Life of a Work at Home Mom

Trying to get wordpress blog set up

2007-10-16T06:22:00.001-07:00

this is hard work. I will hopefully get it done today!

How to Create a Free Home Based Business

2007-08-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Unless you’ve been camping out in the woods for the last few years, you’ve probably heard of the word ‘Blog’. This word is derived from what was formally known as web logging. Blogs used to be the domain of the internet geek, desperate to tell the world of their latest technological triumph. These days, the blog is a refined and polished tool which is used by many savvy home business owners to promote their products. Blogs represent an easy way to get traffic – search engines love constantly updated websites, and that is basically what a blog is. This article explores how a blog can be used to create a free home based internet business.

The first thing to do in deciding on a blog is to think of who is going to read it. You want get your audience interested, to the extent that they frequently visit it, and ultimately click on your Adsense, affiliate links, or even a link to your main website. Spend some time writing good content, and you will get repeat visitors.

You need to keep the content relevant to the particular niche it serves. Don’t go off at a tangent in a bid to promote the latest product you’re promoting. The modern day internet surfer is highly sensitive to marketing, and will know when he/she is being primed for a sale. Make sure you include long tail key phrases in your post – you have a better chance of ranking highly in the search engines, which will boost the numbers of casual visitors. Casual visitors can be converted to regular visitors, provided you have decent content.

Write in your own style – don’t be tempted to post articles you’ve found in an article directory. The visitor needs to feel like they are being communicated to by you, not reading some article. Even if you can’t think of much to write, 100 words in your own voice will be received much more positively than a 700 word article that someone with a degree in English wrote.

If you’re including affiliate links on your blog, why not use a pictorial adverts rather than a mere link? This will add colour to your blog, and will also make it look a bit more professional. Many affiliate programs these days provide graphics which you can use – if not, then just Photoshop some up!!

As you are probably aware, owning and maintaining a blog can be financially rewarding if go about it correctly. Before starting it, it would be a good idea to have some ready made content, which you can use to update it for the first few weeks. So spend some time writing some good quality content, enough to last for the first month or so of updates. This will give you the time to concentrate on technical aspects, like monetizing and driving traffic to your blog, turning it into your free home based internet business.

Fed up feeding the corporate monster? Visit http://www.home-business-opps.com for an alternative solution. Want to make $$$ from the internet? visit http://www.work-at-home-businesses.info now!

Reading Blogs

2007-08-19T04:44:00.001-07:00

Some great new blogs!

2007-07-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

Baby Times

Ebay Rants & Raves

Paranormal & More

The Yard Sale Review

2007-07-10T03:24:00.001-07:00

I have started a new blog all about yard sales.

The Yard Sale Review!!

My new Bookstore

2007-06-08T03:06:00.000-07:00

This is a great online bookstore that has all of the books you will ever need for working at home !
WAHM Bookstore

Mommy Millionaire

2007-06-08T03:01:00.000-07:00

Mommy Millionaire: How I Turned My Kitchen Table Idea into a Million Dollars and How You Can, Too!

Why I Blog

2007-06-08T02:50:00.000-07:00

I am not really too sure why I blog. I think it might be because I can write something new every day or whenever I want. I can add new content whenever I want. Unlike a website , a blog is new everyday. You can find something new to read everyday and with my hyperactivity , I love to have something new all of the time. I get bored very easy and being able to blog about new things and reading new blogs all of the time is great.
I also like the idea of making a little bit of money while blogging. I use some ads ( like Google, Amazon and the like) and I belong to a few pay per post sites. They pay you to post on your blog about whatever the opportunity is that they give you to write about.
I do not think I will get rich doing this ,but the extra money I have made helps. I made over $700.00 last month and hope that it just keeps raising.
I still just blog for fun.

Working on blog

2007-06-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

I am working on updating this blog and am going to be using it for reviews.

Moving my Blog !

2007-01-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get this blog redone and am moving some to a new blog.
Working at Home Mom
I am going to be focusing more on my new blog and this one will be for random items and reviews.

MomGadget

2007-01-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

I found this great forum for work at home mom bloggers by accident and have fallen in love with it. There is so much information and such friendly people on there. Very helpful.
Check it out!

Do you WAHM's sale on eBay???

2007-01-10T03:24:00.000-08:00

I have been selling on ebay for a few months and I got this ebook that I love and am now giving away for free!

It is called How to Increase Your Auction Profits!

It includes info on how to create great listings, tips on creating titles, and more more.

Just fill out this form and I will send it to you !

Form Link ~~ http://snipurl.com/171qh

How To Make Big Money At Garage Sales

2007-01-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

HOW TO MAKE BIG MONEY AT GARAGE SALES, FLEA MARKETS & SWAP MEETS

BAGGING BUYERS WHO ENJOY THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

Whether economic times are good or bad, flea markets remain the best place to buy almost anything for yourself or your home at affordable prices. That’s why at the first sign of sun up on a Sunday morning the giant drive in theater parking lot in El Cajon, California; the Orange County Marketplace in Costa Mesa, CA, or the Annex Antiques Fair and Flea Market in Manhattan come by the hundreds carrying flashlights before vendors have even finished setting out their merchandise.

Experienced shoppers theorize that by 9 a.m. the truly valuable items will already be gone. But still the carnival-like atmosphere keeps the crowds coming, and going, and coming. Buyers are poking among everything - records, chrome wheels, music cassettes, antique furniture, tools, car seats, saddles, World War I gas masks, porcelain dolls, fishing lures, doll furniture, T-shirts, stereos, polished rocks, quilts, sunglasses, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, a clown starts selling balloons!

AS A VENDOR YOU CAN MAKE INCREDIBLE PROFITS IN A SHORT TIME!

It has been estimated there are over 20,000 flea markets operating each weekend across America, totaling more than $5 billion dollars in sales.

Among the thousands of flea markets, the Rose Bowl market at Pasadena, California really stands out. That’s probably because there are 3,000 dealers and, by mid-afternoon, over 50,000 shoppers, all of whom are there to find a treasure and the ultimate bargain.

The Rose Bowl market is an intimidating seven acres, and you would be amazed at what people buy. There are watches, antique fountain pens, pressed glass. Oriental rugs, Indian pottery, art, and weapons.. authentic dinosaur bones setting alongside old rusty metal doo-dads. No one, including the vendor, knows what the doo-dad is, but someone pays $25 for it anyway. From the buyer’s point of view, he came looking for a genuine treasure, and this may be it! It seems incredible, but it seems people will buy anything!

DECIDING WHAT ITEMS YOU SHOULD SELL

Aside from the size crowd you can expect, flea markets, swap meets, and garage sales have something in common. Garage sale type items account for a part of the merchandise being sold at a swap meet, but homemade crafts and new merchandise are also widely available.

Many vendors purchase new products at below wholesale prices, and make huge profits. Those who have gone through the initiation process report earnings of up to $5,000 per weekend and more. The key to successful flea market sales is to display attractive, interesting, impulse-buying merchandise at attractive prices. And mixing second-hand pieces with new or more common items that sell well, can be quite a challenge. But once you get a feel for what people expect, and fill that niche in the market, you’ll be on your way to making more money in a single day than you ever thought possible.

HOW TO ATTRACT THOUSANDS OF BUYERS TO YOUR SPACE

There are hundreds, or in the case of the larger meets, even thousands of vendors who set up to sell their merchandise at flea markets. If you want to get the attention, and keep it, of everyone from those who showed up with flashlights to those entire families who came dressed up from church to browse, you must somehow stand out from the others.

Strategy is everything. For example, experienced shoppers usually make a reconnaissance tour along the outside circle of a flea market, knowing that the less experienced dealers are there. Then they slowly work their way inward to the more heavily trafficked middle section.

It also helps to know a little about the 'history' of items that are antique, collectibles, or can otherwise become a conversation piece. If an item has a history, it’s automatically worth more money.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people who stop at your space to browse. From a shopper’s point of view, one of the great delights of flea markets is the conversation. People are attracted to dealers who are storytellers, loaded with fascinating information about the items they have for sale. And be a conspirator. If your customer has gotten a great bargain, let them know.

Setting up a canopy will not only give your space a professional store-like appearance, it will also give you protection from the hot sun or rain. After setting up your tables, arrange your wares and display merchandise in an organized manner. Remember, a junked-up messy area can take away from the value of some items. It can also cause people to start tripping all over the place.

If you set up signs make certain they are neat and easy to read. Be creative in your approach to getting people’s attention and interest. Balloons tied to your tables, canopy, etc., is a attraction that gets attention, for example.

Don’t be embarrassed to bargain. In fact, you’d best be prepared to haggle, because everyone expects it. It’s part of the flea market tradition.

WHERE TO FIND GREAT DEALS AT BARGAIN PRICES

* ANNEX ANTIQUES FAIR AND FLEA MARKET, 26th Street at Sixth Avenue, Manhattan. This is one of the premier antique and collectible shows in the world. Prices range from $1 for common collectibles to $20,000 for a platinum-and-sapphire necklace. Open Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Admission is $1. Call (212) 243-5343.

* RENNINGER’S, 740 Noble Street, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Renninger’s is an indoor farmer’s market and antique market, along with an outdoor flea market. It opens every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. The markets attract a wide variety of used goods and collectible dealers. Renninger’s also holds the 1,200- dealer Antique and Collectors Extravaganza on the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of April, June and September, Call (717) 385-0104.

* FORT LAUDERDALE SWAP SHOP, 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 2,000 vendors occupy 87 acres at this flea market. This daily event drew more than 12 million people in 1991. During peak season the gates open at 4 a.m. Call (800) 345-7927.

* KANE COUNTY FLEA MARKET, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, Illinois. This market is held the first Sunday of every month and the preceding Saturday. More than 1,200 antique and collectible dealers line the tents, buildings, and grounds at this family-run market. Call (708) 377-2252.

* SAN JOSE FLEA MARKET, 1200 Berryessa Road, San Jose, California. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 52 weeks a year. Many dealers here specialize in used goods and antiques. Nearly 80,000 customers a week visit the more than 2,300 merchants at this market. Call (408) 453-1110.

* HEART-O-THE-MART, Brimfield, Massachusetts. This is one of the biggest antique and collectible markets in the country. Professional buyers and tourists alike storm the gates at 9 a.m. Open three times a year, this market draws as many as 30,000 shoppers over each five-day event. Call (413) 245-9556.

* ORANGE COUNTY MARKETPLACE, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California. This market draws more people annually than either Hollywood’s Universal Studios or nearby Knott’s Berry Farm. More than 1,000 vendors sell everything from luxury cars to$1 pairs of dice. There are about 100,000 shoppers on a good weekend. Call (714) 723-6616.

EARN UP TO $1,000 EVERY WEEKEND WITH GARAGE SALES!

Everyone loves garage sales for the same reason they love flea markets - because it’s an opportunity to go treasure hunting for terrific deals at bargain prices.

There are various reasons why people have garage sales. Some run out of storage room, or are moving away and getting rid of items they don’t really need. Others do it as a fund-raising event for a local charity, or get really serious and start having ongoing sales. The best reason, however, to have a garage sale is to make some FAST CASH!

GETTING STARTED!

All it takes to make some really big money with garage sales is your time, some careful planning, and a little merchandise know-how.

To be successful, you should have a variety of merchandise to sell. Don’t worry about not having a variety. Once you start taking an inventory, you will soon be amazed at what you own but have forgotten about. When an item is not used it is simply abandoned by the 'minds-eye.' It’s a little like having light fixtures throughout your home. They are there, but you don’t really see them.

So the very first thing to do in preparing for a garage sale is to take a pen and notebook to begin a room-by-room inventory. That means looking in every drawer, every box, shelf, behind the bed, and on the walls, to list items that are just taking up space inside your home. Your criteria may be, 'if it isn’t absolutely necessary and you have no personal attachments that would cause some emotional conflict,' add it to the list.

By the time you reach the last room your list will be pages long. If you’re satisfied you have listed everything in the house, then head for the basement, attic, garage, lawn shed, work shop, barn, etc., and repeat the process. Don’t overlook anything. Remember, what you may consider junk, another person will think is a treasure. An old tire, dolls, a child’s wagon with only three wheels, an old Superman comic book, books and magazines, left-over lumber, a set of door hinges, costume jewelry, a hub cap you found along the road, rope, empty glass jars, a half-filled can of paint, small appliances, Avon bottles, fence wire, pottery, bolts of material, depression glass, candles, cassette tapes, furniture, golf clubs, macramé, and old croquet set, fans, record albums, cameras, clay pots, cribs, baby clothes, ice skates, posters, radios, aquariums, clocks, window screen, drapes, rods, fiddles, ladders and bicycles. Whatever it is, people will by it and just about force the cash into your hand to make certain it becomes their treasure.

GETTING YOUR MERCHANDISE SET UP

After you have made a list of every single item you want to sell, the next step is to plan the best possible way of displaying and labeling your merchandise. You won’t make much of an impression with buyers if you just dump everything into a heap. Being organized and displaying your wares in a manner that gives each item perceived value will put more cash in your pocket! Arrange each piece and make it stand out. Put your costume jewelry in a well lit area and on a piece of black velvet material. Make it glitter and look expensive.

Cover your display tables with colorful paper tablecloths. Be prepared for those sudden breezes by using thumb-tacks or masking tape to secure your table covers.

DECIDING ON YOUR GARAGE LAYOUT

The best way to determine how your merchandise should be laid out, is to measure. Measure every display table you will be using, and mark the floor with chalk indicating where each will be located and what it will contain. Make the appropriate allowances for aisle access. Now you should decide what items will go where. After you are satisfied with your layout, you can save a lot of time and energy by distributing copies for anyone who will be helping you set up. In that manner, each person will know exactly where to unpack merchandise that was previously gathered from various locations inside the house, etc. All of the cartons should have been placed in a designated area.

If you plan on selling coffee, sandwiches, etc., make sure you set up your lunch table and coffee pot near a electrical outlet. The last thing you want are extension cords stretching across the floor where someone could trip and hurt themselves. You should also designate an outlet for all shoppers who want to try out electrical items.

Make certain you have enough table space. If customers are forced to rummage through cartons filled with mixed merchandise, they may leave in frustration, and leave you an even bigger mess.

If you don’t have enough tables to display your merchandise neatly, borrow some from your friends, relatives, neighbors, or your church. Every item should be easy to view

QUICK TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOU MORE MONEY!

* First impressions are lasting impressions. Remember, you are displaying someone else’s 'Treasure,' not your 'Junk.'

* Before you place merchandise in your yard, mow the grass. Line everything up in an orderly manner. Entice your customers by creating a show-room right on your front lawn.

* Wash up any toys that look dirty and unsanitary.

* Almost no-one will buy soiled and dirty clothing. Wash your sale clothing, place them on hangers, and mark sizes plainly on pieces of paper attached with stick pins.

* Label and price everything.

* Never use a pen or magic marker to write prices directly onto an item. That immediately reduces the value. Use masking tape, or self adhesive labels instead.

ADVERTISING YOUR GARAGE SALE

You could have the best-organized garage sale in the world, offer the best deals and greatest bargains anywhere, and still not make any money if people didn’t know about it. You must advertise!

Today , all major daily and weekly community newspapers have a separate 'Garage Sale' section. Weekly shoppers and penny saver type publications will often run garage sale ads for $1-$2.

When you write your ad make certain that:

>You make your ad stand out with headings such as 'Super Deals Garage Sale.' 'Bargain Hunter’s Garage Sale,' or something similar that makes a page-scanner stop in his tracts!

> Give your address, but if it’s difficult to find just say, 'Just off E-35 at Roselawn & follow the signs.'

> If you are having a multi-family garage sale, say so. This will leave the impression you have a wide variety of items to sell. Also let collectors know if you have items of special interest to them.

> Indicate if poor weather will cancel the sale.

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Where to find items to sell on ebay - work at home moms

2007-01-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

This is a short idea list to help you on finding items at low prices for you to resell on ebay.

1. Garage Sales
2. Storage Unit Auctions
3. Your own house - clean out your attic, garage, cellar, and closets.
4. Become a trading assistant
5. flea markets.

Increase your ebay profits - work at home moms

2007-01-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

Some sell on eBay to clean out their garage or attic. Some sell to make a little extra money here and there. But for some, eBay represents a chance to create a second income or start a home business. Product choice is important. But to really increase profit you must know how to increase the number and amount of bids per item. An eBay seller must maximize each product's profit margin. This article describes techniques to make as much profit as possible.

1. Sell like products at the same time. Bidders look to see what else you have for sale they might be interested in. Combined shipping saves postage for the buyer. Packing in the same box saves time and packing costs for the seller.

2. Bundle a less desirable item with a more desirable item increases sales. This is an old offline auction technique. If the bidder wants the better item he has to buy both. If two sellers offer the same item, the buyer bids on the two item auction. Bundling two low cost items together also increases bids. A buyer may not be willing to pay shipping for one item, but would for two.

3. Remember seasonal issues. Don't sell snow skis in July, water skis in January. Be sure to offer seasonal items early enough to allow for shipping. Don't expect to sell many Christmas items that must be shipped during the second week of December.

4. Understand profit margins. Don't buy to resell for only a $5 profit when you can make $20 on a different item. Determine your desired monthly income and choose products appropriately. Want to make 1000 a month? That is $250 a week. That's ten successful actions at $25.00 profit, or five items at $200 a month, or ten items at $100 each. Also packing 10 items takes less time than packing 20 items. Always consider time as a cost.

5. Don't forget back end sales and secondary products. Offer similar products during the payment process or on your auction store/web site. If you sell underground fences for dogs, an up-sell item is a customized collar. A secondary product could be a pet door. Another secondary product could be a ebook on "Travel Safely With Your Pet". A back-end sale to the ebook could be a item that helps your family travel safely with your pet.

6. The List - For many successful online sellers the mailing list is where their money is made. Using a autoresponder, sellers automatically email customers on their list at regular intervals. Including content with announcements of upcoming sales increases back end sales. Once a customer buys, they are more likely to buy again from same person or company.

7. Customer demographics should be considered. Collectors have expectations non-collectors don't. Example, some book buyers that are allergic like to see "book from non-smoking home" in ad. This would earn you a higher bid. What does the customer expect to see in a description?

