Welcome back to our four-part series on how to make money from home. In week one, we explored the idea of time as a commodity and different online sales opportunities. Last week, we took a look at rummage sales and online survey sites. Today, we will delve into the myriad services one can provide from the comfort of one’s home and the pros and cons of home sales shows (through companies like Pampered Chef).
5. Sell a service. Immediately, I think of Etsy or some other craft-inspired product. Unfortunately, I am not inherently crafty, although I can replicate other people’s ideas with some measure of success. Here are some pictures of the Christmas gifts I made for teachers and friends last year; they were well-received.
However, as I have pursued writing in earnest over the past several months, I have found that I can make money selling my writing services on sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Elance. I have only used Upwork so far, which I talked about in another post, and it has been rewarding, both personally and financially. Is there something you are good at, a skill you have that someone else could benefit from?
If you have a specialized skill, work experience, or educational background in an area, it could be a work-at home opportunity for you. In Liz Folger’s book The Stay-at-Home Mom’s Guide to Making Money, she offers several such suggestions, including: graphic artist, alterations/sewing, accountant, tutor, floral designer, herb gardener, professional organizer, soap-maker, quilter, upholsterer, architect, caterer, etc. I found this book inspiring; even though I am not qualified to perform about 90% of the ideas, perhaps one of them will work for you.
Another service you could provide is in-home childcare for a child or two. I have done it before, and I wouldn’t mind doing it again. Now that our house is more presentable with some recent remodeling, I may be pursuing it in the fall, either as an after-school option for working parents of school-aged children, or as a daytime job with a toddler/preschooler.
6. Home Sales Shows– Pampered Chef, 31, etc. I think these are much more time-intensive than the ladies that do them let on. Scheduling shows, coordinating schedules, helping the hostess send out invites, packing for the show, setting up for the show, doing the show, processing orders from the show, taking down from the show, going home, putting product away, entering information into the computer, following up with the hostess on late orders and the hostess’s order, and, finally, closing the show (hallelujah). How many hours does it really take? Granted, you can make some good money and take trips and win merchandise and be the top salesperson, but there is a lot of sacrifice, too, in choosing to be away from your family [x] nights per week. It’s fun, but it is WORK, don’t let them fool you. And yet, so many women really love this kind of thing. I have been tempted to try it myself, but not only am I am not allowed to sell anything, I’m also not allowed to attend any of these shows anymore. There is a budget-buster if there ever was one. Just look at my collection of Pampered Chef tools and Lia Sophia jewelry, you’ll see what I mean:)
There are additional components to the home sales shows that I think many people struggle with, but don’t talk about. You can read more about them here and here.
Do you sell a service of your own or products from another company? What are your thoughts about these means to make money? Be sure to stop back next Thursday, as we finish up the series, with two final ways to make money, not exactly from home, but in a family-friendly way.
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