!

Hi Sarah! Are they asking money for information or are they asking money for you to start a business? Almost all businesses will require some sort of payment. Usually you can't start a business for free. I had to pay $29 to start my business, but for the money, I got a kit with books, catalogs, a C.D., as well as my ID number and membership into the company. After I received all the info, I read through it, got with my enroller, did some training and got started. Many companies work this way. You DO have to be careful though. If they are asking money for them to send you a list of companies,jobs, or just information of their business, it's most likely a scam. Definitely don't send $5 and a self-addressed envelope or anything like that!

When looking for a company ask around, google it and see what comes up and also definitely be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau. Also, you might want to see if they have any sort of money back guarantee. My company has a 120 day 100% money back guarantee. That was really important to me because I basically got to test drive it for 4 months with no financial risk.

What kinds of things are you looking at? If you have questions about specific companies, maybe we can help. Don't give up! There are plenty of legitimate businesses out there. You just have to find the right one.

Good luck in your search! Hang in there!

Steff Knecht
Start doing your best work from home!
Read my BUSINESS OVERVIEW:
http://www.athomeexcellence.com

Hi There,

I came across a biz opp that I invested in for $149 . I started making money from home my very first week, actually, my very first day. My first month I made $3000 part time. And I've quit my job. If you want to avoid scam, look into the business's history. Good opportunities do exist. This company has been around for 32 years and is exchanged on the NYSE. You would be helping people with legal issues get set up with a legal insurance plan for $26 per month. The leads are purchased so you don't have to look for customers. I will personally buy the leads for you until you start making money to prove to you that it works. It's the best thing I have ever come across. If you want to see a short opp. video, go to www.prepaidlegal.com/go/amandaschmitz

It's true. Scams are everywhere. Absolutely everywhere.

FYI...here's a link to my biz profile here on Idea Cafe: http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_people/show_profile.php?profile_id=%202309

As you can see, I spend a lot of time trying to help women find a legitimate way to earn money outside the traditional 9-5 world. I love my job.

I agree with most everything that's been said already, but I'd have to clarify a thing or two.

First of all, it's never easy to start any business. Being a business owner is hard work and it requires a lot of sacrifice. That's not to say it isn't worth it. But you should be very aware that it's no cake walk.

There are a lot of things you can do if you want to start your own business. Start by making a list of the things you DON'T want to do. For example, if you hate housework, you DON'T want to open a residential cleaning service.

Now make a list of your hobbies, the things you enjoy, and the things that everyone tells you that you have a talent for doing. Don't be shy and don't leave anything off the list. If you are good at organizing closets, write that down. If you love hosting your children's birthday parties, write that down.

Once you look at the two lists, you'll begin to see a picture emerge of what kind of business might be right for you.

You should also know that just because someone asks for money does not mean it's a scam. If a direct sales company asks you for money for a start up kit, that is a necessary business cost. If someone asks you for money for a list or to be a part of a business that you don't even really understand, that's a scam. It can be confusing, so ask questions at forums like this one to find out whether someone has experience with a company before you invest money. Always ask questions!

And finally, not everyone has to start their business from scratch. There are some good direct sales companies out there that are a good answer for many. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. If someone is having success with a DS company and can teach you how to do the same, sometimes that can be a good option. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Not all DS companies are alike.

Good luck!
Sher
http://www.MomAndHerMoney.com
Make more, spend less, be happy!

How about virtual assistance? VAs own their
own business providing assistance to their
clients via computer, phone, fax, email, etc.

What skills do you have? I've found that most
VA's are administrative, however the areas of
specialty are growing. Basically, whatever
service you could provide without having to be
in the same physical location as your client
could be a viable "niche."

You could specialize in administrative support,
realtor support, event planning, internet
research, accounting, calendar maintainence,
ebay selling...whatever.

Amy Andrews
simplycomplete.com :: where to-dos get done
http://www.simplycomplete.com

I agree there are many scams. At the same time most businesses, if they are genuine, require some start up costs. I work from home in the wellness industry. The company has been established 25 years and operates in 59 countries. We have an information cd that we sell for $37.00. It contains 5 hours of information re our business.As you are concerned re scams, I will be happy to lend it to you free of charge. All I ask is that you return the cd if you are not interested. The most important thing is to choose a businees you feel strongly about and products that appeal to you.
Cheryl Haining
www.money-2-work-at-home.net

>I want to find something I can
>do at home for a few
>hours a day, but everything I
>find seems to be a scam.
>People have said that you shouldn't
>have to put money down.. but
>everything I have looked into thats
>all they ask. Anyone know of
>any proven businesses that I can
>look into? thanks in advance!