8. Auction terms and conditions should be included with each auction. What shipping options are available? Do you take questions? Do you ship only certain days? What kind of payments do you take? Type whatever standard terms you offer in a word processor and cut and paste into your auctions. This saves time. For some sellers, typing the content for each auction is one of the most time consuming tasks.

Profit involves keeping costs reasonably low and creating higher bids. We've described some techniques for increasing profit. Sit down and mentally run through the process of auction selling and come up with some of your own ideas. EBay is a great business opportunity but like any business, sellers must be wise in their product choice and sales techniques.

Get Started Selling your crafts - Work at home moms

2007-01-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

Getting Organized
to Sell Your Crafts for Profit

At some point in your progression from crafting for fun to crafting for fun and profit, you go from handcrafting individual items for yourself and friends to filling quantity orders for a broader marketplace. That’s the time to take a very business-like approach to your craft business. This needn’t be daunting. You don’t need an MBA or management experience – just a bit of common sense. If you’re going to do this for profit, you need to understand

The Four M’s:

1. Meet your market;
2. Minimize your costs;
3. Maximize your selling price; and
4. Market the heck out of your product.

Simple, right? But very few people get it. Look at the high failure rate for new businesses. It takes effort to be successful, but the task is hardly impossible.

Traditional craft retailing methods are what most crafters use to get started. They're the easiest way, especially if you don't know if anyone will buy what you make.

I believe that there is a market for any well-made craft, whether decorative or useful. The problem facing many crafters is how exactly to go about selling them, or more accurately, finding paying customers. The fact is that there is an awful lot of competition out there.

My own business got jump-started by my “circle of friends”. My friends noticed and liked my calling cards and began to ask me to design and make cards for them. Starting with just Broderbund’s Create-a-Card program, I was soon earning a nice supplemental income in just a few hours a week. It probably helped that I was retired and live in an area dominated by retirees.

But I think that everyone has a “circle of friends” either socially or at work. Of course you don’t want to impose on their friendship by making a hard sell, but rather use or display your crafts in front of your friends to see if they draw any interest. If they do and if they’re priced right, you’re on your way to craft retailing for profit. If your “circle of friends” market starts extending to friends of friends, you’re probably ready to tap the general marketplace of craft retailing.

Most crafters are aware of the periodic craft shows put on by local groups or even by the local Parks Departments. These usually cost little or nothing to join and should give you a fair idea of whether there is any broader interest in your craft. What better way to jump into craft retailing?

There are also organized craft shows that tour the country, most of which charge an entrance fee for participants. Check your local papers, especially the free shoppers, for information about upcoming shows

Another venue for craft retailing is at the local flea markets that spring up in every community just about every weekend. Again the entrance cost is usually minimal. The only other thing you need is a little marketing savvy.

With little cost and some effort, you will be well on your way to knowing whether there is a market for your craft. Once you know that, you can move on and think about other ways of selling, such as in galleries, on consignment, on eBay or from your own website.

WORK AT HOME MOM

2007-01-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

I have been working all morning on my new work at home ebook store. ALL OF THE EBOOKS ARE ALWAYS 99 CENTS EACH!!!!!!! I have 100 ebooks that I will be adding! I have a few listed now. They are all in pdf file and will be sent in your email.
FOR A LIMITED TIME GET A FREE BIG EBOOK OF COOKIE RECIPES - ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CONTACT ME. THE CONTACT LINK ON THE FRONT PAGE.

Making money from your tips

2006-12-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

I found out about this great site that pays you for your tips. They pay you $3.00 for each tip that they use. http://www.daytipper.com
I submitted a couple of tips. They say that it could take up to 3 days for them to contact you if they are going to use them. They pay you by paypal when they publish your tips. Cool.
Very easy. I have a ton of tips I can submit.

Marriage in the New Year????

2006-12-30T04:26:00.000-08:00

Do you know anyone getting married in the new year or are you getting married in the upcoming year??

Make Your Own Wonderful Wedding Favors And Gifts For Pleasure, Profit, Joy and Happy Memories!

There Are Over 30 Wonderful Patterns Provided In this ebook:

16 Elegant Sachet Patterns ~ Filled with lovely scented potpourri, these sachets make wonderfully fragranced gifts or favors that are sure to please for many years.
Shoe Party Favor ~ This elegant shoe party favor is wonderful for holding tulle filled with birdseed or a few pieces of hard candy.
Jewelry Set ~ This matching earrings, necklace and bracelet set makes a wonderful gift for bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom.
Bridal Garter ~ Not just elegant, but also sexy, this garter is sure to bring a blush when the groom removes it.
2 Nut Cups Patterns ~ Fill the cups with candies or nuts for attractive decor for the wedding table.
2 Napkin Rings Patterns ~ Keepsake napkin rings that are quick and easy to crochet, that make delightful keepsake gifts for your wedding guests.
3 Victorian Gloves Patterns ~ These make a wonderful gift for the bridesmaids. Crochet enough for the maids and bride to be for a matching wedding party that will be oh so elegant and impressive.
5 Vintage Purse Patterns ~ Dainty purses for the bride, bridesmaids and even a wonderful coin purse pattern that's the perfect size for the flower girl.
Dainty Flowers ~ These lovely flower patterns can be used many ways. Decorate the gifts, pews, tables and even ring bearers pillow then let the guests take one home for a keepsake that will keep for many years.
There is something provided for everyone in this manual. Sachets for bridesmaids and guest, Victorian purses, flowers, garter and gloves for brides as well as décor for the wedding table like nut cups and lacy looking napkin rings.

If you run a wedding related business, then these projects are wonderful items to add to your line of wedding gifts as well. If you do not operate a wedding related business, you can still make a nice profit by making these fabulous gifts for new brides to be.

There are many ways you can use these patterns for pleasure, joy, profit, smiles and lasting sweet memories. Be remembered 20 years from now as the guest that gave the bride a Victorian handbag, that is then used in her own daughter's wedding.

You can get this ebook for a limited time for only 99 cents!!!! This comes to you in a link in your email for you to download. You have no shipping charges. Just 99 cents!
This could even be a great money maker for you.

Some great ways to make money !

2006-12-30T04:15:00.000-08:00

1. Produce Christmas cards which are printed on the front with, for example, "Happy Christmas from the Smith Family". Or, instead of the name 'Smith', pick one of the dozens of other popular surnames. Sell packs of these cards by direct mail to people listed in telephone directories.
2. Make money from renting out expensive children's toys. The toys you rent out will include remote controlled models and computerised games. Use a little van to deliver the toys to customers. Paint in toy town colour scheme. Call the van a toy mobile or similar suitable name.

3. Introduce to your region a service which mounts maps for businesses. Keep a stock of local, national and international maps. Mount these maps in a professional manner to suit the wall space available at offices. Send out leaflets about your services to office managers.

4. Bring out a regular publication for ambitious amateur musicians. This publication might include ads from : 1) Employers seeking musicians. 2) Retailers selling equipment accessories and supplies. 3) People selling used equipment. 4) Musicians seeking to make contact with other musicians. Also publish interesting editorials and letters.

5. Design and manufacture kits for making models with cocktail sticks, for example: model churches, castles, windmills, houses, etc. Buy the cocktail sticks in their unpacked state from the manufacturer. Sell your kits by mail order from ads in craft magazines or distribute to model shops.

6. Establish a directory of products no longer made. This directory might include sections on toys, novelties and household goods. Design the directory for business people and inventors who want to know both what has been made before and what ideas might be revived and/or modified.

7. Make cotton gloves especially designed for coin collectors. The gloves prevent the grease and moisture from fingers getting onto coins. Package the gloves and sell them from ads in coin collecting magazines or distribute to shops which sell collectible coins.

8. Bring out a correspondence course about how to write cookery books. The course might include information about: How to devise recipes, how to present them in written form and what makes a successful cookery book. Produce a prospectus and advertise in women's magazines.

9. Begin a business which rents out large and expensive astronomical telescopes to householders who want to develop their interest in astronomy. Publicise your service at the local astronomy society and use local advertising to attract clients.

10. Set up a company which produces a compendium of strip games, for example: Strip poker, strip snakes and ladders, strip lotto, strip snap, and strip ludo. Sell by mail order from adverts in X-rated magazines.

10 Killer Ways To Multiply Your Sales

2006-12-30T04:02:00.000-08:00

1. When you make your first sale, follow-up with the
customer. You could follow-up with a "thank you"
email and include an advertisement for other products
you sell. You could follow-up every few months.

2. You could upsell to your customers. When they're
at your order page, tell them about a few extra related
products you have for sale. They could just add it to
their original order.

3. Tell your customers if they refer four customers to
your web site, they will receive a full rebate of their
purchase price. This will turn one sale into three sales.

4. When you sell a product, give your customers the
option of joining an affiliate program so they can make
commissions selling your product. This will multiply
the sale you just made.

5. Sell the reprint/reproduction rights to your products.
You could include an ad on or with the product for
other products you sell. You could make sales for the
reproduction rights and sales on the back end product.

6. You could cross promote your product with other
businesses' products in a package deal. You can
include an ad or flyer for other products you sell and
have other businesses selling for you.

7. When you ship out or deliver your product, include
a coupon for other related products you sell in the
package. This will attract them to buy more products
from you.

8. Send your customers a catalog of add-on products
for the original product they purchased. This could be
upgrades, special services, attachments, etc. If they
enjoy your product they will buy the extra add-ons.

9. Sell gift certificates for your products. You'll make
sales from the purchase of the gift certificate, when
the recipient cashes it in. They could also buy other
items from your web site.

10. Send your customers free products with their
product package. The freebies should have your ad
printed on them. It could be bumper stickers, ball
caps, t-shirts etc. This will allow other people to see
your ad and order.

Wrapping up Business at Year End

2006-12-30T03:59:00.000-08:00

If you're a small independent business owner it could serve you well to take a birds eye view of your entire money making process for your business.

1. Looking at this year's activity and make sure you've identified your most profitable customer - profile the characteristics that help you identify similar customers in the marketplace so that you develop your message specifically to target the customers with the characteristics you've identified as those of your most profitable customer.

In my promotional products business I want relational customers vs. transactional customers. All of my marketing and sales efforts are designed to attract the client that is looking for a trustworthy, reliable promotional products distributor with great ideas. The customer that wants a cheap transaction with no loyalty on either side of the table is probably not my customer and I'm not offended when they don't want to buy from me. As I've been doing business over the last 15 years I've identified the transactional customer as a time waster for me. I end up doing a lot of research and servicing of an account with very little profit.

2. Establish or fine tune the marketing message to the prospect you've identified with your profile as most likely to be your most profitable customer. Look at everything you are doing, saying and printing about and for your business - Is your message clearly spoken to the target customer?

3. Identify the most effective activity to reach your prospects and schedule that activity so that it happens consistently. If you bring customers in by running ads in your local newspaper then schedule them for the entire year. You get a better rate if you contract for a years worth of advertising.

If the activity that brings you business is your weekly email newsletter then sit down and plan your editorial calendar for the year and begin to write the articles now. You can always edit or add to them before you send them out for those written far in advance. By using autoresponders you can schedule the email newsletter well in advance.

If the activity that builds your customer base is face to face selling then you need to be sure that you are calling on customers to schedule appointments. You should identify how many prospects you need to call to get appointments, and how many appointments you need to create sales for your product.

4. Understand your sales cycle. Whether or not you are running ads, sending email or scheduling appointments you need to understand what happens and how long it takes to finally close the sale. The rule of thumb is "the more costly the investment the longer the sales cycle." No matter what you sales cycle is you need to plan your most productive activity to steadily continue to draw in new prospects while you're finalizing sales for other customers.

I have a few small business owners who ask if they should take the time to do this kind of review of their business plan every year. YES, in fact, do a mini version of this every week to be sure that you're on track and making money consistently. Your income will be consistent if you've

* Identified your customer
* Established your most effective message
* Identified the most productive activity
* Understand your sales cycle

Take the time to do this review before the end of this year and give yourself the gift of more business next year.

PARTY PLAN SALES

2006-12-30T03:53:00.000-08:00

Believe it! You can easily make $50,000 in the next six months or less! After that, you can practically be guaranteed at least that much, but probably much more, every year for the rest of your life, without really working.

The way to accumulate this kind of wealth is with your own business of selling merchandise via The Party Plan. few other businesses can so easily give you this kind of wealth as quickly, and keep your income growing.

A recent questionnaire, circulated among hundreds of successful direct sales merchandisers across the country asked this question: 'If you were to start over today, knowing what you know now, and could choose the one method of merchandising that would make you really rich in the shortest period of time, which would you select?' Of those questionnaires returned, 94% stated they would go with The Party Plan Method.

The sharp party plan operators (and the richest) simply hold motivational sales meetings for their sub-distributors about once a month. During these meetings, they are teaching their sub-distributors how to recruit new hosts and hostesses, or husband and wife host and hostess teams.

A host or hostess can be any person who is agreeable to holding a sales party at his or her house. Almost always, this person is rewarded for having the party with a percentage of the total business or a agreed upon special merchandise gift.

These people invite friends, neighbors and relatives to the party. Your sub-distributor doesn’t have to do much more than make contact with the people willing to hold parties, supply the merchandise, and sometimes offer to help or be there to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Here’s the kind of money you can realize with this business: Say you have ten sub-distributors, and each one arranges only five parties a month, and each party does $200 in gross business. That’s a total of $10,000 per month in total volume. And from that total volume, you make only 30%. Figure it out for yourself. This would give you a personal income of $3,000 for thirty days in which you did no more than hold one or two motivational sales meetings!

Besides each party is at least guaranteed to give your sub-distributor at least two more hostesses for future parties, and those future parties will provide still more hostesses. this chain is endless, and will build as fast as you can keep up with it.

Choose an evening for your party--any evening excepting Friday through the weekend. Generally 7:30 is the most convenient time for the greatest number of people. If it’s inconvenient for whatever reason to hold a party in your home, arrange with a friend to hold the first couple of parties.

Make up a list of 30 to 40 people you can invite to the party. They can be friends, neighbors, relatives or people you know from work, even acquaintances with whom you do business such as the check-out clerk where you buy your groceries or people you meet at the bus stop on your way to work.

After formally inviting these people, you then call to remind them of the party at least a couple of days before the date of the party. This is important, because of the original 40 people you invite, at least 15 will not show because it slipped their minds, last minute circumstances that force change in plans, and those that really weren’t interested in the first place.

On the day of the party, get your merchandise display set up early. The party should be held in the largest room in the home---usually the living room--with the merchandise display the center of attraction.

The merchandise should be set out on a sturdy table covered with a good white or light colored cloth, and the merchandise should be arranged by group or type---the jewelry items together; perfumes bat oils and colognes together, crystal together, and so on.

Try to put a bit of imagination and showmanship into your merchandise display. This will have the effect of making your merchandise look much more valuable than it actually is. Those that do put a flair into their merchandise displays find that it increases their sales by as much as 25 percent over an ordinary showing.

For instances, a high intensity light focused on the display will cause the jewelry to sparkle, the stainless steel to gleam, and the brassware to glimmer like valuable heirlooms.

Another idea would be to tack a piece of velvet onto a 4 by 6 foot piece of plywood and use it to display rings, earrings, necklaces and watches.

In jewelry sales, another idea is to hang a mirror on a wall near the merchandise display. If you or your hostess has room, you might want to set up a card table, covered with an expensive looking piece of material, place a dressing table type mirror on this table, with a chair available for your guests to sit at the table while they try on the various items. The guests then make their selections after determining how each item looks on them.

regardless of what you do to make it easier for your guests to select and buy, a hand mirror is an absolute must whenever you’re showing jewelry. It would be wise to have several hand mirrors available---two for your merchandise display table, and an extra one on the ’admiration' table.

Besides your merchandise display, be sure also you’re organized with your refreshments. These usually consist of coffee, tea, soft drinks, cookies, or other 'nibble’ items. The host or hostess usually makes arrangements in advance for one of the guests to assist with the serving of refreshments.

Be sure you have nametags for your guests, and a couple of felt tip marking pens. And don’t forget the order forms. these should be standard two-piece self-carbon forms---one copy for your customers and the other for your files. The best idea is to buy the order forms. All these items are commonly available in stationery stores. Rubber stamp your name and address on each copy of each order form, at least a couple days in advance of the party.

Still another item to remember is your merchandise catalogs. Be sure you have a good supply on hand, rubber stamped with your name and address. Later on, when you’re established and the money is rolling in, you can have your name and address imprinted on your catalogs.

If you don’t have a merchandise catalog, consider making one of your own. A valuable and easy-to-follow- manual 'HOW TO PREPARE YOUR OWN CATALOG' (book #1203) is currently available. Another manual that will be of special interest to you is the 'CLOSEOUT MERCHANDISE MONEY MAKING MANUAL' (book # 1668). Both these manuals are available from the dealer who supplied this report.

While we’re on the idea of catalogs, we’d like to point out that a lot of Party Plan Merchandisers are also dealers for the extra-income book catalog, 'Unique Books'. They feel that almost everyone is interested in extra income ideas, and the Unique Books catalog has a wide selection of reports and manuals describing supplemental income opportunities. Leaving one of the book catalogs with guests at the party results in an on going flow of book orders for months afterward.

Back to the Party Plan. about half hour before your guests are due to begin arriving, turn on all the lights in the room where the party is to be held. This will give the room a bright, warm feeling conductive to a party kind of atmosphere. And by all means, be sure to turn off all the radios, stereo and TV sets. Eliminate any and all noises from other rooms in your home that might distract the attention of your guests.

Every party should be planned, and follow a prescribed format agenda. This is because without a plan, it’ll just be a gathering of people wasting time at your home instead of theirs. you must have a plan to know what to do next in order to achieve the desired results. Having a 'pattern' is also the easiest way to teach others to duplicate your success, and idea of following a successful formula is a proven method of making the most sales in the least time.

Phase one is the greeting and get-acquainted time slot--about thirty minutes. The hostess greets the guests as they arrive, prints a name tag for each, introduce them around, gives them a catalog, points out the refreshments, and leads them into conversation with the other guests.

The second phase is the 'game-playing' portion of your party. This phase is used to relax everybody and get them involved in the party. It should last about 15 to 20 minutes.

