How to Earn Extra Money from Home
As of August 2010, 6.6 million small home-based businesses produced at least half of their owner's household incomes, according to "Kiplinger" magazine. Improving technology, such as fast Internet speeds and smart phones, contribute to the success of home-based businesses. Take advantage of these technologies to earn extra money from your home.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Instructions
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Create hand-made products or collect vintage items to sell on Etsy. Set up an Etsy shop by registering at the Etsy website. Compete with other Etsy sellers by making your product distinctive or finding a niche. Describe your product in detail, because buyers do not have the advantage of hands-on contact. Include details about the product's weight, dimensions, history and materials used. Take well focused, artsy photographs to succeed on Etsy. Use descriptive words to name your items, such as "Sapphire Gemstone Ring Set in Gold," so customer searches will find it. Start your store with at least 50 items, because customers usually peruse only the first three pages of store listings, according to "Inc." magazine.
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2
Start a franchise from your home with the support of the franchise parent company. Check the laws of your city and county to determine whether a home-based franchise is allowed. Find out the franchise fees, net worth requirements and projected growth you can expect. Franchises that can be run from home include Jazzercise, Jani-King commercial cleaning service and Lawn Doctor. Take advantage of toll-free hotlines and support groups offered by your franchise's parent company when your franchise is up and running.
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3
Use your landline phone to work from home. Become a customer service agent through online companies, such as LiveOps and Arise. Find out the business model and pay scale for these customer service jobs before applying. Apply to LiveOps if you are a licensed health or life insurance agent. If you speak multiple languages and are experienced in sales, apply to Arise.
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Work as a virtual assistant through Team Double-Click. Act as a virtual assistant by performing tasks for real estate agents or other professionals via the Internet and phone. Work in telemarketing, cold calling and Internet marketing through Team Double-Click, as well as performing administrative tasks.
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Work as a freelancer through Elance, oDesk or Guru, especially if you are an expert in marketing or technology. Register with these websites to connect with buyers (who hire) for thousands of projects weekly. Use these sites to establish your name in your chosen business sector and find work from private clients.
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Tips & Warnings
Beware of scams by unscrupulous work-at-home ads, such as assembly work, envelope stuffing and rebate processing. Research the company through the Better Business Bureau and, if locally based, through your State Attorney General and local consumer protection agency. Report deceptive advertising to the Federal Trade Commission.
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References
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- Photo Credit David Sacks/Lifesize/Getty Images