>Sarah P

Congratulations on seeing through that bullshit.

Alot of ppl dont and they get screwed. And becuz there is alot of idiots in this world, there will always be scams.

First thing u should do is ask urself what are u good at or have a passion for.

Also what experience, skills, talents, connection/networks, do u bring to the table.

Then toss some ideas around for possible business and once u do a general research. Pick and then get started on the heavy research u need in order to get ur business plan started. Most ppl usually fail in marketing. Somehow they all believe if u spend money on advertising, u will get business.

Anyways gl in ur endeavors

For ideas for a home-based business. Think about what you're good at, then adapt it to do it from home. For example, if you're a good cook: you may not be able to start a restaurant from home, but you can become a personal chef and set a convenient schedule with most work done from a home office. If you can use a computer (obviously), market yourself as a secretary-for- hire. It's not how much you know, it's how you use what you know.

check out this website they have good info on what to look for in a direct sales company:

http://www.dsa.org

(direct selling association)

As the gentleman above mentioned - most companies require SOME money to get started (cost of training materials, etc)..but what you've heard about not "paying" to get into a company - usually refers to paying to get "lists", or INFO from that company!

danita

Discover the Arbonne difference!
http://www.danitajones.myarbonne.com

>I want to find something I can
>do at home for a few
>hours a day, but everything I
>find seems to be a scam.
>People have said that you shouldn't
>have to put money down.. but
>everything I have looked into thats
>all they ask. Anyone know of
>any proven businesses that I can
>look into? thanks in advance!

>Sarah P

Sarah, there isn't a single business out there that will allow you to go into it without putting any money down.

We've invested over $100,000 in our business and the success is telling. We're looking for many someone's in the US who are interested in opening their own business selling our sauces, but they're on their own to come up with the cost of their sample kit to take orders; $75.

You can go with companies like Melaleuca or Avon or Mary Kay, Nikken, or all the rest of those MLMs or Direct Marketing setups, but you'll have to buy your initial kit. Their prices range from something like $29 to several hundred to thousand.

If you want a home day care, you need space, toys, etc. Couple of hundred to set up (even if the toys are all cleaned up used ones).

Yes, you can work at home without it being a scam, but NO, there are absolutely NO proven businesses out there in which you don't have to invest a penny. At least I've never seen one.

Good luck to you.

T.

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods
http://www.peppermaster.com

I just offered this site to a the disabled group and I am posting it here as well. If you don't want to be scamed then yes you should start your own business. However, you don't always have to put money down. here is a site that will give you you a personalized retail store when you join (free) and interactive training guide which you download for free. This guide will show you many ways to make money with your retail store. http://dkj05.freestoreclub.com
It is inevitable that you will find yourself spending money on advertising, but it is whatever budget you choose. There are so many different ways to advertise not all of them expensive. For example printing out flyers promoting your business can be very inexpensive. Word of mouth never hurt either. submitting your site to search engines like google ad words can be as low as 5.00 set up fee and then you choose how much you are willing to pay for CPC (cost per click) i think it's a $0.05 minimum. You can even set how much money you are willing to spend each day. Without advertisement how will anyone even know your business exists?

I was wondering if you found something...to do at home? I have been doing a home-based business for three years. After teaching for five years, I wanted to be at home with my children and I wanted financial security. After 15 months I became a Regional Vice President with Arbonne. I now drive a brand new white Mercedes Benz (our company car) and bring a commission check of $7,000 to 9,000 a month. I love my life...I am my own boss, am home with my children, run my schedule, and my husband is due to retire in just a couple of years at 39! This isn't a scam, it's not get rich quick, it's based on a wonderful compensation plan. Email me if you have any questions. ownboss@zoominternet.net
Chris

it is only a matter of time before this multi-level marketing scam collapses.

Tootie, people like you will never have anything in life. You'll never fulfill any dreams and you always be negative and crabby. Life is what you make it and dreams are just dreams until you do something about them. Remember, if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten.

Would you consider working at home
(PT/FT- whatever hours you choose)as a home loan representative? No experience necessary and no fees to join, free online training meetings & support, free personalized website.And you can provide loans in as many states as you want. If YES, just e-mail me for information at wmgpromo@aol.com or go to: http://www.abfinancial.net/Default.aspx?ID=7197

Having to pay for a business doesn't mean it's a scam. In fact, in most cases, you have to pay. The 'freebie mentality' has kept many people away from success. Whether it's a six-figure investment in a franchise, or $100 for a membership fee, the important thing is, decide if it's a legitimate business. It's not easy to start and build a profitable home business. If it is, 'everyone' would have become his/her own boss. So, search, research and learn - with the right attitude, opportunity and action, one can succeed.