Next comes the merchandise presentation by the hostess, who shows and describes each item on display. If you have a jewelry available, ask different guests to try on particular items and show the others what these articles look like in use. the length of time spent on this phase of the party will depend in large on how much merchandise you have on display, but generally, you shouldn’t spend more than about 20 minutes showing and describing your merchandise. Then give your guests about 10 to 15 minutes to personally inspect and try on the items that have aroused their interest.

You should mingle and converse with the guests during this time period in order to answer specific questions or explain the possible uses of an item, where it might look good in the buyer’s home, and any interesting tidbits relating to where an item came from, how it was made, or the satisfaction of an earlier buyer.

When you seem to have answered all the questions, and everyone appears to have made their selections, start writing orders. Don’t hesitate to ask for orders. Writing orders should take about 15 minutes, and then you should let the party begin winding down.

During this time, mingle with your guests and anyone showing a spark of interest should be approached with an offer to serve as a future host or hostess. As each guest starts to leave, thank them for coming and walk with them to the door.

The total length of your party shouldn’t be much more than two hours. Time and time again, it’s been proven that you can do everything necessary, and make the most sales in this period of time. You lose effectiveness and make fewer sales with appreciably more or less time.

There are a couple of proven ways to recruit new hosts or hostesses from the people attending your party. First of all, watch the guests as they are looking over the merchandise, examine, admire and wish for something they don’t quite have enough extra money to buy. When you’ve determined that a particular guest wants a specific item but can’t quite fit it into the budget, simply take her aside to a secluded corner of the room, and explain privately that you’re willing to give her the item she has been looking at and wanting, if she will agree to invite her friends and relatives to a party in her home.

This approach works almost every time, and your only expense is the wholesale price of the item you give her as a free give.

The second sure-fire approach is to offer a cash incentive. You do this by offering to allow 5% to 10% of the total sales volume resulting from the party staged for you by this type of recruit. There’s a plus factor for you on this one, because you’ll be getting the enthusiastic participation of the host or hostess on the selling side. Once you’ve explained to them how your program works, they’ll generally do everything they can to make the party a huge success, and thereby increase their pay for the evening.

When you give a gift to the hostess for having the party, the presentation should be a special ceremony staged with all the 'Show Biz' flair you can muster, at the end of your merchandise showing. However, when your gift is a cash award, carry your presentation over to the next party and make it a big production of it as well. Don’t forget to invite the 'guest of honor' to your next scheduled party for the big presentation.

During these presentations many of the other guests will be favorably impressed, and as a consequence will ask for details.

Actually, your recruiting efforts should begin when you start taking orders. Every person you talk with should be offered the opportunity to hold a party of his or her own. Then just before the party begins breaking up, ask you guest as a group if any of them would be interested in holding a similar party in his or her home. You ask those who voice an interest to stay for a few minutes in order to work out the details.

You should have an Appointment Book for this scheduling. Simply ask what date would be favorable for them, mark that date in the book, along with the name and address and telephone number. Then assure each that you’ll call in the next day or two to work out the details.

Many party plan merchandisers also use a letter. They write a letter extolling the fun and excitement of the parties, explaining briefly the opportunities to receive free gifts of their choice or big commission checks. Then they invite the letter recipients to call for complete details on how they can stage a party. These letters are usually printed in volume, and then slipped inside the covers of the catalog these merchandisers give to each person attending the parties. Sometimes these letters are handed to each guest as the party breaks up.

Some party plan merchandisers also run small classified ads in the area newspapers. This advertising plays up to the opportunities available to make regular commission checks (extra income) simply by holding parties in their home. people interested are invited to phone for more details. response to this kind of ad is generally very good, with the conversion rate better than sixty percent!

Most people tend to feel party plan merchandising is exclusive to women, but don’t you believe it! It’s true that women generally establish themselves more rapidly than men with this kind of sales operation, but over the long haul there are just as many men operating successful party plan sales operations as there are women.

Men are usually not as adept in establishing social 'chit-chat' relationships as women. Therefore, the man who wants in on the vast potential of party plan merchandising should consider working with a women.

A husband and wife partnership is an ideal working arrangement. An acquaintance, girlfriend or relative will often work out just as successfully. The basic requirement is simply that the 'couple' must function as a team, with the individual talents of one complementing those of the other.

Probably one of the greatest secrets of success with this kind of sales operation is that in order to make the sales, and talk about $400 parties, you must have the widest selection of merchandise possible.

Many beginners, not understanding that offering the potential buyers a wide and varied selection of items to choose from is what builds your profits in a hurry, base their entire merchandising plan around a selection that’s of special interest or particularly appealing to themselves It’s all right to include the items that you especially like, but don’t base your entire merchandise line on the things you like you’re selling to others not yourself!

Most successful party plan merchandisers advise that you should display at least forty different items, and more if you have the supplier contacts or the buying expertise. The actual decisions on which products to carry and display at your parties should be based upon these four factors: 1) The kinds of gift items, personal decor articles and general merchandise the people in your area are buying; 2) The style or fads currently in vogue in your area; 3) Contacts with enough suppliers who can furnish you with the kind of merchandise your potential buyers want; 4) Your ability to shop among the various suppliers, and verify that you are getting the very best merchandise value obtainable.

Still another point to consider before buying merchandise to display and sell; Do the prices you’re having to pay for your products wholesale allow you enough room for a reasonable profit when compared to your time and expense?

Do some market research relative to your ambitions; get answers to the questions we’ve set forth for you, and when you’re satisfied that you understand the workings of Party Plan Merchandising, grab the opportunity and run with it!

HOW TO PROFIT IN FLEA MARKETING!

2006-12-30T03:51:00.000-08:00

On the outskirts of nearly every town across the U.S., especially in The spring, summer and fall, you will see a Flea Market set-up. Often there will be hundreds of trailers, booths and tables in a large field just off a major thoroughfare. How do these people operate? Where do they get their merchandise? Do they make any money?

Whether they make any money or not depends on the way each individual merchant operates, what type of merchandise is offered and how much time is devoted to the business.

Most of them set up their wares on weekends an spend the rest of the week searching for goods to sell. Good antique dealers who know their product generally make very good profits. Clothing dealers, in the right location, can often bring in up to $600 on a typical weekend.

Jewelry, including rings, various kinds of necklaces, and silver and gold are big sellers.

Large, heavy and bulky items are not generally favorable for flea markets.

The secret to making a profit in Flea Marketing is not what or how you sell. It’s what you buy and how you buy it! You must find items which will sell for 8 to 10 times more than cost, unless you have really favorable products that will sell in large quantity. The products should be unusual; things which can’t be obtained locally, unless the price is substantially below market.

You can get seconds and damaged goods direct from many factories across the country, often at very little cost just to get them out of their warehouse where they are taking up room and gathering dust. Call on the managers in person or send letters offering to purchase factory closets, etc. Hand out your business cards letting people know that you are in the business of purchasing various kinds of merchandise.

Auctions, garage sales and yard sales are other good sources. Don’t overlook the classifieds in the paper.

Offer to clean out attics and garages and haul 'junk' away. Many times the 'junk' turns into the most lucrative profit items. You will have to learn to 'bargain' with the people on all your purchases in order to get them to sell for a low figure.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK!!!!!!

2006-12-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

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Happy Holiday Season

2006-12-27T02:44:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great christmas and are prepared to have a happy new year.
I am hoping my new year is full of new oppurtunities and new ideas and I want to be busy this year. I want my kids to be happy and healthy.
This will be a prosperous year for all of us.
We have to work hard though.

Make money selling home made doggie treats!

2006-12-23T04:51:00.000-08:00

I make gourmet dog treats and sell them at local craft fairs and flea markets. Here is where I got all of my recipes. You can get a copy also . It has 140 pages of recipes for dog food, dog treats and more!!
Click on the Picture below to order the PDF 140 page ebook for only 99 cents! It comes to you in a link to download so you have no shipping chargE!!

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Make More Money on eBay

2006-12-23T04:45:00.000-08:00

One of the easiest ways to get more sales on eBay is to make every buyer think "Wow, I've never had such a good experience buying on eBay!"

Once someone has bought from you and had a good experience, they're much more likely to buy from you again. They already know they can trust you, you ship quickly, your descriptions are clear and honest, and all the other things buyers wonder about when dealing with an unknown seller.

Use the following 5 tips and watch your repeat business go through the roof...

1. Quick Response

When you have an item listed on eBay and a potential buyer contacts you with a question, respond quickly. It's important, and actually critical to your success to check your email several times a day. Answering a question quickly could be the difference between you getting the sale or the buyer going elsewhere.

2. Accurate Listings

When you list your items on eBay, write an accurate description. You don't have to write long paragraphs or rambling information, but provide exact measurements, colors, condition, etc. Be honest and precise when it comes to your description.

3. Buyer Contact

Once your items have sold, be responsive to the buyer. Contact them as quickly as possible after the auction has ended, thank them for their purchase and provide the required information for payment.

4. Sending Items

In your description, provide accurate details regarding shipment. Make sure the items are sent within the time you stated. In many cases, people purchase something for a specific purpose and if you don't ship it when stated, not only do you mess up their schedule but you have probably lost a customer and opened the door for negative feedback.

5. Shipping & Handling

You should always charge actual shipping costs, or at most a little extra to cover the cost of your shipping materials. There are a number of shipping calculators that can be added to your description so people can calculate their own shipping. Another option is to state that you will provide actual shipping at the end of the auction, based on the destination. Overcharging your customers for shipping and handling is frowned upon and will often result in unhappy customers.

It's always a good idea to include a thank-you note with every item that you ship. It can be on a business card or something larger, whatever you prefer.

Of course your thank-you note will also include the address to your eBay listings and a friendly reminder for your customer to check back regularly for more of your great deals and exceptional customer service...

Can you make money working at home?

2006-12-23T04:41:00.000-08:00

If you are a Work at Home Mom WAHM you have made a very important decision to stay at home with your family. I applaud you for that decision, but I know it can be a financial and emotional sacrifice to stay at home. I have been staying at home with my child for almost a year now, and I have found several ways to improve my family's finances and help me feel that I am contributing to my family's budget.

A great way to make some extra money is to get involved in a legitimate home-based business.Some of these businesses do require an initial investment, but the potential income makes this small investment worth it. My favorite business opportunity right now is a legitimate

Christian home based business called Disciple's Cross. With Disciple's Cross, you make beautiful crosses and send these crosses back to the company. The company will pay you for the crosses it accepts. It has been a lot of fun to participate in this business opportunity and wonderful ministry.

Affilate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money. Most affilate programs are free to join and give you the opportunity to offer great deals such as free satellite and unlimited video game rentals. Once you join affilate programs, you will need to create a webpage with your programs and participate in website promotion via search engine optimization and search engine submission.

Other ways to get your website noticed are to use article promotion and link exchanges. With link exchanges, you would ad text or graphic links of other related sites onto your site, and they would ad your site information onto their site. This will get your site noticed by more people and will improve your search engine ratings.

The key to being successful working at home is to have a positive outlook. Don't ever give up!
http://www.wahmresourceplace.com/
About the Author

Paula Wilson is a WAHM and the owner of WAHMResourcePlace.com

pLUG-bOARD

2006-12-20T05:36:00.000-08:00

I TOOK THE PLUG BOARD OFF OF THIS PAGE AND AM IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING IT IT'S OWN PAGE. I WILL POST THE NEW LINK ON HERE SOON. THE PLUG-BOARD WAS SLOWING THIS PAGE UP TOO MUCH.

Added to a new Topsite

2006-12-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

Click on the button below to vote for me!!

Make Gourmet Dog treats !!

2006-12-19T16:30:00.000-08:00

Tons of FREE Samples

2006-12-19T04:54:00.000-08:00

We’ve got tons of free samples…with your name on them!

Simply enter your ZIP code to see if you are eligible!

Click here
Enter your zip code

Freebie Hunter????

2006-12-18T02:50:00.000-08:00

If you are a freebie hunter and love to have a mailbox full of samples and more .
Then you need to check out this forum for freebies and more.

Stay home. Get paid.

2006-12-18T02:43:00.000-08:00

Free information about working at home.

FREE ANGEL BEAR

2006-12-15T01:22:00.000-08:00

Angel In Your Pocket

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I don't suppose you've seen me,
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Before I was an Angel
I was a fairy in a flower;
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Now God has many Angels
We become His special tools.
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Looking for a party plan? Do you know what questions to ask?

2006-12-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

So you know what products would be fun to sell, but how do you pick the right company? By asking questions, but what questions should you ask?

Make sure to ask questions like these:

How much is the commission (also called discount) some companies start you out at a base commission, and then later bump you up to a higher commission. Sometimes you get a raise based on sales, sometimes it's based on if you build a team. Also some companies give you one percent for commission, but give you a higher percent as a personal discount to build your kit.

How do you get paid? Most companies have you keep your commission up front, some have you submit the full order amount and cut you a check later.
What is the hostess program and who pays for it? Some times the rep pays for all of it (minus their discount) Some companies pay for the all of the hostess program and some companies pay most of the hostess program but have the rep pay a co-pay.

How much are business supplies like catalogs, order forms, and invites? Ask to see a catalog and other business supplies.

What are the start-up costs and what do you get in your kit?

Are there any sales quotas? Quotas are not necessarily a bad thing, but they need to be reasonable.

Is there an annual renewal fee?

Are there any advertising restrictions?

Can you have a website?

Also, it’s important to ask who takes care of the sales tax. You or the company?

If you are interested in building a team then you might want to ask what the management levels are, how much commission you earn on team sales, what is required to maintain each level?

You might have more questions to ask, write a list of what is important to you, and start asking!

Wholesale Lingerie

2006-12-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Lingerie Mart ™ - the largest worldwide distributor of wholesale lingerie, sexy intimate apparel, bras, thongs, panties, sleepwear, sexy costumes, plus sizes, swimwear and more!

Our average sale is over $500.00 and up! Big sales mean high commissions! 7% commission on all orders we receive from our affiliates.

Since 1997, we have served 1,000's of customers on-line. We are the original wholesale lingerie internet company with over 8 years experience on-line, and over 25 years in the lingerie industry. Based in Atlanta, Georgia Lingerie Mart has grown into the largest supplier of name brand lingerie and intimate apparel at low wholesale prices. We cater to all businesses, big and small, including internet sites, chains, discount outlets, exporters, flea marketers, boutiques, EBayers and more!

Our massive selection, low prices and superb customer service have made Lingerie Mart famous around the world. With over 30,000 square-feet of inventory in our Atlanta warehouse, we ship products daily to every state in the USA. We also specialize in the export of lingerie to all parts of the world including all parts of Europe, all of Asia, New Zealand /Australia, Japan and the entire Pacific Rim, and all parts of the UK and Canada. We also ship daily to the Middle East Gulf States, Africa, Central and South America, and all of the Caribbean Islands.

Whether your product needs include bras, thongs, lingerie, sexy intimate apparel, plus sizes or swimwear, our incredible selection and #A-1 professional customer service are your guarantee for continued profit and success!

Make money selling Dead Sea Skin Care Products

2006-12-13T06:04:00.000-08:00

You can make money at home by signing up HERE

They are also having a sweepstakes ~

$4.00 per T-shirt!!

2006-12-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

That is what you make for every t-shirt you sell.
SIGN UP TODAY!!

Cafe Press

2006-12-13T02:57:00.000-08:00

You can create your own t-shirts or coffee mugs or whatever else you can personalize.. Get one with your business, direct selling company or other .
For example = if you sell baskets get a t-shirt that says "ask me about my baskets" or something like that.

GO HERE

Great Christmas Gift Idea

2006-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:00

Free Online Auctions

2006-12-12T05:11:00.000-08:00

I think using free online auctions is a great way to supplement your income and make enough to cover your ebay auction fees!! Since there are no fees to list then you always make a profit and you can charge less for shipping and sell more.

Here is a huge list:
http://www.auctionwitch.com

http://www.gothauctions.com

http://www.gothicauctions.com

http://www.homeschoolauctions.com

http://www.ecrater.com/ *

http://www.freedayauctions.com/ *

http://www.romahawk.com/ *

http://www.bidbuyhq.com/ *

http://www.biddersnsellers.com/ *

http://www.bidlane.com/ *

http://www.biddersblock.com/ * #

http://www.vstore.ca/ *

http://www.auctions.yahoo.com/

http://www.fotoads.com/

http://expo.live.com/

http://base.google.com/

http://www.craigslist.org/

http://www.quicklysell.com/

http://www.webidz.com/

http://www.bidmode.com/

https://www.bidzig.com/

http://www.bidbarrel.com/

http://www.bidcityauctions.com/

http://www.bidwiz.net

http://www.bid-mania.com/

http://www.bidzville.com/

http://www.thriftybidder.com/

http://quikbid.com/

http://www.whybidmore.com/

http://www.thehighbidder.com/

http://www.yourearthnow.com/

http://www.zerofeesauction.com/

http://www.redlightauction.com/

http://www.nofeesbay.com/

http://www.buyitmall.com/

http://www.auctionwars.com/

http://www.creativeauction.com/

http://www.52marketplace.com/

http://www.thefreeauction.com/

http://goshopgirl.com/

http://pricingbot.com

http://www.emmx.com/

http://www.awesomestauctionsite.andmuchmore.com/

http://www.myauctionplanet.com/

http://www.girl-punk.net/auction/

http://www.won1now.com/

http://www.vstoreauction.com

http://www.melonbones.com/cgi-bin/auction.cgi

http://www.buysellcommunity.com/

http://www.betterauctionsonline.com/

http://www.kickads.com/

http://www.classifiedslive.com/

http://ebidus.com/

http://www.freetrades.com/ #

http://www.pbauction.biz/ #

http://www.eehaw-auctions.com/ #

http://www.mompackauctions.com/

http://www.auctiondollar.com/

http://www.cargobay2.com/

http://www.baymore.com/

http://www.utrove.com/

http://www.treasureshunt.com/

http://www.usiff.com (ITEM MUST BE $9.99 or LESS for free listings)

http://www.ozfreeonline.com/

http://www.inetgiant.com/

http://classifieds.myspace.com/index...on=classifieds

http://www.classifiedsforfree.com/

http://www.anuncioo.com/

http://www.5starads.com/

http://www.e-bid.tv/

http://www.swiftbids.com

http://www.usfreeads.com/

http://www.jaabu.com/

http://www.klonkers.com/

http://www.freeadvertisingforum.com/

http://c.pageland.com/default.cfm %

http://www.theadnet.com/ %

http://www.sewbid.com/

http://www.epaganauctions.com/

http://www.traderbait.com/

http://www.DreamAuctions.com/

http://www.homeschoolauctions.com/

I am sure if you do a search you will find more! But this is a starting list!

