Working from home ideas

nattles

Hi

Can anyone point in the direction of a reptuable database of companies offering working from home opportunities? I have googled and the few websites I have looked at ask for some sort of fee to get set up - or is this normal??

I am a stay at home mum and would like to earn a few extra pennies. Don't have a car so can't do Avon etc.

Any suggestions gratefully received.:beer:

Many thanks

Nx

Emmzi

If they ask for a fee, it's a scam.

Most successful homeworkers set up themselves with a skill they have -ironing, typing dissertations for students - what are your skills?

nattles

Thanks for the reply. I am a pretty good typist. How do I find out about something like that?

Emmzi

When term starts, go round local unis and colleges and put up posters, is how I've seen it done.

Pinklepurr

I had a 'work from home" job as an independent Phoenix Trader (self employed greetings card sales). I lasted two years as I lost interest and it wasn't really working from home either, it was a lot of selling at fetes, school events, parties etc so you really would need transport to make a success of it. It was along the same sort of lines as Avon or Usborne Books, Virgin Vie, Body Shop at Home etc..

Perhaps you could set yourself up as a freelance typist or admin worker. Try approaching local small business etc. Remember to go self employed you would need to declare this to the inland revenue, keep accurate records and accounts and complete a self assessment tax return each year.

Hope this helps.

nattles

Thanks for the reply - will look into it

Jo_F

I noticed that you said you couldn't do Avon as you don't have a car.

I do Kleeneze, and I don't drive, I do it all by foot, so am keeping fir while I am at it. It works for me as I live in a town that I do over a 4 week cycle, so all the catalogues/orders go into the same area each week. (apart from the odd one or two!)

If I have collected a lot of catalogues and its at the other end of town, then there are times that I might get the bus back home with my trolley of catalogues (but mainly cos I live up a killer of a hill!)

lavendergirl

I used to do Avon and dont drive. It is feasible, you maybe just need to work out how best to do your deliveries, the brochures arent generally that heavy, and the goods can be delivered in batches.You will always find that some people are only in during daytime, some at night, and some just won't answer the door at night. Equally you meet people and might make friends with some of your customers

LeeBriers

To be honest. The majority of work from home schemes are a scam, particularly when fees are required. The best thing you should always remember is a real cliche but poignant all the same - 'if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is'.

faeriemoo

I also do Avon, but don't drive. Luckily, the three streets I regularly do (along with my workplace, friends and family) are right by me. I used to take my daughter in her buggy, but she always got bored, so now I do it in the evening, or days when my husband is off work to watch her.
I use a large bag (freebie from Avon) and can easily fit 30+ brochures in one go (yes, it's heavy to start with, but it's not bad). I like having to come back once or twice, as it means I get extra excercise.
Delivering orders is a bit more fiddly, as I can only take 2 or 3 out at a time, and it's very annoying if the people I go to deliver to are not home and I have to drag everything home with me again (you soon get to know when your customers will be home though, or give them a phone to check).

Think of the excercise!!

Brun123

Hi

Are you creative? can you sew? I spent a good month looking for some cushion covers for some cushions we have that were bought in france but I couldnt find the right size anywhere. I had to make them in the end - without a sewing machine! took a while.
If you have a sewing machine maybe you could make things like that to order, take up curtains etc...

There are a few websites for mums that might help give you inspiration www.workingmums.co.uk and www.mumandworking.co.uk

I'm also on the case to find something I can do working from home in the evenings on top of my day job to help pay off my debt early so i'll let you know if i come across any other ideas.

Good luck!!