All the best,
Alexander
"Dare to Offer This $1 Special Instant Access"
http://www.miniJV.com/afn.html

Hi,

I am a freelance writer who makes jewelry on the side. Last June I came across <http://LuxeJewels.com> and decided to write an article about them for my website at <http://www.greenlightwrite.com/beadingluxe.htm>.

When I finished my research, I joined up because I could make money teaching others to make jewelry, they let me sell my own jewelry, the costs were minimal ($149 for a consultant + biz cards + as many or as few jewelry-making kits as I wanted to purchase) and I liked everything I heard.

Several months later, I can report that Luxe quality is great, people love the product and the chance to learn a new skill, and the home office is outstanding. Since you don't even have to know how to make jewelry to get started, I see no downside. Luxe Jewels is a fairly new company with a Hollywood designer. It's starting to get some excellent press.

Feel free to contact me at 405-722-7823 if you have questions.

Nancy Kamp

I have been working with a good affiliate web hosting company that good. I receive my first check from them after only being with them for three week. They pay you a flat fee of $50 for 1- 5 sales a month, $75 6-10 sales, $100 11 - 20 and $125 for 20+ sales a month. It's no cost to signup. Email me if you want more info at: bwoo4@yahoo.com.

>I want to find something I can
>do at home for a few
>hours a day, but everything I
>find seems to be a scam.
>People have said that you shouldn't
>have to put money down.. but
>everything I have looked into thats
>all they ask. Anyone know of
>any proven businesses that I can
>look into? thanks in advance!

>Sarah P

You need to spend some time and do some
research before jumping into business.
Running a business takes time and
committment and is not for the faint at heart.
Stop by http://moms-biz-report.info to read
some helpful articles to get you started.

Sincerely,

O. Franklin
http://www.moms-biz-report.info

Sara,

contact me and I will send you two to look at and consider.

inquire@essentialsinbusiness.com

Redway & Associates
Heling You Build a Better Business!
http://www.essentialsinbusiness.com

Hi Sarah,

So sorry to hear about the pitfalls you've found when looking to do your own business from home. Most "opportunities" are ultimately scams or MLM-type deals where you invest a lot and rarely, if ever, see a return.

In order to work at home, ask yourself - what are you good at? What kind of advice or ideas can you share with other people? What are your favorite hobbies or pasttimes? Could you make money from them? Just look at what you're good at or what you like, and I'm sure you'll come up with ideas.

You can also become an affiliate and resell other people's products within the area that you want to focus on. Whatever you choose though, you should be specific about it. Let's say you like dogs. Well, there are lots of sites all about dogs. But you don't like just any kind of dog - you like Boxer dogs. Now you're getting somewhere. You could earn a commission off of Boxer-themed dog lover gifts, information on the care, feeding and grooming of boxers, etc. etc.

Soon people will come to your website because you'll have earned their credibility and trust. The main thing you want to keep in mind is that to make a living from home, you must appear as if you don't work from home. Your website should be professional and you should NEVER stop marketing!

Please feel free to email me if you'd like to know more. I hope this post has helped!

Kind Regards,

Sherice Jacob
iElectrify Web Services
www.ielectrify.com

Hi Sarah,
Finding something to do for just a few hourrs a day that will not cost more than it makes can be very difficult. Starting any business requires some investment, sometimes more cash and sometimes more time & talent& energy. If you don't invest something in your enterprise, what have you really offered to your customer (or boss if you work for someone else)?

I remember selling snow cones while I was in college. I ground the ice at home and carried coolers around in my car ringing a bell. I worked from 5:00pm until 10:00 pm in a small town (pop. 2500) and made $100 profit per night. Not much money, but I had my days free to use as I wanted, and I enjoyed the work more than anything else I have ever done. The kids and families became my friends, and I could have easily been elected mayor of that town if I wanted, because everybody knew the snowcone man.

I had to invest about $500 for stuff to get started, plus ongoing inventory. The point is that with that investment I was in the clear in a couple of weeks making pure profit.

Find something that you would do for free, and then get so good at it that people will pay you to do it.

The cheapest businesses to start are web based affiliate businesses, but you have to know something about creating web pages. Lots of good books on that at the library. Watch out for the "This is how to make money with affiliate marketing" subjects. There seems to be lots of information for sale that is the same rehash over and over. All that info you can find for free on the forums.