Selling Your Homemade Soaps

2006-12-12T05:07:00.000-08:00

Most people in the United State are looking for a way to make a little extra money. One popular way to make extra money is to sell homemade products. If you are interested in selling your homemade soap then you will need to take a few simple steps.

The first thing that you will need to do if you are interested in selling your homemade soap is to develop a line of unique homemade soaps that will appeal to consumers. Your unique angle may be a special recipe, an organic recipe, a unique color scheme, or a unique soap shape.

The second thing that you will need to do if you are interested in selling your homemade soap is to develop your advertising campaign. This campaign should focus on the special features and benefits of using your handcrafted bath and body products. For example you may offer aromatherapy soap that is designed to relax or invigorate the consumer.

The third thing that you will need to do is to get your handmade body products and soaps out in front of consumers. To do this you may want to design a website with online shopping capabilities, you may rent space at a craft fair, or you may try marketing your products to local specialty and gift stores.

Finally, if you want to sell your homemade soaps you will need to be able to produce your soaps in quantity without sacrificing quality. Repeat business is as important to your company’s success as new customers are. To ensure that your customers become repeat customers you will want to make sure that your soap is made from quality ingredients and you will want to make sure that you don’t alter your recipe or alter the quality of the ingredients that you use, unless it is for the better.

Direct Seller Guide: Get Booked Solid

2006-12-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

THIS IS WHAT EVERY DIRECT SELLER NEEDS - YOUR SALES WILL DOUBLE OR MORE!

AH

2006-12-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Home Business: Wreath Making

2006-12-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

So you enjoy making wreaths and have decided to go into business for yourself. Congratulations, that sounds like a positive idea and hopefully will be a profitable one. First, however, you will want to make your business plans so that your start up won’t also be your shut down. You will want first of all to make sure of your work space. Do you have an area that can be dedicated specifically to wreath making? Making wreaths in front of the TV is one thing when it’s a hobby/craft project but are you, and other family members, going to be willing for this space to be dedicated full time to wreath making? If not, do you have another place in your home that can be used as your place of business, perhaps a little used guest room or a part of the basement could be dedicated to this.

Once you have your work area secured, what about a storage area for finished wreaths and for materials? There may be times when you will want to temporarily store some of your wreaths until an order is completed. For some wreaths, this will call for a cold or cool area where they can be properly maintained. Also, buying materials in bulk at bargain rates is a bonus, but you’ll need to be able to store the materials properly.

Designing and printing up a brochure and some business cards is a good idea also. Not all potential customers will be able to talk with you immediately, but having a business card and brochure to leave will give them the opportunity to check over your product a little more closely on their own.

You will also need a name for your business. You will need something to put on those brochures and business cards.

A product display unit is nice also. Making a photo album of your wreaths will enable you to show potential customers something of your work without trying to carry a lot of it around with you.

You might want to talk with the bank also and find out about setting up a business checking account. Many wholesalers insist that customers must use business checks in order to prove that they are a legitimate business.

You will need a bookkeeping system also so that you can keep track of how much you are taking in and paying out. Also, when tax time comes, and it will, this will be a big asset to you and may just help you in making sure that you are remembering everything. Also, you may be able to deduct a certain percentage of your household expenses as business expenses if your business is being run from your home. This also includes gas and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Lastly, you will need a sales book and pen. Go out and get orders, don’t take more than you can fill, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Congratulations on your new business.

Creating Wealth the Feng Shui Way

2006-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Creating wealth and prosperity is something many of us spend a lifetime trying to achieve, but did you know you can actually incorporate some natural methods to encourage personal wealth?

It's true!

Feng shui is an ancient art. It strives for balance in all things connected to your life, about your life.

The secrets of this ancient philosophy are many, but here are the top 4 business tips for creating wealth:

1. Where's your front door?

Now, while I'm not advocating moving if your front door isn't currently in the proper location, it is a well-known "good chi/bad chi" piece of advice that north or south facing front doors invite good chi. This, of course, leaves the rest of us with east/west facing front doors to cope with this slight setback. There is a phrase, "money in/money out" associated with east/west facing doors. Something to keep in mind during your next house buying expedition or hunt for a rental.

2. Like water?

Positioning a fountain at the front door can be helpful, if it's not directly across from the door. Make sure you have positioned it to "flow into" your house. If you've installed something for drama, and it points outward, try turning it for the best positive effects.

3. Mirrors are great, but are yours hung correctly?

Many people use mirrors to enhance room dimensions and bring a sparkle into their homes. However, and again according to sources, make sure you never put a mirror directly opposite your front door. It may look nice, but "bad chi" can be a result. My interpretation is that when you open the door, and it reflects the outside, you're sort of pushing your good luck back out the door. Sounds like a definite detriment to creating wealth, and also sounds entirely plausible.

And... last but not least, the top creating wealth tip of the day is...

4. Where is your computer sitting?

Believe it or not, position your computer in the wrong spot in your home or office and you may be inviting "bad chi." This bad chi may be preventing you from creating and sustaining your wealth building business. The ideal spot for your computer? Check to see, or trying moving it to, a southeast corner of your home (or in the southeast corner of any room in your home). If yours isn't there, trying moving it and see what happens.

Life is built on all the little pieces. Creating wealth, and having a life of prosperity can be yours... if you pay attention to even the smallest details.

Start a Soy Candle Business for Fun & Profit

2006-12-10T05:11:00.000-08:00

If you love candles, and spend money on them constantly, maybe you should consider getting a soy candle business of your own. These candles tend to sell themselves. More than 80% of homes in the United States burn candles on a regular basis, and you probably know people who fit this category. This is a lucrative business that is easy to start.

Most of the soy candle business opportunity companies are Multi Level Marketing companies. This means that not only do you make money selling soy candles, but you also make money helping others learn to sell candles. This is truly a win-win situation for all involved. You can work this business as little or as much as you want.

The first thing you want to do is research some of the companies that offer independent ownership within their company. A soy candle business opportunity can cost as little as $40 and can go well over $500, depending on the company your decide to go with, and on the packages they offer to start your business.

Many of these companies offer up to 50% commission on each sale. However, some require you to purchase a minimum amount each month, while others let your order when you need them and have no buying requirements. Find the companies you are comfortable with and then look at other things in the company.

You will probably want to work with a company that will help your soy candle business grow with residual income as well. If you think that you can’t talk someone into becoming a distributor, you will be surprised how often people will come to you and ask about how to get into the business. This will come to you easily, and will create an income that is handed to you just by helping the other person build a successful soy candle business.

You will also want to consider whether you want to hold inventory or order as needed. Seek out soy candle business opportunity companies that offer the option you are comfortable with. If you have lots of space, you may consider having inventory on hand, but if you life in a studio apartment that may not be an option.

Once you have decided on a company and found a sponsor, this person should help you get comfortable with the products and guide you through the first several sales of your candle business. Their helping you will benefit them as will your success. Therefore, it is best to find a sponsor that is close to your location.

Now you need to think of ways to sell your soy candles. Get a few extra for the purpose of showing people the variety of products you sell at home parties. This will help you sell your candles and any other products you may sell.

You may want to purchase a party game book, like the ones for baby showers. This will give you ways to show your soy candle products and make it fun for the attendees at the same time. Purchase a few extra candles, such as the scent of the month or special of the month and give these as prizes. This will excite your customers and produce sales.

You can also use the candles as fund-raisers. Knowing that so many people purchase candles for themselves and for gifts, this will ensure sales. If it is also for a good cause, your soy candle business builds credibility within your community.

The hardest part of this job is getting started. Ask family and friends to help you by having home parties. Many will help you to succeed if they know you are really serious about making this business opportunity work. They will be your first line of advertising.

Subscribe to newsletters and periodicals in the industry. Participate in seminars, conventions, conference calls and any other type of training and updates the parent company offers. This will keep you abreast of new products and new trends in the soy candle industry.

It is also important to remember to have fun. As long as you are having fun, your sales will soar, and you and your family will reap the rewards of your successful soy candle business.

Start a Cake Decorating Business for Fun & Profit

2006-12-10T05:10:00.000-08:00

Start a cake decorating business if you are looking for something different in the line of home based businesses. Do you have time and creativity? Cake decorating allows you flexible time and the freedom to be artistic in a consumer filled field.

People have special occasions all the time that they celebrate with specialty cakes. Think of all the times you have purchased cakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other events and you will soon see how this could be a fun and lucrative career. Cake decorating businesses are also simple to start and requires little overhead. Most of the essentials for a home based business of this kind are very inexpensive and easy to come by. If you possess an oven and a microwave, you are already on your way to success.

If you have ever made cakes before, you are already ahead of the game. Do you have children in daycare or school? Think of all the birthday parties you go to in a year and you will see how this occasion alone can be profitable. Most parents today have never even made a cake, preferring to purchase one that is already baked and decorated.

You would be fulfilling a service that these parents are already taking advantage of in the retail market. A home based cake business can bring in business for graduations, weddings, baby showers, Easter, Christmas, and many more occasions and holidays throughout the year. Once it is known that you have quality service and beautiful cakes, your schedule will fill every month.

There are a variety of sources you can draw from when choosing materials and supplies after you start a cake business. The Internet is an invaluable source of ideas, as well as magazine publications and specialty cookbooks. You will need some specific cake decorating tools of the trade such as baking pans, icing flutes, spatulas and of course cake mixes and basic instructions on the decorating process.

All of these items can be found at your local department stores and on the Internet. Specialty items, such as wedding toppers and the like are easily found on the Internet as well. There are cake decorating lessons available at many trade schools and there are even some available on the web. In some cities, there are dedicated cake decorating schools. Professional cake decorating is taught in some groceries as well. Once learned, there is no end to the cake decorating opportunities available to you. This fun and fulfilling career can be started with minimal monetary investment and your dedication.

You may find that word of mouth advertising will do you sufficiently in the beginning, with fantastic results. Word of mouth is still a very powerful tool in any kind of business. Often, one happy local customer can breed several referrals and steady income. Remember, people are already purchasing this service somewhere else, why not you?

Don't forget that the Internet is also a great way to get your business known. If you are looking to increase your scale and expand your services once you are successful, the Internet provides a great advertising outlet for a cake decorating business. Having a web site to view your creations will go a long way in helping people recognize you and your work. This can also help your local customers learn about your skill and see your product before purchasing, without having to go to the store. If you take orders online, they may not even need to call you. At this point you are providing a service to them without them even having to leave the comfort of their home.

Cake decorating is a trade that is going to be around forever. A little training and a little practice will provide you with a rich career, full of fun and satisfaction. Opening a home based cake business will provide you with regenerative income, freedom over your schedule, and the joy of customer satisfaction.

How to Become an Event Planner

2006-12-10T05:09:00.000-08:00

Some of you may be wondering why learning How to Become a Party and Event Planner would be of interest to anyone. But, if have always dreamed of owning your own business and having the freedom that comes along with it, then you will definitely be interested in the event planning industry. Worldwide, the annual sales generated in the party, business, and event planning industry exceed $500 billion dollars (Source: International Special Events Society). Anyone entering into this industry has a wide range of options available to them and a huge market to tap into.

Estimated start up costs:
The start-up costs of becoming a party and event planner are relatively low but they will depend upon what services you intend offering. For most, the essential equipment includes: cell phone, laptop, business cards, Yellow Pages ad, and a good organizer of some sort. If you intend on offering catering as one of your event planning jobs, then clearly you will need a fully stocked kitchen but it is possible to outsource this function if you are coordinating the entire event. Bare bones start-up costs including a rough estimate for liability insurance would be less than $2500 if you did your homework and found some deals along the way.

Recommended experience, skills, and training:
Although college degrees are available for an event planner, most of the entrepreneurs within the industry do not have one. The majority of business owners started out in catering or business meeting planning and expanded into event planning. However, many owners have attended classes and attained certification. In addition to education, learning how to become a party and event planner includes experience in the following areas: marketing, accounting, management, and sales.

Marketing tips:
To obtain credibility as a competent event planner, it is imperative that you present a professional image at all times. All of your invoices, e-mails, business cards, and correspondence should bear your company logo and have continuity in visual presentation. You will probably see good results from joining networking groups and the local chamber of commerce. Word-of-mouth will be critical in the early phases while working with the public but you will need a completely professional image and marketing strategy to land the corporate accounts.

Creating a website and filling it with a lot of useful content will land you a high ranking in the search engines and provide you with a powerful marketing tool to help promote your business. Be sure to include a link to this website in all of your e-mails and correspondence as a cheap but effective way of driving traffic to your site. Finally, use direct mail campaigns to local businesses that include some kind of promotion or discount for using your services.

Financing sources:
Learning how to become a party and event planner takes years of experience and a knack for organization but it does not require a lot of start-up capital. This is very fortunate because most banks are not going to loan you the money anyway if you are a brand new business. But, if you already own a catering business and are merely seeking to diversify your services, then your local bank is definitely an option. For everyone else, consider your friends and family if you do not already own a computer or have the cash.

Income Potential:
The income potential of learning for an event planner is only limited by your ability to sell yourself and your services to the clients. With over $500 billion dollars out there up for grabs, there is no reason why you cannot see six figures within the first three years. Like any business, however, you will only be successful if you deliver unparalleled service time and time again. But, if you love planning an event and seeing people happy, then becoming a party and event planner is for you and a way towards financial independence.

How to Start A Greeting Cards Home Business

2006-12-10T05:07:00.000-08:00

Do you like to create pictures and designs, or writing? Do you love to look at the greeting cards in your local stores? Then a greeting cards home business could be for you. This is a business with incredible growth, and income potential. It also gives the greeting card home based business owner several options in the business itself.

A greeting card home business opportunity can have you doing only one part, such as drawing or writing. This same business can be selling e-cards or cards sold in stores. It could also entail purchasing a territory from a larger card distributor.

The first step in how to start a greeting card company is to decide what part of the greeting card business you want to focus on. As a freelance greeting card artist, you would focus only on designing cards for other companies. There are costs associated with this option and could include the purchase of a computer and graphic art software if you don’t already have these items.

If you decide to be a freelance greeting card writer, your home based greeting card business would focus on only writing the phrases to be used on greeting cards. For this, you only need a computer and quick turn around time.

Of course, you can always freelance as both a writer and artist. To get jobs you must contact companies to see if they are in need of freelancers. They pay from $50 an assignment to several hundred dollars per assignment. However, until you build up a portfolio of samples, and sometimes even after, jobs can be hard to find.

Another option is to purchase a vending route from a larger greeting card company. This route becomes your way of starting a greeting card company. You are required to keep current clients stocked in cards, replace old cards with new ones and get new clients to build your income. You have start up costs that can run from several hundred to several thousand dollars in inventory. However, when you take the cards to the clients, you receive your payments right then.

If you want to start your own line of cards, your greeting card business plan would focus on all aspects of greeting card businesses. You will design and write each greeting card inside and out. Your creative freedom would not be hindered by someone telling you what they want. You would make all the decisions and it would truly be your greeting cards business.

Being a greeting cards home business owner would make the internet your best marketing tool. You wouldn’t be able to compete with larger greeting card companies, so you will want to create a special niche for your cards on the web and in small local stores.

This option requires research before beginning the creation of cards for your greeting cards home business. You will need to price printing services and software. Once you have these ready, you can being creating. Go ahead a start creating cards, but at the same time, think of a name for your greeting cards home business and create a website.

Websites are very easy to create, depending on the provider you decide on. Research domain name registries and web site providers. The more web pages and information you want to provide will influence the charge of the web site. A greeting cards home business web site should be able to be effective without many extras at first. The extras can come later.

Once your website is ready, put pictures of your cards and ordering information into it. If you create the web site yourself or pay someone else to do it, make sure the site is search engine optimized. This will bring more people to your greeting card web site and start selling your cards.

Since some people like to hold cards and feel their quality before purchasing, it may be best to have your greeting cards home business web site offer one free card, or one free sample package per household. This gets your cards on the market and helps drive customers to your web site. Also, consider creating a special “Thank You” card that you personalized by you for all inquiries and orders. This is another way to let people know the quality of your cards.

Have the cards printed as the orders come in to the web site. Offer personalized cards to increase sales. Make sure you have plenty of designs for each category. You want your greeting cards home business website to look full, but not cluttered.

You now know several of the options available to start your greeting cards home business. Now all you have to do is to decide which is the best option for you. This business can grow to be as large or as small as you want it.

Start A Sudsy Pampered Pets Business

2006-12-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

A lot of dedicated pets owners love to pamper their pets, just as most parents pamper their children. Pet supplies and treats sales generate billions of dollars per year; rather it's healthy dog food for your puppy or playful toys for your kitty.

There are a lot of people making money from home selling dog treats, cat condominiums and other products that can be made in ones home.

One product that is not sold on grocery and department store shelves, that pet owner's love, is all natural pet soap. This is a niche that is in high demand for dog owners, with very little competition.

You could start a pet soap business quickly and easier, using materials purchased at just about any grocery store. You could then sell your soaps to area stores, pet gift basket businesses and local pet owners.

There are many types of molds that can be used when making homemade soaps. You can sell bars that are a basic rectangular shape, or you could get a paw shaped mold and sell puppy paws soap. Another fun way to shape your pet soaps would be to use molds shaped like food. A T-Bone shaped soap would be a novelty gift that would bring joy to any recipient.

A full line of pet soaps could be created, offering basic affordable bars for every day baths, to expensive soaps made with exotic oils for pet shows and special occasions.

To create gift sets of your soaps, you could make bubble bath out of the soaps as well (just grate the soap with any cheese grater, add water and simmer on low heat until a thick liquid). Packaging a bar of soap with a bottle of bubble bath and a pet towel makes a wonderful gift for Holidays and pet birthdays. Or why not add something more. Why not include a dog biscuit to clean dog's teeth, and you will have a complete bath in a box set sure to delight pets and their owners alike.

This is a business opportunity that you could start this week, with little start-up cost. You can turn regular olive oil into a bar of pure beauty that will make dogs drool as their owner washes the silkiness all over their fur.

Home-Based Business Ideas

2006-12-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

Another huge list of Home-Based Business Ideas

900 Number Business
Abstracting Service
Accounting/Bookkeeping
Accupuncturist
Acoustical Services
Adoption Consultant
Adoption Referral Service
Advertising Agency
Advertising Broker
Advertising Hotlines
Advertising Promotion Designer & Coordinator
Alternation Service
Answering Service
Antique & Rare Collectible Locating Service
Antique Dealer/Broker
Antique Restoration Service
Apartment Finding
Arbitration Service
Architect
Art Broker
Art Restoration Service
Artist
Assembly Work
Auction House/Auctioneer
Auditor
Auto Paint Touch-Up
Auto Rental
Automated Telemarketing Service
Automobile Inspection Service
Babysitting
Balloon Delivery
Barter System/Barter Broker
Beauty Consultant
Bed & Breakfast
Bicycle Repair
Bindery Service
Biofeedback Therapist
Birthday Planning Service
Blade Sharpening Service
Bounty Hunter
Budget Management Consultant
Business Broker
Cake Decorator
Call Center
Calligrapher
Candle Marker
Car broker
Car Loan Broker
Car Wash Operator
Career Counselor
Carpet Cleaning
Cartoonist
Catalog Mail Order Business
Caterer
Charm Instructor
Charter Service
Child Care
Child Care referral agency
Child Development Specialist
Chimney Sweep
Clip Art Collector/Seller
Clock/watch Repair
Clothing Manufacturer/Seamstress
Collating/Letter Shop work
College Application Consultant
College Preparation & Exam Pre-Testing Service
College Preparation Service
Color Consultant
Color Separation Service
Commercial Photographer
Commodities Broker
Community Welcome Wagon (Makes money through advertising)
Competitive Shopper/Corporate Researcher
Computer Programmer
Computer Repair
Computerized Beauty/Hairstyle Service
Computerized Home Design Service
Confetti Egg Manufacturer
Construction Broker
Contest & Promotions Operator
Corporate Health Consulting
Corporate Motivational Speaker
Corporate Recruiter
Corporate Special Events Coordinator/Planner
Corporate Trainer
Corporate Video Service
Counselor
Coupon Book Distributor
Coupon Distributor
Court Reporter Transcription
Credit & Collection Agency
Credit Card Merchant Account Broker
Credit Reduction Consultant
Credit Repairing Service
Custom Candle Maker
Custom Candy Maker
Custom Embroidery
Custom Gift Basket Business
Customer Newsletter publishing
Dance Instructor
Data entry
Data processing service
Dating/Matching Service
Day Spa
Deck Designer
Delivery Service - Dispatching
Diaper Service
Dietitian/Nutrition-based Meal Planner
Digital Imaging Services
Direct Mail Advertising Company
Direct mail advertising company, coupon packages
Disability Consultant
Disc Jockey Service
Dog Trainer
Draftsman/Blueprinting Service
Driving School
Drug Testing Service
Efficiency Analyst
Elderly Care Giver
Employment Agency
Employment Recruiting Agent
Engraving Service
Family Tree Researcher
Faux Paint Artist
Fax Broadcasting/Advertising Service
Fax-on-Demand Service
Financial Aid Consultant
Firewood dealer
First Aid/CPR
Fitness Equipment Rentals & Brokerage
Fitness Trainer
Flea Market Organizer/Consultant
Flower Arranger
Food Canning
Framing Service
Franchise Researching & Referral Service
Fresh Flower Delivery
Furniture Refinisher
Government Contract Consulting
Government Grant Writer & Researcher
Graffiti Removal Service
Graphic Artist
Gutter Cleaning Service
Handyman Referral Service
Hauling Service
Herb Farmer
Hi-Pressure Washing Service
Home Designer
Home Entertainment System Design
Home Health Care Service
Home Improvement Referral Service
Home Office Designer
Home Rental Referral Service
Home Schooler
Home Schooling Consultant/Teacher
Home Security Consultant & Installer
Home-Based Administrative Assistant
Home-Based Mailing List & Database Manager
Home-Based Mailing Service
Home-based Manufacturing/Craft Work
Home-Based Paralegal
Home-based Travel Agency
Home-made Sweater Manufacturing
Hot Air Balloon Advertising & Rides
House Sitting Broker/Referral Service
Human Resource Consultant
I Q Testing
Ice Sculptor
Image Consultant
Import/Export
Incentive/Motivational Program Company
Industrial Monogramming
Information Clearinghouse
Insurance Adjusting
Insurance Broker
Insurance Documenting Service
Interior Design Effects Manufacturer
Interior Designer
Internet Mall
Internet Marketing & Promotion Service
Internet Search Engine Consultant
Invisible Fencing Sales & Installation
Jewelry Maker/Designer
Jewelry Repair
Job Clearinghouse
Judgment Recovery
Labor Relations Consultant/Counselor
Landscape Designer
Language Teacher
Language Translator
Laser Printer Cartridge Reconditioning
Laundry/Ironing Service
Lead Exchange/Business Networking Organization
Lead Generation Service
Leak Testing
Learning Disability Specialist
Leasing Company
Legal Researcher
Legal Transcription
Licensing Broker
Lie Detector Service
Liquidator
Loan Brokerage/Mortgage Broker
Lobbyist
Locator Service
Locksmith Referral Service
Magician
Maid Service - Maid Service Referral Service
Maid/Cleaning/Maintenance Service
Mail Fulfillment
Mail Order Business - Just find the product and market it
Mail Order Candy Maker
Mail Receipt/Mail Forwarding Service
Mailing List Broker
Mall Promotion/Merchandiser
Management Consultant
Manicurist
Manufacturers Representative
Market Research Company
Massage Therapy
Meal preparation & delivery
Mediator
Medical Claims Processing
Medical Equipment Brokering
Medical Equipment Sales & Service
Medical Service Broker
Medical Temporary Employment Agency
Medical Transcriptionist
Meeting Planner
Menu Service
Merchandise Demonstrator
Merchandise Inventory
Merchandiser
Mobile Document Shredding Service
Mobile Hair Salon
Moving Service
Music on Hold Voice Services
Music on Hold franchise/distributor
Mystery Shopper
Nanny Service
News Clipping Service
Novelty Products Dealer/Mail Order
Office Equipment Sales & Service
Online Job Searching
Online Researcher
Organizer
OSHA Compliance Consultant
Packing/Packaging Service
Paint Service Broker/Referral Center
Parenting Specialist/Counselor/Trainer
Party Planner
Payroll Administrator
Personal Monogramming
Personal Trainer
Personality testing
Personalized Children's Books
Personalized Greeting Cards
Personnel Safety Consultant
Pest Control Referral Service
Pet Grooming
Pet Psychologist
Pet Sitter
Photo Album Service
Photocopying Service
Photographer
Photography Collector/Seller/Broker
Post-Construction Trash Removal
Prefab Home Sales
Printing Broker
Private Detective
Private Label Beer Brewing
Process Server Company
Promotional items (custom printed caps, t-shirts, mugs, keychains, etc.)
Property Management Service
Property Tax Consultant
Psychologist
Public Relations Agency
Publish community or other specialized newsletter (profits comes from advertising)
Publishing
Quilt Making
Radon Testing Service
Real Estate Agent
Real Estate Agent Trainer & Motivator
Real Estate Appraiser
Real Estate Investor
Real Estate Lead Generator
Recruiter
Recycling Business
Remodeling designer & broker
Rental Business
Researcher
Restaurant Promotions Company
Resume Service
Retirement Advisor/Financial Planner
Reunion Organizer
Roommate Referral Service
Rubber Stamp Dealer & Broker
Sales Trainer
Scholarship Consultant/Lecturer
Search Engine Consulting
Secretarial Service
Security Systems Consultant
Sell advertising on your car, house/roof/barn
Shipping/Customs/Export/Import Consultant
Singing Telegram Company
Snow Plowing Service/Referral Service
Social Security Consultant
Software Engineer/Developer
Special Needs Tutoring
Specialized Product Mail Order Business
Speech Writer
Sticker & Decal broker
Storage Referral Service
Stress Management Counselor
Surveyor
Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi Maintenance
Tanning Service
Tax Planning Consulting Service
Tax Preparation Service
Taxi Dispatcher
Technical Writer
Telemarketing Services
Temporary Employment Agency
Theme Vacation Planning Service
Time Management Consultant/Trainer
Toy Re-Sale
Trademark Agent
Training & Education at home - Career Development
Training & Education at home - Career Training
Training & Education at home - Computer usage
Training & Education at home - Cooking
Training & Education at home - Dance
Training & Education at home - Faux Painting
Training & Education at home - Gardening
Training & Education at home - Lamaze
Training & Education at home - Language Development
Training & Education at home - Musical Instruments
Training & Education at home - Needlepoint, crochet, knitting
Training & Education at home - Relationship skills
Training & Education at home - Software
Training & Education at home - Stained Glass or other crafts
Training & Education at home - Tutoring
Training & Education at home - Web Design
Training & Education at home - THINK of something you're good at!
Transcription Service
Trucking Broker
TV Repair
Uniform Service
Unique Advertising company
Upholsterer
Used Boat Bulletin Board
Used Car Bulletin Board
Utility Bill Consultant
Vacation Rentals/Time Share Broker
Vacuum Cleaner Repair
Vending Machine Company
Video Editing
Video Production Company
Voicemail Services
Voicemail Voice Recording Services
Wake Up and Reminder Service (Automated)
Water Testing
Web Design & Development
Website Developer
Wedding Planner
Weight Loss Consultant
Wellness Instructor/Homeopathic Therapist
Window Treatment Designer
Window Treatment Installation
Window Treatment Manufacturing
Window Washing Service
Wine Consulting
Workmen's Compensation Consultant
Writer
Yard Sign Business
Yard Sign Distributorship

Host your parties online!

2006-12-10T04:50:00.000-08:00

HostAPartyOnline.com -

"Connecting Consumers with Consultants" in Direct Sales, Home Party Plan Companies and Work at Home Business Opportunities like Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Mia Bella Soy/Veg Candles, Avon, Discovery Toys, Longaberger and more! Purchase products online, host an online party or become a consultant! Work at home and be your own boss! Great opportunities for stay at home moms!

How to Start A House Cleaning Business In 7 Simple Steps

2006-12-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

One of the main reasons people start businesses is to make money. For some it’s a blessing to make money doing something they love. I’m not saying that you have to love house cleaning in order to have a successful house cleaning business; however it would be a good idea if you didn’t hate it.

How much money you make depends on how big you want your business to be. It could be a one person operation where you set up at home and service areas close to home, or you could set up a commercial office and hire people to work for you.

Here are 7 simple steps to get you started on your own house cleaning business.

1) Decide exactly what kind of house cleaning services you will offer.

Here you decided what cleaning you will do, like making beds, vacuuming, mopping and waxing floors, dusting and so on. Also note what you won’t do, e.g. laundry. You can also decide to specialize, e.g. by cleaning carpets only, or cleaning suspended ceilings only.

2) Pricing your housecleaning service.

To have an idea of how to charge for your housecleaning service, use your competition. Check your telephone directory and the classified ads section in your local newspapers for cleaning businesses, call them up (pretend to be a prospective client) and find out exactly what cleaning services they offer and how much they charge. With this information gathered decide the best price to charge for your cleaning service.

3) Workout startup costs.

For this you need to consider, tools, material, transport, advertising, insurance etc. Write down a list all the tools and material you need, like cleaners, sponges, mops, carpet cleaning equipment etc. Next find out the cost of each item on the list and write it down next to the item.

Transport: you will have to estimate your costs here. You see it depends on where your client is located and your means of transportation to get to your client. (Having your own vehicle would be to your advantage).

Advertising: You can use free advertising (word of mouth) and paid advertising (classifieds, telephone directory ads etc). Phone calls to your local newspaper and the telephone company who publish your telephone directory will tell you the cost of placing ads.

Once you’ve gathered all this information, calculate your total startup costs.

4) Name your business.

Choosing an appropriate name for your house cleaning business is important. Here are a few examples I got of the internet, ‘Maid Brigade’, ‘All Shine Cleaning’, ‘White Glove Cleaning Service’. Please avoid using ‘Your Name Cleaning Services’. Using your own name as part of your business name is over done by many house cleaning businesses. Brainstorm and come up with a name that helps you stand out of the crowd.

5) Learn the zoning regulations of your community.

Check the city clerk’s Office or your local library for a copy for a copy of the zoning laws governing your community. Your reason for doing this is that some zoning regulations prohibit home businesses in a community.

6) Do a few free cleaning jobs.

Well you’re not actually doing them for free. You’re doing them in exchange for references (these add to your credibility for future paying clients and are invaluable). You can offer these free cleaning jobs to friends, non profit organizations in your communities etc.

7) Get your first paying client then get another and another and another and so on.

Tell everyone you know that you’ve started a cleaning business and place ads in the local newspapers. In the beginning you need to spend most of your time and money getting paying clients. However, the more clients you get the less time and money you spend on marketing and more time you spend on cleaning and making your clients happy.

This is just the beginning. Once you start making money take a house cleaning business course to help you better manage your business in terms of growth, accounting, taxes, insurance better marketing strategies and more.

--

Some different Home Based Business Ideas

2006-12-10T04:19:00.000-08:00

1. Start Your Own Glass Etching Business
2. Raising And Marketing Exotic Animals For Profit
3. Sell Hobby Items By Mail
4. Start A Pet-Sitting Service
5. Become a virtual personal assistant
6. Become a party planner
7. become a tutor
8. make signs for others
9. plan and organize others garage sales.
10. become a home organizer. I got the idea for this from watching Clean Sweep.
11. become a home typist
12. write resumes

I WILL ADD MORE IDEAS LATER.

Which Home-Based Party Plan Business is Right For You?

2006-12-10T04:17:00.000-08:00

Home party plans, for several decades, have been one of the most effective ways to earn a living or supplement the family income. The home party plan system brings people together in a pleasant environment, to share unique and exclusive products and an exciting income opportunity. This is certainly a well-proven method of generating an additional income stream.

With so many home party plans out there, how do you choose the one that's right for you? You will be investing your time, energy, and money into the home party business opportunity that you choose; therefore, take time to research the different home party plans that are available. Use the questions below to help you evaluate the products, the business, and the companies that have home-based business party plans. This will insure that you’re making a good decision for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle.

Evaluating products in home party plans:

• Do the products enrich lives? Whether you're looking to make a little extra money or a full-time income, it really helps if you’re passionate about the products and receive tangible benefits from them. Look to promote products that have an educational aspect to them and that have exceptional proven results. When an individual has experienced great results, it can make them very excited about sharing the products with their friends and family.

• Are the products consumable? Will your customers buy once and never need to purchase from you again? Or will your customers buy over and over again, creating an ongoing income stream for you? A consumable product that has a proven track record to deliver genuine results will more likely offer you repeat customers. It's much easier to sell to a repeat customer than it is to find a new one.

• Are the products exclusive and/or competitively priced? Be sure the products are competitively priced and have a distinct advantage to what may already be available. Choose a home party business opportunity that has products that are unique, effective, and have an educational aspect to them.

• Do the products come with a money back guarantee? It’s important to find a home party plan company that stands behind its products 100%. A 100% satisfaction guarantee makes customers more comfortable buying and gives them the confidence to try something new.

Evaluating the business opportunity of home party plans:

• What are the volume and monthly purchase requirements? You might want to think twice about any company that makes purchase requirements mandatory.

• What type of sales tools does the company have available? Do they have company approved websites? If so, is the cost reasonable? Do they have high quality brochures, audio, video tapes, and online presentations that you can use to promote the business and products?

• What kind of training and support is provided? It is beneficial to find a company that offers FREE on-going training.

• Do the home party company’s products sell well outside of the home party system? Look for home party companies that have numerous avenues of income for you to utilize to sell products and sign up business associates. If you can find a business that works well, both in a home party setting and provides other numerous marketing possibilities, than you have an opportunity for greater marketing exposure and growth.

• What is the compensation plan like? The compensation plan should be simple to understand and easy for you to explain to others. Look for a generous plan where promotions are both achievable and maintainable. It should reward beginners as well as career oriented consultants with a good income opportunity. Does this plan have a track record of creating part-time and/or full-time incomes. Or are there just a few making significant incomes?

• What are the company values and philosophies and are they consistany with your own?

Happy career hunting!

Park Your Garage Sales on The Internet

2006-12-10T04:05:00.000-08:00

You have been planning your garage sale for weeks now. Your garage, as well as you whole home, is stuffed with old records, books, clothing, vacuum sweepers, and other odds and ends that you have no use for anymore. Instead of just tossing your clutter into the neighborhood landfill, you’ve decided to hold one of the most time-honored traditions in civilization—the garage (or yard) sale. It can be a thankless task, becoming a pawnbroker for a day, but there’s definitely good money in it—if you know how and, more importantly, where to organize your garage sale.

First, of course, you need to get your sales items together. Garage sales are a great way to recycle stuff that you no longer have room for. You’d be surprised what doodads and miscellany your neighbors will want—musty books, old silver wear, framed photos of long-lost third cousins, and other unmentionables that you’ve had no use for since who knows when. Even more surprising, your neighbors are willing to shell out cold hard cash for these items. That makes your garage sale a win-win proposition for you.

Come to think of it, though, a garage sale at your home can be a real chore. It takes a Herculean effort to collect and organize every last little thing you want to sell. Then you have to tag each item and keep track of it in a hardcopy log. To ensure that your neighbors show up with cash in hand, you must create, print up, and pay for flyers, which need to be distributed on telephone poles and supermarket message boards across the region. The work can seem endless and your chances of making a profit slim.

Don’t get me wrong. Your garage sale was a great idea, but as you can see, there are many limitations to holding one at your house the old-fashioned way. Get with the times. The garage sale has evolved thanks to the multitude of Web sites that allow you to sell your goods online. People are selling more stuff than ever on the Internet because of the convenience of Web classified sites.