Find a product or service to market that you can believe in and have fun with, then just start doing. You'll know you've got it right when the $$$ start to flow in.

Chris

Earn Cash selling smiles and laughter
http://www.picgo-game.com

>I want to find something I can
>do at home for a few
>hours a day, but everything I
>find seems to be a scam.
>People have said that you shouldn't
>have to put money down.. but
>everything I have looked into thats
>all they ask. Anyone know of
>any proven businesses that I can
>look into? thanks in advance!

>Sarah P

Why not look into a business affiliation with a company that is over a century old?

A business that is family-owned and managed.

A business that is a leader in their field - promotional advertising - An estimated $18 Billion market in the US annually.

A business you can start and run from your home, with no inventory, quotas, territory restrictions, and more.

I've been full-time self-employed in my home-based business sing 1987, selling advertising specialties to a wide range of buyers in business, industry, and gov't buyers, including many repeat customers for 10 to 21 years.

For more details, visit www.CuttingEdgeAdvertising.com

Best wishes,

Dennis
Sulphur, LA

It sounds like this post has a lot of info in it for you Sarah. I just wanted to add the idea of make sure you like it. No matter what you go into, if you create a business yourself (by the way I have done that and it is very costly at first) or if you hook up with a company that is already proven and up and running just make sure that you like it. Any business that you have a passion for run more smoothly and ultimately will earn you more money.
I am a woman with 1 husband, 2 dogs, and 3 kids and a desire to stay home to raise everyone. I finally ended my search to looking for a business (I created 3 businesses up and running and profitable but not a passion so I lost interest). The business that I choose helps others succeed and in doing so I succeed. I made sure that I joined a company that was fully refundable for all costs that it asked for (which was only $29 by the way). I found out that it wasn't only refundable for 30 days (like most companies) but for a full 4 months. I knew that it would give me enough time to fully decide whether I loved it and could make money with it. Which by the way I did love it, it was simple, and I made good money and on the way to great money. Even my 17 year old sees the great potential and simplicity of the business and has asked for me to sign her up on her birthday. Now if a 17 year old can see it you know you are doing something right.
Remember not to give up...you will definately fail by giving up. Whatever you try make sure there is a back door to escape from if you find it just isn't right for you. I believe there is a business for everyone and the way to make great money is by not working for someone else. And if you can help people while making money what can be better than that?

http://www.westayhome.com

Beware.
I joined an affiliates program and the company is a house hold name.
I paid my 29 dollars to join and was promised a refund if I was not satisfied.
I was unsatisfied after the first day because it asked me to hit up my friends and family for business.
Sounded just like MLM to me.
Then I had to buy advertising space etc etc.
I tried dozens of times to get a refund but I never could get my money back.
When they sent me e-mails, they told me not to respond because no one would reply!!
Even customer service would not help.
Eventually they said "We cant refund you because there is no charge to join"
?????
This business provides TV service.
Affiliates stink in my opinion

I understand where you are coming from, I have been there! I am a stay at home mom of six, yes six, kids. Two of the kids we are in the process of adopting. My husband and I always felt it was important for our kids tohave a stay at home mom. I have been looking for work at home opportunities for years, along with starting some of my own businesses. I am now working at home very part time- about 40 hours a week. Last month I made $1143. Not bad money. I don't work full time because of the kids, ect... It cost me $49. to start my business. A friend paid for me to join, and I pay the $49. cost for others to join. Sort of a pay it forward thing I do!
If you, or anyone else, is interested you can call me at 1-877-770-9844 or go to www.pplmadeeasy.com

Good luck,
Erin Foster
1-877-770-9844
pm123@usa.com

I am looking to recruit people from all over the world to sell clothing for me... It is mostly urban/hip hop/club clothing but it is something you can do from home... It is 30% commission and you can do it as little or as much as you want.
I am just starting my own business right now and I am looking for some employees so if you are interested in this please email me at urbanzcoast2coast@yahoo.com and I can provide you with more information.

There is absolutely no cost to you what so ever all you do is recieve the clothing and sell them.

As long as you are able to get a client base you will do good with this...anyone would...and you can make as much money as you want as long as you are able to sell the merchandise...It is a simple job.. Nothing to head boggling....

And fun on top of that... Especially for people who are very sociable... The clothing are generally from New york city so it's the latest fashions that you would be receiving to sell - with no cost to you.

Melvina

urbanzcoast2coast@yahoo.com