The Internet holds several crucial advantages over selling your stuff the outdated way. When you compare these benefits to the problems with home-based garage sales, you’ll see the difference:

ONLINE: Your items are available for purchase for an unlimited time, until they sell. AT HOME: Your items are available until you call it quits for the night.

ONLINE: Rain, sleet, or snow, your sales aren’t affected in the least. AT HOME: Better have a rain date or a very big umbrella.

ONLINE: No need to constantly watch over your goods or interact with uninterested customers. Just wait until a customer contacts you by e-mail when they are ready to purchase.

AT HOME: Be prepared for countless hours of staring down the street for customers to appear. When they do arrive, be prepared for too many questions but too few purchases.

ONLINE: Advertise for free to your friends and neighbors over e-mail. AT HOME: Shell out money for flyers, after which you can get to know all of the telephone poles in your neighborhood.

ONLINE: Spend your weekends the way they were meant to be: relaxing and enjoying your time with friends and family. AT HOME: Spend your weekend waking up early, buying and distributing flyers, lugging boxes, and waiting for customers.

As you can see, it’s not an even match. An online garage sale wins hands down.

Now that you’re actually excited to get started with your garage sale, you should know that there is one caveat. As easy as it may seem, your online garage sale will be even easier if you choose the right classified site.

Your best bet is to do your research and find classified sites with the most features and benefits, such as (1) No sign-up, registration, or transaction fees. (2) Free ad listing with text description and pictures. (3) Long-term ad posting and free renewals. (4) Easy, accurate, electronic, and automatic record keeping.

The best classified sites have these incredible features and then some. Not only will you be able to clean out your home’s clutter with the help of these classified sites. Your garage sale will also park a profit in your pocket.

How To Make Money On What Other People Throw Away--Your Own Junk Hauling and Removal Service.

2006-12-10T03:40:00.000-08:00

America is a throwaway society. We all know that. We all have a lot of junk that we do not need, and just about all of us have things piling up relentlessly in out attics, garages, basements, closets and even in the back yard.

A lot of people try to ignore the problem until they can no longer get into their garage, or when they find it impossible to squeeze one more item into the attic. They have too much junk and they need to get rid of it. Often, they will pay someone to do just that. This means an opportunity for you. You can make a decent living by helping people get rid of their junk.

To get started, you need a strong back and something to haul with, such as a pick-up or a small trailer to pull behind your car. That's about it. If you don't have a pick-up, consider buying a used one cheap. You could easily find something for less than $1,000. An even less expensive alternative is a small trailer for your car. Trailers can be had for just a couple hundred bucks or less.

How To Get Started:

This is generally a very community or neighborhood oriented business. Take out an ad in your community newspaper saying that you will haul away unwanted items or that you will clean garages, basements or attics for a fee. You can also print up a one-page flyer and place them on houses door-to-door, or on the windshields of cars. Of course you should also set up a website for your company and advertise online.

What You Need to Know:

You will need to find a place for all the junk you collect and remove. Find out where the local landfills are and what their policies are. They may charge you a fee for bringing stuff in, but you can charge that fee back to you clients. You also may need dumping permits in some areas, so check with your local city or county offices.

It's also a good idea to learn about dumping regulation. Some items are more difficult to get rid of than others. For example, you can't just dump a refrigerator or an old stove anywhere. Old tires are another hard-to- dump item. There are specific places for specific things. Find out what goes where. Once you have it all down, however, you have it made.

You should be able to earn from $7 to $10 an hour. You will not be able to charge by the hour, however, because people may give you a problem about the pace at which you work, and how much time they feel you should take to get the job done. Instead, make an estimate based on your own judgment on how long it will take you to clean out that garage or attic. Once you have done a few, you will have a good idea about the time involved. Then give an upfront estimate. If it will take you a complete day, or eight hours, ask for $80 to $100.

Remember also that one man's trash is another man's treasure. You may find a market for some of the items many people just want to get rid off. So explore the option of sales to second hand stores, or the possibility of starting up a second-hand store of your own. Such stores can be lucrative like you would not believe. There's big money in junk - and in getting rid of it. It takes no special knowledge or education, and you can get started with a minimum investment. All that's left for you now it to get busy!

How To Make Big Money At Flea Markets

2006-12-10T03:02:00.000-08:00

Flea markets, or swap meets as they are also known, is the mother of all garage sales. For any of you that haven’t yet been initiated, they are nothing less than part discount store and part carnival.

Whether economic times are good or bad, flea markets remain the best place to buy almost anything for yourself or your home at affordable prices. That’s why at the first sign of sun up on a Sunday morning the giant drive in theatre parking lot in El Cajon, California; the Orange County Marketplace in Costa Mesa, CA, or the Annex Antiques Fair and Flea Market in Manhattan come by the hundreds carrying flashlights before vendors have even finished setting out their merchandise.

Experienced shoppers theorize that by 9 a.m. the truly valuable items will already be gone. But still the carnival-like atmoshpere keeps the crowds coming, and going, and coming. Buyers are poking among everything - records, chrome wheels, music cassettes, antique furniture, tools, car seats, saddles, World War I gas masks, porcelain dolls, fishing lures, doll furniture, T-shirts, stereos, polished rocks, quilts, sunglasses, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, a clown starts selling balloons!

AS A VENDOR YOU CAN MAKE INCREDIBLE PROFITS IN A SHORT TIME!

It has been estimated there are over 20,000 flea markets operating each weekend across America, totalling more than $5 billion dollars in sales.

Among the thousands of flea markets, the Rose Bowl market at Pasadena, California really stands out. That’s probably because there are 3,000 dealers and, by mid-afternoon, over 50,000 shoppers, all of whom are there to find a treasuure and the ultimate bargain.

The Rose Bowl market is an intimidating seven acres, and you would be amazed at what people buy. There are watches, antique fountain pens, pressed glass. Oriental rugs, Indian pottery, art, and weapons.. authentic dinosaur bones setting alongside old rusty metal doo-dads. No one, including the vendor, knows what the doo-dad is, but someone pays $25 for it anyway. From the buyer’s point of view, he came looking for a genuine treasure, and this may be it! It seems incredible, but it seems people will buy anything!

DECIDING WHAT ITEMS YOU SHOULD SELL

Aside from the size crowd you can expect, flea markets, swap meets, and garage sales have something in common. Garage sale type items account for a part of the merchandise being sold at a swap meet, but homemade crafts and new merchandise are also widely available.

Many vendors purchase new products at below wholesale prices, and make huge profits. Those who have gone through the initiation process report earnings of up to $5,000 per weekend and more. The key to successful flea market sales is to display attractive, interesting, impulse-buying merchandise at attractive prices. And mixing second-hand pieces with new or more common items that sell well, can be quite a challenge. But once you get a feel for what people expect, and fill that niche in the market, you’ll be on your way to making more money in a single day than you ever thought possible.

HOW TO ATTRACT THOUSANDS OF BUYERS TO YOUR SPACE

There are hundreds, or in the case of the larger meets, even thousands of vendors who set up to sell their merchandise at flea markets. If you want to get the attention, and keep it, of everyone from those who showed up with flashlights to those entire families who came dressed up from church to browse, you must somehow stand out from the others.

Strategy is everything. For example, experienced shoppers usually make a reconnaissance tour along the outside circle of a flea market, knowing that the less experienced dealers are there. Then they slowly work their way inward to the more heavily trafficked middle section.

It also helps to know a little about the 'history' of items that are antique, collectibles, or can otherwise become a conversation piece. If an item has a history, it’s automatically worth more money.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people who stop at your space to browse. From a shopper’s point of view, one of the great delights of flea markets is the conversation. People are attracted to dealers who are stroytellers, loaded with fascinating information about the items they have for sale. And be a conspirator. If your customer has gotten a great bargain, let them know.

Setting up a canopy will not only give your space a professional store-like appearance, it will also give you protection from the hot sun or rain. After setting up your tables, arrange your wares and display merchandise in an organized manner. Remember, a junked-up messy area can take away from the value of some items. It can also cause people to start tripping all over the place.

If you set up signs make certain they are neat and easy to read. Be creative in your approach to getting people’s attention and interest. Balloons tied to your tables, canopy, etc., is a attraction that gets attention, for example.

Don’t be embarrassed to bargain. In fact, you’d best be prepared to haggle, because everyone expects it. It’s part of the flea market tradition.

WHERE TO FIND GREAT DEALS AT BARGAIN PRICES

* ANNEX ANTIQUES FAIR AND FLEA MARKET, 26th Street at Sixth Avenue, Manhattan. This is one of the premier antique and collectible shows in the world. Prices range from $1 for common collectibles to $20,000 for a platinum-and-sapphire necklace. Open Saturdays and Sundays year-round. Admission is $1. Call (212) 243-5343.

* RENNINGER’S, 740 Noble Street, Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Renninger’s is an indoor farmer’s market and antique market, along with an outdoor flea market. It opens every Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. The markets attract a wide variety of used goods and collectible dealers. Renninger’s also holds the 1,200- dealer Antique and Collectors Extravaganza on the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of April, June and September, Call (717) 385-0104.

* FORT LAUDERDALE SWAP SHOP, 3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 2,000 vendors occupy 87 acres at this flea market. This daily event drew more than 12 million people in 1991. During peak season the gates open at 4 a.m. Call (800) 345-7927.

* KANE COUNTY FLEA MARKET, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Chaarles, Illinois. This market is held the first Sunday of every month and the preceding Saturday. More than 1,200 antique and collectible dealers line the tents, buildings, and grounds at this family-run market. Call (708) 377-2252.

* SAN JOSE FLEA MARKET, 1200 Berryessa Road, San Jose, California. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 52 weeks a year. Many dealers here specialize in used goods and antiques. Nearly 80,000 customers a week visit the more than 2,300 merchants at this market. Call (408) 453-1110.

* HEART-O-THE-MART, Brimfield, Massachusetts. This is one of the biggest antique and collectible markets in the country. Professional buyers and tourists alike storm the gates at 9 a.m. Open three times a year, this market draws as many as 30,000 shoppers over each five-day event. Call (413) 245-9556.

* ORANGE COUNTY MARKETPLACE, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California. Thiss market draws more people annyally than either Hollywood’s Universal Studios or nearby Knott’s Berry Farm. More than 1,000 vendors sell everything from luxury cars to$1 pairs of dice. There are about 100,000 shoppers on a good weekend. Call (714) 723-6616.

EARN UP TO $1,000 EVERY WEEKEND WITH GARAGE SALES!

Everyone loves garage sales for the same reason they love flea markets - because it’s an opportunity to go treasure hunting for terrific deals at bargain prices.

There are varioius reasons why people have garage sales. Some run out of storage room, or are moving away and getting rid of items they don’t really need. Others do it as a fund-raising event for a local charity, or get really serious and start having ongoing sales. The best reason, however, to have a garage sale is to make some FAST CASH!

GETTING STARTED!

All it takes to make some really big money with garage sales is your time, some careful planning, and a little merchandise know-how.

To be successful, you should have a variety of merchandise to sell. Don’t worry about not having a variety. Once you start taking an inventory, you will soon be amazed at what you own but have forgotten about. When an item is not used it is simply abandoned by the 'minds-eye.' It’s a little like having light fixtures throughout your home. They are there, but you don’t really see them.

So the very first thing to do in preparing for a garage sale is to take a pen and notebook to begin a room-by-room inventory. That means looking in every drawer, every box, shelf, behind the bed, and on the walls, to list items that are just taking up space inside your home. Your criteria may be, 'if it isn’t absolutely necessary and you have no personal attachements that would cause some emotional conflict,' add it to the list.

By the time you reach the last room your list will be pages long. If you’re satisfied you have listed everything in the house, then head for the basement, attic, garage, lawn shed, work shop, barn, etc., and repeat the process. Don’t overlook anything. Remember, what you may consider junk, another person will think is a treasure. An old tire, dolls, a child’s wagon with only three wheels, an old Superman comic book, books and magazines, left-over lumber, a set of door hinges, costume jewelry, a hub cap you found along the road, rope, empty glass jars, a half-filled can of paint, small appliances, Avon bottles, fence wire, pottery, bolts of material, depression glass, candles, cassette tapes, furniture, golf clubs, macrame, and old croquet set, fans, record albums, cameras, clay pots, cribs, baby clothes, ice skates, posters, radios, aquariums, clocks, window screen, drapes, rods, fiddles, ladders and bicycles. Whatever it is, people will by it and just about force the cash into your hand to make certain it becomes their treasure.

GETTING YOUR MERCHANDISE SET UP

After you have made a list of every single item you want to sell, the next step is to plan the best possible way of displaying and labeling your merchandise. You won’t make much of an impression with buyers if you just dump everything into a heap. Being organized and displaying your wares in a manner that gives each item perceived value will put more cash in your pocket! Arrange each piece and make it stand out. Put your costume jewelry in a well lit area and on a piece of black velvet material. Make it glitter and look expensive.

Cover your display tables with colorful paper tablecloths. Be prepared for those sudden breezes by using thumb-tacks or masking tape to secure your table covers.

DECIDING ON YOUR GARAGE LAYOUT

The best way to determine how your merchandise should be laid out, is to measure. Measure every display table you will be using, and mark the floor with chalk indicating where each will be located and what it will contain. Make the appropriate allowances for aisle access. Now you should decide what items will go where. After you are satisfied with your layout, you can save a lot of time and energy by distributing copies for anyone who will be helping you set up. In that manner, each person will know exactly where to unpack merchandise that was previously gathered from various locations inside the house, etc. All of the cartons should have been placed in a designated area.

If you plan on selling coffee, sandwiches, etc., make sure you set up your lunch table and coffee pot near a electrical outlet. The last thing you want are extension cords stretching across the floor where someone could trip and hurt themselves. You should also designate an outlet for all shoppers who want to try out electrical items.

Make certain you have enough table space. If customers are forced to rummage through cartons filled with mixed merchandise, they may leave in frustration, and leave you an even bigger mess.

If you don’t have enough tables to display your merchandise neatly, borrow some from your friends, relatives, neighbors, or your church. Every item should be easy to view

QUICK TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOU MORE MONEY!

* First impressions are lasting impressions. Remember, you are displaying someone else’s 'Treasure,' not your 'Junk.'

* Before you place merchandise in your yard, mow the grass. Line everything up in an orderly manner. Entice your customers by creating a show-room right on your front lawn.

* Wash up any toys that look dirty and unsanitary.

* Almost no-one will buy soiled and dirty clothing. Wash your sale clothing, place them on hangers, and mark sizes plainly on pieces of paper attached with stick pins.

* Label and price everything.

* Never use a pen or magic marker to write prices directly onto an item. That immediately reduces the value. Use masking tape, or self adhesive labels instead.

ADVERTISING YOUR GARAGE SALE

You could have the best-organized garage sale in the world, offer the best deals and greatest bargains anywhere, and still not make any money if people didn’t know about it. You must advertise!

Today , all major daily and weekly community newspapers have a separate 'Garage Sale' section. Weekly shoppers and penny saver type publications will often run garage sale ads for $1-$2.

When you write your ad make certain that:

>You make your ad stand out with headings such as 'Super Deals Garage Sale.' 'Bargain Hunter’s Garage Sale,' or something similar that makes a page-scanner stop in his tracts!

> Give your address, but if it’s difficult to find just say, 'Just off E-35 at Roselawn & follow the signs.'

> If you are having a multi-family garage sale, say so. This will leave the impression you have a wide variety of items to sell. Also let collectors know if you have items of special interest to them.

Shopping Seasonal Sales

2006-12-10T02:31:00.000-08:00

Raising teenagers can be very expensive. There are a lot of added expenses as your children grow up. Clothes are more expensive, there are added fees for extra-curricular activities, not to mention the social events that are a "must" for many teens.

As frugal parents of teens, we need to learn to save money in different areas that will compensate for the extra money we will need to spend during the teenage years.

One of the easiest ways to save money on many every day items is by shopping seasonal sales. You can save hundreds of dollars every year by planning your spending to take advantage of the rhythmic pattern of buying and selling. It is just as important to know when to buy as it is to know how and where. I suggest you get your teens involved in your seasonal shopping. Learning this skill will help them learn to live frugally as they move into adulthood.

While local marketing conditions and each store's unique situation are reliable indicators of the frequency, time, and type of sales, and the amount of price reductions, the following sale calendar can help you get the most for your dollar when making purchases.

January

After-Christmas sales of Christmas merchandise, winter clothes,
clothing, shoes, fur, handbags, toiletries, tablecloths, costume jewelry, furniture, toys, dishes, sports equipment, appliances. This is also the month that most stores feature a "White Sale", which includes most bedding such as sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and quilts.

February

Furniture, rugs, mattresses, curtains, bedding, china, glassware,
silverware, housewares, radios and C.D. players, stereo equipment , and used cars.

March

Garden supplies, luggage, spring clothing, infant's wear, shoes,
laundry appliances, luggage, skates, ski equipment, storm windows.

April

After-Easter sales for mostly clothes items including, men's and boy's suits, women's and children's coats, housecoats, and women's hats.

May

White sales, clean-up/fix-up supplies, blankets, women's
undergarments, TV sets, handbags, sportswear, tires.

June

Women's ready-to-wear, TV sets, refrigerators, fabrics, summer
clothes, dresses, building materials, lumber.

July

Shoes, summer clothes, bathing suits, lingerie, sportswear, home
appliances, air conditioners, fuel oil, radios and stereo equipment, rugs and carpet, summer sports equipment, used cars.

August

Furniture, white sales, camping equipment, housewares, lamps, coats, tires, lawn mowers, sprinklers, yard tools, barbecue sets and tools, air conditioners, new cars, paints, school supplies, school clothes, bathing suits, fans.

September

Back-to-school supplies, housewares, bicycles, car batteries and
mufflers, children's clothing, dishes, gardening equipment, glassware, hardware, lamps, paints, rugs and carpet, tools.

October

Fishing equipment, glassware, hosiery, housecoats, school clothes, school supplies, silverware, cars.

November

Coats, pre-Christmas items, quilts, shoes, boots, men's and boy's suits, kitchen appliances, water heaters.

December

Toys, gift items, coats, shoes, party items, quilts, used cars. The day after Christmas is Bargain Day all over.

33 Basic Smart Shopping Tips

2006-12-10T02:15:00.000-08:00

Here are thirty-three basic smart shopping tips that can be used anywhere you shop. Use them to save money, and as a guide to strengthen your purchasing power.

1. Plan your spending. Avoid impulse buys.

2. Advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest.

3. Watch for unadvertised specials.

4. Remember to ask for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out.

5. To avoid crowds, do not shop after work, on paydays, or just before holidays.

6. Buy items before you run out of them. Buy at clearance, or sale price, instead of regular price when you must have the item.

7. Know the sales cycle in your area.

8. Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good deal for your family. If you won't use it, don't buy it.

9. Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

10. Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I deserve it" mentality.

11. Buy at the end of the season.

12. Stock up when prices are low.

13. Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage stores, thrift stores, consignment shops,warehouse clubs, yard sales, and garage sales.

14. Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

15. Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.

16. Shop alone. Other individuals will only help fill your shopping cart.

17. Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.

18. Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

19. Know your prices, keep a price book.

20. About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how your price book helps you.

21. Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always cheaper.

22. Look at unit prices.

23. You pay more for fancy packaging. Beware.

24. Remember the "Rule of Three":
If an item has three different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your money.

25. Never pay full price.

26. Shop defensively.

27. Try store and generic brands.

28. Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt.

29. Shop for gifts year round.

30. Return purchases that do not meet your expectations.

31. Complain if it is genuinely warranted.

32. Call before you go to confirm item is available.

33. If you must, leave the checkbook and credit cards at home or in the car.

Do You Have These Frugal Living Habits?

2006-12-10T01:58:00.000-08:00

Frugal living requires skills and ways of looking at things that help you take advantage of the money-saving opportunities in life. The truly frugal person makes these into habits. Six of these habits are outlined below. These are techniques that can be learned in a matter of a day or two, and made into new habits a few weeks. Then they will save money for you for the rest of your life.

1. Frugal living requires a knowledge of values. How can you get a great deal on a car if you don't know what a great deal is. Get in the habit of educating yourself on prices, especially before you're ready to buy anything that costs a lot. It takes a few hours of looking at listings for sale, for example, to know what homes are selling for in an area, but this is knowledge that can save you thousands.

2. Learn from other people. Most of us know someone who always gets the best deal on cars, boats, homes, or even groceries. Why not ask him or her how they do it! One person will tell you that the cheapest coffee in town is $3 per cup, while another will say 50 cents. Ask the latter about coffee shops. People near you are living a good life on half of what you make. Investigate that. See how others do things, and you'll know your options.

3. Frugal living means always looking for alternatives. You might have just as much fun taking a discount trip to Mexico as you would going to Jamaica. Maybe you happen to enjoy pizza more than fine French dining. If so, why not skip the expensive restaurant and call Dominoes. This isn't about sacrificing, but about getting even more of what you really enjoy by paying less for cheaper alternatives that work just as well.

4. Pay cash. What happens when everything you buy costs an additional 20% because of the interest you pay over the years? You can't buy as much! Everything is cheaper when paid for in cash instead of credit. If you want that new patio set, divide the price by the number of weeks you can wait to get it. Set aside that much each week, and buy it for cash when you have the money. Not only do you save on interest, but you'll often get a better price when you pay cash.

5. Learn to do the math. Did you really save $400 on that car if it costs you $500 more in gas each year? Did you know that some stores are cashing in on shopper's assumptions that larger is cheaper? It's true. That gallon of pickles might actually cost more than four quart jars. Make it a habit to do the math if you want to save money.

6. Tell people what you need. Mention it in conversations. Many people get free or cheap things, just because they talk. For example, a neighbor wanted to upgrade her living room debt, and was thrilled that I would take her three-month-old couch off her hands for $30. I sure am glad that I mentioned I was looking for one. You need to make this little trick a part of your frugal living habits.

35 country jobs

2006-12-10T01:53:00.000-08:00

How folks make a living near my hometown

If you’re relocating to the backwoods, you will very likely have to give some thought to generating some income, that is, making a living. Hopefully, the topic is one you’ve prepared for prior to making the jump, getting the cart and horse in the proper order, you know.

Most of us desire a lifestyle for ourselves and our families which a small homestead can simply not support. There are outside expenses that frequently present themselves and even the most self-sufficient homesteader requires some items which cannot be produced on the place. To be able to buy, build, maintain, and keep our place in the country, most of us are required to seek outside “gainful employment.” If you fall into that category, don’t get discouraged. Simply make the most of where you are. It is no crime to work away from home to be able to keep your place in the country.

Living in the backwoods is the dream of countless people. But not only do you still need a way to support yourself and your family, you will find that in remote and rural areas jobs are often harder to come by and they usually pay less.

Our local community is based around a county seat of fewer than 900 people. The entire county has around 10,000 residents. Accordingly, most of the folks who enter the job market—there are plenty who don’t bother—are required to venture into the neighboring counties and larger population centers, work at one of the relatively few jobs available nearby, or work at their own businesses.

Some of the people described in this article have more than one pursuit that contributes to their income. Some couples pursue their work independently, others team up. Some have expanded upon something they already enjoy doing, while others have recognized the need for a product or service and used that to form the basis of a supplemental income. Basically, they created their own “second job.”

These are the friends and neighbors among whom I live, here in my southern Indiana county. Despite the diversity in job interests, all share a common bond: the desire to live in our small rural county. Perhaps their ingenuity in finding a source of income for themselves will spark your own imagination in doing the same.

Crafts

A neighbor makes quality furniture from scratch. He makes good money doing it.

Patti, my wife, has made good money by making and selling Santas and other figures, dried wreaths, swags, and other crafts. She has a real eye for color and design, so these crafts come rather naturally for her. We have traveled to a couple of craft shows and have had the items set up in a “mini-mall” booth. Wholesaling to independent vendors has also been somewhat successful. If you decide to sell to retail shops and stores, plan to visit them during the off-season, because that’s when retail stores buy original craft items. Patti has also found that word of mouth sales have been productive.

Sheep, hogs, steer
Patti’s Santas require the use of long, soft wool for the making of their beards and hair. For that, we visit a friend who runs her small business in the adjacent county. She makes money from her herd of Cotswold sheep by selling wool to spinners and other craftspeople. She cleans and combs the wool herself and charges by the pound for the finished material. By selling to local craftspeople, she is able to charge a higher (read fairer) price than for raw wool.

Particularly in areas with a large multicultural population, lamb is a very popular meat and raising lambs for slaughter can make you some good money. You can easily get a good price for your lambs with a simple advertisement in the local paper, or at a food co-op or organic grocery. College towns and larger cities are especially good areas to target.

Similarly, raising hogs and beef for local sale can be a moneymaker for you. If you raise a few hogs to butchering size—200 to 250 pounds—you can provide your own meat as well as find a market locally with folks who want meat that they know was raised close to home. Beef steers raised to about 800 to 1100 pounds will sell well. You should be able to easily sell halves or whole steers, especially if you can offer hauling to the custom slaughterhouse.

Garden produce, fruit, herbs
We have had success in selling garden produce and plants during the spring and summer. In fact, the demand for these items was really more than we could supply with the small home greenhouse that we have. There is great potential here, for a lot of people want sturdy homegrown plants and will pay a bit more for them. Timing is important when producing garden and bedding plants. That is, plan so that you have prime and healthy plants ready when they are most wanted by the buyers. You can market them right from your home, or from local grocers or other retail outlets. Grow varieties that are popular locally.

Sell surplus strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, apples, cherries, peaches, and other home-raised berries and orchard fruit with a simple advertisement in your local newspaper, an ad tacked up at a local store, or just by word of mouth. Consider marketing these items at a farmer’s market to help get better prices. In a similar fashion, home-grown herbs, both fresh and dried, can be a moneymaker for you. Some folks are having good success marketing specialty herbs directly to restaurants. Others sell to supermarkets, food co-ops, and organic groceries.

Furniture
One of my neighbors is an accomplished furniture maker. While he does have a nice little building where he could work, it is not surprising to know that it is crammed to the rafters with lumber, old furniture pieces, supplies, and such. He builds each of his pieces right out in the yard. We have some of his work here in our home: a pie safe, a jelly cupboard and a small bench. He makes solid, functional furniture and also displays his work at the annual festival in town, selling out every year. If you are talented in this area, you will find no shortage of buyers for your work.

Photography

Growing garden and bedding plants in a home greenhouse can bring in extra money. Here some young plants germinate in the author’s greenhouse.

One new business that recently started up in town is a small photography studio. Portrait photography has a rather limited market in this area, but even in our small community, high school senior class photos alone could pretty well keep a photography studio in business. Photographing weddings are another good source of work. Christmas portraits are another big seller. Other special occasions and holidays keep this photographer plenty busy. This is an area where, once your reputation for good work has been established, you will be able to keep busy.

Design and print shop
Out in the countryside 10 miles from where I live, a family has a high-tech, state of the art printing shop. Not the ordinary shop where only simple business cards and stationery orders are filled, this business designs, lays out and prints booklets, brochures, pamphlets, and magazines. Another branch of the family just down the road fills similar orders for books—both hard and soft cover—and magazines. I got a tour of the place a while back and was amazed to find in the plain non-descript buildings, top-notch computers running the latest in publishing software. The printing is done on computer driven presses worth a quarter of a million dollars. Not only do both of these families fill local orders, but the religious books, magazines, and tracts they publish are mailed all around the world. A smaller scale version of such a business may fit your pocketbook

Wildcrafting
Out in the woods, there are folks who eke out a good deal of spending money by wildcrafting. The gathering of roots such as goldenseal, ginseng, mayapple, bloodroot, wild ginger, and other botanicals provides employment for a good many folks in rural areas where the plants are found. In addition, they can find a ready market for blackberries, raspberries, persimmons, mushrooms, and other wild foods. Even sassafras root and bark have a market.

Firewood
Similarly, a few fellows make pretty decent money by cutting firewood. The finest hardwoods in the world grow in our area: white oak, hickory, black oak, and ash. They also make the best firewood as well. Tops left from logging operations usually provide plenty in the way of cordwood. Some woodcutters obtain slabs and other leftovers from area sawmills. In this area woodcutters usually sell by the pickup load and get $25 to $35 per load. With a good chainsaw and a sturdy pickup truck, you’ll be in business.

Rocks
Speaking of heavy work, there are a few stout fellows who are making some hard-earned money by harvesting stone. That’s right, plain old “crick rock.” They are simply picking rock from some streams, dry branches, and rocky hillsides and selling it for $30 to $40 a ton depending on the demand and the general shape of the stone. The rock may end up as veneer on a basement or house, as a hearth and chimney in a city-dweller’s “country” home, or as a plain old rock wall. Especially large stones, weighing several tons apiece, may end up in someone’s front yard as what we call a “status rock.”

Hunting/fishing guide
Don’t rule out the possibility for working as a hunting or fishing guide. In some states, guides are required for nonresidents hunting big game. Even in areas where they are not required, hunters are often willing to pay good money for the chance to bag game or catch a stringer of fish. In our area, guiding wild turkey hunters is catching on and some fishing guides are finding work on the area reservoirs. Hunting and fishing guides are licensed in some states, so check with your state fish and wildlife agency for more information.

Odd jobs
Performing plain old day labor is an honest way to earn a dollar. There are more than a few people in my area who do just that. They hire out by the day to do general labor whether cutting brush, building fence, painting barns, mowing, rough carpentry, or just about anything else that needs done. They are normally paid at an hourly rate ranging from minimum wage to a dollar or two above that, although some jobs may pay more.

Artist/writer
Another area resident transplanted himself and his family here about 25 years ago. Since that time, he has devoted his time to painting, writing, and photography. He has painted a mural in the lobby of our post office and has had showings of his paintings in several area galleries. His most recent successes have included four books about the local area. The first book highlighted local folk artists from the county. The second chronicled, in word and pictures, the daily life in our rural county. His third book was an ambitious, and successful, photographic history of the county. His fourth project was a collection of folk tales and stories of growing up told by dozens of old-timers in the area. His most recent project involved traveling around the southern half of the state, recording and documenting the last of the small-town country stores, drive-in restaurants and theaters, and similar businesses. This gentleman has done a lot for preserving the rich history of our area, and has made a decent living as well.

Another artist is a lady who lives away out from town and does sketches and pen and ink drawings of area landmarks. She often watercolors some of the prints of her work and offers all of them for sale at craft fairs, festivals, and in some local shops. Like the fellow above, she has also done much to record the rich tapestry of local country life and to record many of the local landmarks.

Wildland firefighter
During the summer months, I have used vacation time from my regular job and worked as a wildland firefighter. This adventuresome work has taken me to many fires in half a dozen states. Firefighting is not easy work. It is dirty, often dangerous, and physically demanding—a lot of “grunt” work. But it pays well. It is also satisfying, exciting, interesting, and offers an opportunity to see places you might not otherwise see. You will need to contact your local state or national forest office for more information in getting the necessary training and certification for this work.

Simple craft items can sell well locally.

Woodcarving
An acquaintance of mine is in the middle of marketing the works of his booming woodcarving business. After a few years of gaining recognition and awards in state and regional carving contests, some major national organizations are now promoting and selling his work. The growing demand for his lifelike carvings of trout, smallmouth bass, and other fish have recently required him to travel to Galway, Ireland, to make sure the reproductions were being made to his satisfaction. Obviously this is not something that all of us could pursue, but if you have a knack for carving, there is a demand for good work.

Welding
An older fellow in town has a good welding business based at his home. He is probably one of the best welders around. He does have a portable, truck-mounted welder with which he makes runs for farmers and others needing on-site repairs, but he does the majority of his work at his shop, adjacent to his home. Good welders are hard to find. In fact, this old boy could be retiring in a few years, and I don’t know of anyone planning to take his place.

Tax preparation
With the complexity of the tax laws, it is not surprising to learn that there is plenty of business in tax preparation. With some of the quality computer software available, this could be an area with promise for a home-based business.

Firearms
A friend of mine has a thriving gun shop located in a small building adjacent to his house. In addition to selling firearms, ammunition, and related equipment, he does some simple gunsmithing, i.e., minor repairs, fits scopes and accessories, and sights in firearms for customers. His location is out in the sticks off the beaten path, but he has a pretty steady line of customers including a lot of regulars.

Computer tech
It seems like every nook and cranny of the countryside has been affected by the computer age. Rural folks are jumping aboard the Internet and finding worlds opening up with the stroke of a key or two. Even in these rural areas, some enterprising and talented persons are making good money by selling and setting up computer systems. A fellow I know recently quit his factory job after 20-some years and went full-time into this business. He did not simply plunge into the new business, but eased into it gradually, doing it as a part-time endeavor for several years. He knows his business and is swamped with customers.

Selling on the Internet
Computer-based sales is a booming business. Selling individual items over the Internet, notably by using the popular eBay, can be a real moneymaker. It is simple to become a registered seller on this web-based market. Rules and conditions are spelled out at their website.

Fixing cars
There are more than a couple of automobile body repair shops in the local area. They are required to work with several insurance companies when doing most accident repairs, but this helps to insure prompt payment. They are all kept busy and are making decent money. Related to that are the numerous automobile mechanic shops that dot the area. With the coming of increasingly inexpensive computer technology, good mechanics are able to branch out and obtain the diagnostic equipment needed to work on late model computer-laden vehicles. Furthermore, in rural areas such as ours, there are plenty of (t)rusty older vehicles to work on as well.

Craftsmen
A couple of fellows I know turn out some excellent woodcraft items. One fellow, retired from his previous job, does fine scrollwork and creates clocks, miniature houses, and similar pieces. Another friend, who also happens to be our county sheriff, creates jewelry boxes from native wood, inlaid with shell and polished to a fine finish. Both of these craftsmen are kept busy filling orders for their work. Still another acquaintance has switched from making inlaid wooden chessboards to handmade cigar humidors. His tip is to follow the trends, concentrate on what is popular at the time, and fill the niche with a quality product.

Flowers
Back in town, a small but thriving flower shop has a healthy business. They supply cut and dried flowers, plants, special occasion balloons, and similar items. They keep their van on the road delivering orders all over the area. Related to this, you may want to consider growing fresh and dried flowers for sale. Flower shops and craftspeople use large but varying quantities of those materials in their work and will normally jump at the chance to get good locally grown stock that has not had to travel over hundreds of miles.

Legal reporter
One enterprising lady uses her secretarial skills and her home computer to run her own business as a legal recorder. Her work takes her to the adjacent counties at times, where she records legal proceedings, meeting minutes, and other official records. At home, she transcribes them and provides her clients with neat, bound copies of the records. She makes a good income doing this work. A good word processor and good dictation skills are a must for this work.

School bus driver
A husband and wife each have their own school bus route. These routes are let for bid every couple of years and there are usually two or three people who bid on each route. These routes are usually not a sole source of income for most of the drivers, but are used to supplement some other employment.

Bulldozer/backhoe
There are several fellows I know who keep busy with their bulldozing and backhoe services. It seems that someone is always wanting a pond constructed, a lane put in, a ditch cleaned out, or something along that line. A couple of them also have dump trucks and can haul gravel and fill dirt. Another has a small ditcher for laying water and electrical lines and putting in drain tiles and the like. The initial cost of equipment for these types of operations can be rather intimidating, but the returns are pretty good. Rates of $65 to $100 an hour are not uncommon for dozer operators.

Electrician
There are a couple of local electricians who keep busy doing residential and commercial work. They do just about anything a person would need in the way of electrical work. One of them is also trained in installing and maintaining heating and cooling equipment.

Painter
One family is kept busy doing residential and commercial painting. They do everything from painting windows to doing entire factory buildings. That is one key to their success. They are versatile and they do good work at a reasonable price.

Office cleaning
Another local family makes good money doing office cleaning in area communities. This work is performed mostly after hours and not only do the husband and wife work at it, the teenage children also pitch in.

House cleaning
Another local lady supplements her family’s income cleaning residences. She is trustworthy, does good work, and is kept as busy as she wants to be. There is a big demand for home cleaning in many communities. Many people are looking for honesty, in addition to a good job. If you get the reputation of being an “honest” house cleaner who does a good job, you can start a good business with a house cleaning service.

Building

Raising hogs or beef steers for custom sale can be profitable.

A couple of men in town have teamed up to do carpentry and building log homes. Not only do they build the log homes, they cut the logs for the structure themselves on their bandsaw mill. When they are not putting up a cabin, they are kept busy with general carpentry jobs. With the mill, they can also move it right onto a property and custom cut lumber for the landowner at competitive prices.

There are several ads in the pages of this magazine for the saw mills. It’s a sizable initial investment, but is a sound long-term investment in a job.

Lawn service
One friend, his wife, and teenage son spend nearly every summer evening mowing lawns. He has invested in a really nice commercial grade riding mower and some solid push mowers and weed whackers. All three family members work hard and make decent money on this evening job.

This is another business where “word of mouth” will bring you all the work you want. “Dependable” is the reputation you need for success.

Tree trimming
I know of three different tree-trimming outfits in our area. They are kept busy doing home improvement work, clearing storm damage, and the like. One of the companies has expanded into doing landscaping and transplanting, and is doing very well. This type of work, however, does require a bit of traveling to larger population centers, as landscaping opportunities in our local area are pretty limited.

Auctioneering
Auctioneering is an area with good income potential for someone with the gift of gab. Estate auctions and farm auctions are held throughout the year, but particularly during the warmer months. Auctioneers are usually paid on a percentage basis. Once they have built their skills, much of their success depends on how well they publicize the sales to draw a good crowd.

Selling timber
The demand for good quality hardwood is high. Timber sales are not only a good forest management practice, but can provide a good sustained income for your property. Consult with your local state department of forestry to learn more about properly managing your woodlands for maximum value.

Christmas trees
Another form of tree farming is raising Christmas trees. Cut-your-own operations work well for many folks, especially when coupled with displays of other home-raised products and items. Consider spruces or pines adapted to your area.

Making a living anywhere is not easy. If you can make a go of it solely on your homestead, you are to be commended. If you need to get out and seek employment, then follow some of the tips given in this article. You do not need to give up on living in the backwoods though. Use your imagination, interests, perseverance, and skills. Find what is needed in your area and pursue that. Expand on something you already know how to do. Don’t give up. Living in the sticks is worth it.

How to make money from storage building auctions

2006-12-10T01:52:00.000-08:00

Buying and selling is a time honored way of making a living. However, like any profession, success in merchandising requires following some fundamental rules. The most basic of these is to obtain items of good quality that people will actually want to purchase, and to acquire them at a low enough cost to ensure adequate profit. Once this challenge is met, the entrepreneur’s success is largely assured.

Fortunately, across the United States a huge supply of desirable products exists for low prices. Furniture, electronics, appliances, clothing, books, art, toys, tools, and a plethora of other goodies can be had for a fraction of their true value. The purchaser can use these items themselves, or resell them for a generous markup. Startup costs are minimal: a van or pickup truck (a trailer towed by a car will do) and a few hundred dollars are all that is required to begin your own business.

Finding merchandise
I am not talking about raiding dumpsters, joining wholesale clubs, or fencing stolen merchandise. I am discussing public storage buildings, which you can find in virtually any community coast to coast. Millions of individuals and businesses use these facilities to store all sorts of goods. Many of them eventually fall behind on their monthly rental bills. After an extended period of non-payment the storage building owner can legally claim the items. He or she will often hold periodic public auctions to sell off the goods in order to recoup a portion of their lost rent.

It is important to remember that the USA has become a nation of pack rats. Consumers acquire all sorts of things that they will never need or even use. Impulse purchases, seasonal items, unwanted gifts—all these and more end up under lock and key for extended periods. Seniors selling a large home and moving to a smaller one realize they have tons of unwanted possessions. Singles or couples buy a new sofa, DVD player, or television and store the old one. Children grow up and leave home, and the parents hold on to their clothing, old musical instruments, books, and clothing for sentimental reasons. Businesses upgrade their computer systems frequently, and the original PCs are seen as obsolete; they are put “on ice.” Ours is truly a throw away society.

Flea markets, newspaper ads, local radio stations, your own yard, and the internet are all great places to sell.

The result of all this financial fickleness is that large quantities of perfectly good things end up in rented storage buildings. Then death, financial hardship, or just plain apathy or forgetfulness kick in, and the items are forgotten. This is where the real opportunities for you come in. The units range in size from twenty five square feet up to several hundred. Some are even climate controlled, and may contain freezers full of fresh meat or other perishable goods. Chances are, there is such a place near you right now, packed with all sorts of treasures waiting for you to claim them.

The first step in taking advantage of this opportunity is learning when the auctions in your area take place. Get a copy of the local Yellow Pages directory and look under “storage facilities.” Contact the offices. Make sure you do not call storage building dealers, the people who actually sell the little sheds you see in back yards nationwide. You want the businesses that rent their own units on their own property.

Ask for the owner or manager, and tell them you want to know when the next auction is going to be. Some places hold them on a regular basis, and can give you the exact date and time. Others hold them “as need arises,” but do not currently have one planned. Put these on a call back list, and check with them once a month or so. Still others put a notice in the newspaper when the time for the auction approaches. Learn what paper they use and watch its classifieds.

On the day of the auction, show up a few minutes before it begins, ready to do some heavy lifting. A pickup or other large truck is ideal. A van is great, but there might be some head room problems. A bigger car can work if you use a utility trailer as well. You will also need work gloves, tarps, or blankets to cover the items in case of rain, and, if possible, hand trucks and/or a partner. Of course you will also need a place to store your purchases for a while until you sell them.

Bidding at auctions
Bidding at auctions is an art form unto itself. You may wish to just watch others at the first two or three you attend, just to get a feel for how much items go for. Keep in mind that your primary goal is resale. Don’t bid $300 on a building full of goods that you can only make 50 bucks on. A good idea is to check local flea markets, yard sales, classifieds, salvage stores, E-bay, etc., to see what different items go for.

The auctioneer will open the buildings one at a time to let the bidders see what they contain. If most or all of the goods are in boxes, then he or she will break these open and display their contents to the crowd. Bring a pad and pen and try to estimate the approximate resale value of the merchandise. Then place your highest bid at no more than 50 percent of that amount. If in doubt about the profitability of the contents, then don’t bid; there is always another day, and you don’t want to get stuck with tons of unwanted junk filling up your storage area.

As discussed before, the variety of things you can find at these auctions is astounding. Appliances, furniture, electronics, books, clothes, toys, pet supplies, CDs, records and cassettes, VHS/DVD movies, and boxes filled with knickknacks are common finds. Cash, jewelry, gold and silver coins, even automobiles have been found. You want to look the stuff over as thoroughly as possible to make sure that rain has not leaked in and destroyed things. If you smell mildew or see evidence of water damage, then pass that building up. Mice and other rodents sometimes get in, but they rarely do much damage, except to clothing and stored food. (Speaking of clothing, check the pockets and linings of any you get. Old people hide money in them. Wads of cash have been found stuffed in shoes and mattresses). Storage buildings with shingle roofs and heavy, tight-fitting doors do the best job of preserving stored items.

Sorting, repairing
Okay, the auction is over, and you were the high bidder on one or more lots. You can usually claim your merchandise on the spot. Start going through your acquisitions immediately. You want to separate the good stuff from the absolute junk, which you will haul to the dump. One strategy is to break open the boxes and hold up nice finds while other bidders are still milling about. Quite often they will make purchases from you right there.

Sometimes you will obtain things that need a little work. This is where a working knowledge of electronics, appliance repair, and/or woodworking comes in handy. You may locate a color television that only needs an inexpensive part to get it working again. Lawn mowers, garden tillers, and the like are often cast aside as “broke,” when all they need is a spark plug or other minor repair. A clothes dryer may only require a new lint filter to run like new. Scuffed or dirty furniture can be cleaned and polished. Learn to see past the dust and dents to discern an item’s true value. Many people have furnished their own homes this way, and saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars doing so.

Store your stuff carefully. Stack it neatly, cover it with tarps or blankets, make sure the weather will not get in, and lay out some poison in case vermin get in. Write down your inventory, noting general condition and what you think you can get for each item.

Re-selling
Now you can look at selling your goods. The venues for doing this are numerous. Newspaper ads are a good bet for larger or pricier items. People scan the classifieds every day looking for bargains. In addition, many local radio stations have weekly “swap shops,” usually on weekend mornings where you can call in, tell what you have for sale, and leave your phone number for interested parties. Call nearby broadcasters to find out about these. Sometimes television stations offer the same service.

Flea markets, also called “swap meets,” are great places to sell things. Check your local area for them. The Official Guide To U.S. Flea Markets by Kitty Werner is a nationwide listing of markets. The office will rent you one or more tables to display your merchandise on; fees range from three or four dollars a day per table up to fifteen or twenty for one inside a building with climate control. Check with the manager for prices and procedures for dealers. At some markets you can just show up the day of the sale and claim your own space; others require you to pay a few days in advance. Visit the market on a sale day before you bring your goods out; make sure there is good customer flow.

A typical storage unit, this one yielded camping equipment, a wooden rocking chair, BBQ grill, and other treasures.

Be sure and bring plenty of change, bags for the purchases (available at any grocery store; just offer them a few bucks for 40 or 50 of their sacks), a comfortable chair to sit in, and a cooler with drinks and some food. A beach umbrella can keep you cool in warm months. Bring a book or portable radio to help the time pass. Covering your tables with tarps, blankets, or heavy paper makes your display more appealing to the eye. Wide varieties of rather colorful folks both sell and buy at the markets, and you should meet some interesting people. For more information, check out How To Make Cash Money Selling At Swap Meets, Flea Markets, Etc. by Jordan Cooper, available from Loompanics Unlimited (www.loompanics.com).

Yard or garage sales are another way to rake in the dough. If you have a home with a good sized yard or a carport or garage, this option can work for you. Make sure you have plenty of change for your customers, as well as bags for their purchases. Advertise the upcoming sale in your local paper, put up signs in the neighborhood stating the day and address of the sale, and be outside early, ready to do business—yard sale fans are early risers. The old pros at this business set their merchandise out the night before, and cover it with tarps, so they do not have to set up the morning of the sale.

In many rural areas and small towns, retail auctions are a favorite form of entertainment. Dealers bring truck loads of products they have bought wholesale elsewhere and put them up for bid one at a time. Forget any images you may have of rich people wearing fancy clothing and buying rare antiques or Kennedy memorabilia. These sales are frequented by working class and country folk, the same types you will see at the flea market.

You can make a hefty profit by selling at these auctions, but you need to know what you are doing. Find out when and where they are held by checking your Yellow Pages, local papers, or just asking around. Go several times before you decide to sell. Watch the bidders and the auctioneer. Talk to the manager and find out what the terms are; usually the house will get a portion of whatever money you make. Retail auctions can be great fun as well as lucrative.

In many parts of the country it is legal to set up an impromptu store front along the roadside, in front of abandoned stores or in the hinterlands of large parking lots. Cops will not hassle you as long as no one complains. In the south it is common to see people selling produce, clothing, decorator rugs, stuffed animals, or other goods right off the back of their trucks or out of a van. The northeastern states seem much less tolerant of this form of free enterprise, however. The rule of thumb is this: if you see others doing it without being persecuted, then you can do it too. Gas stations and convenience stores that have gone out of business are great locales. Bring your stuff and set it out for customers to see. Leave plenty of parking room, and expect many people to drive past your setup while checking out the goods.

Other venues include pawn shops, web pages, and collectors. It is amazing what people will collect. Campaign buttons, old books, walking sticks, teddy bears, shaving razors, beer mugs, and even prepaid calling cards have their enthusiasts. Read a few books on antiques and collectibles to become conversant on the subject. Internet sites like E-bay are great as well.

No matter how great a sales person you are, you will eventually end up with some goods that just will not move. You can often sell these in bulk to other dealers at a low price. Charities like the Salvation Army and Goodwill will give you a receipt for donated items that you can use to reduce your taxes.

America is a fantastic place to live, with wealth literally overflowing its containers. It is quite possible to live off the fat of the land, even in these days. Storage building auctions offer fantastic opportunities for the entrepreneur. I should know; I have been benefiting from them for years. Now you can too.

Making baby food at home

2006-12-10T01:47:00.000-08:00

Homemade baby food is not only delicious and economical, it is simple to prepare as well. Being able to control the ingredients, choosing organic produce and meats, and combining favorite foods are some of the hidden benefits to making baby food at home.

While there are entire books on the subject, the process is relatively easy. Vegetables should be steamed, fruits should be simmered, and meat should be poached. The food is then blended in a food mill or food processor and refrigerated or frozen. Baby food can be made in batches small enough to last a few days and stored in the refrigerator or larger batches can be made and frozen for two months.

Choosing when to start your baby on solid foods is a very personal decision. Consult your baby’s doctor for tips on when to start and what foods to start with. Many doctors recommend starting baby on rice cereal. It is also advised to introduce one food at a time, over the course of a week. This will alert you to any food allergies your baby may have. Pureed apples and sweet potatoes are good choices once the baby is used to cereal.

The age and size of the baby will determine the type of food and its consistency. Young babies require fine purees with no lumps or strings. You will have to add breast milk, formula, or boiled water to loosen the puree enough for new eaters. Some parents use soy or rice milk in baby food. As the baby grows, the food can become thicker and with tiny chunks. The small chunks will encourage baby to gum, and eventually chew, the food. Your little one will soon learn to eat small dices of fruits and vegetables along with Mom and Dad.
Uncommon baby food

There are a few foods that need no preparation other than mashing with a fork or blending in a food mill: banana, avocado, and papaya.

If you dry home-grown fruits or vegetables, those can also be made into baby food. The dried food should be ground into a fine powder, or a coarse powder if you have an older baby, and reconstituted with breast milk or formula. A good example of dried food that reconstitutes well is dried apple rings. Also, potato flakes or chips, pears, green beans, peas and squash make excellent baby food.

Another unconventional source is canned fruits or vegetables. Canned fruits should be in water, if possible. If they are in syrup, they should be drained and rinsed. Then you can puree them and serve. Canned vegetables are just as simple. Use some of the water the vegetables are packed in to blend the food. Avoid canned vegetables that contain a lot of salt. Canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie, was a favorite of my son.

Plain yogurt is very good to serve older babies. It may need to be thinned with breast milk or formula. Cottage cheese should be blended before serving and it, too, may need to be thinned.
Getting started

The equipment needed is basic. You must have pots and pans to cook in, something to blend the food into a puree, and containers to store the food. A steamer basket is useful for the vegetables. A blender, food processor, food mill, or baby food grinder all work well to create purees. Old baby food jars, rigid plastic containers, or ice cube trays work wonders in storing your concoctions.

Everything you use to make baby food should be very clean. Sterilizing the jars and utensils is recommended.
Basic recipes

Fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, apricots, and plums should first be peeled and cut into small pieces. Pour enough water over them to cover completely, but take care not to add too much water. The amount of water you’ll need will vary with the size of your pot and the amount of fruit. Simmer until tender, usually 10 to 30 minutes.

The fruit can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. Don’t thin the puree until you are ready to serve it to your baby. The best way I have found to freeze baby food is using ice cube trays. I fill each tray with the puree and pop it in the freezer. Once frozen solid, put the puree-cubes in freezer bags. This makes it easy to remove only a few cubes at a time. The puree can also be frozen in baby food jars or small can/freeze jars, always allowing space in the jar for expansion. Rigid plastic containers also work well. No matter what container you use, freeze baby food in small amounts for quicker thawing.

Another reason I prefer the ice cube method is the ability to combine different foods. I almost always make single-food purees. Then, I can combine different fruits and vegetables and see if my son likes them. For example, my son loved sweet potatoes but hated green beans. I combined two cubes of sweet potato with one of green bean and he didn’t mind. I gradually increased the amount of green bean and now, it is one of his favorites. Thaw the cubes in the refrigerator overnight. Jars and containers take longer to thaw, so you will have to plan in advance. If I need to rush the cubes along, I put them in a double boiler over boiling water. I try not to use the microwave for baby food, due to the uneven heating.

Vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, squash, and potatoes should be peeled and diced. Steam them until they are tender. The time will vary, depending on the size of the pieces and the amount in the steamer basket. Once they are pureed, freeze them just as you would fruits.

If I want to add meat to my son’s diet, I puree whatever I am cooking, minus the spices and seasonings. After it’s fully cooked and pureed, I add it to his vegetables.
Warnings

Beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard greens, lettuce, spinach, and turnips contain high quantities of nitrates, which can cause illness in babies. Limit the quantity of these foods in your baby’s diet.

Honey should never be given to a child under age one. Some honey contains botulism which can be deadly to babies.
On to “real food”

Once your baby has outgrown fine purees, or even the chunkier versions, you can still provide healthy meals. Dice fruits, vegetables and meats and let your little one feed himself. If you are letting baby feed himself, give him a little at a time. Measure what you give him and after he is done eating, put whatever has fallen into his high chair back into the measuring cup. This will give you an opportunity to see how well your baby eats.

If you have a child who doesn’t like fruits or vegetables, try being innovative. Instead of serving them fruit dices, try a blended-fruit drink. Blend one cup milk with ½ banana, ½ cup fresh berries, or ½ cup canned peaches. Make fruit-filled gelatin or try adding pureed beets. Sweeten vegetables with apples and pears.
Good food combinations
plums and pears
green beans and any meat
sweet potatoes and bananas
sweet potatoes and apples

pumpkin and apples
apples and blueberries
banana and avocado

New Auction

2006-12-08T06:04:00.000-08:00

Huge guide to making candles and soaps!!

Make and sell.

HUGE GUIDE BOOK!!

.99 cent starting bid - FREE SHIPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bookstore Just for WAHM

2006-12-08T03:50:00.000-08:00

This bookstore is just for WAHM's!!!
Tons of books with info and more. Business ideas. Also you can make this bookstore your home based business.
WAHM Bookstore

Make Pets Your Business: Start Your Own Dog Bakery

2006-12-08T03:49:00.000-08:00

What is a Dog Bakery?
People are becoming more health conscious, not only for themselves, but for their pets as well. A great way to tap into this consciousness is to start a dog bakery offering healthy treats to these lucky pooches. Commercial dog biscuits contain a ton of additives and chemicals, while home baked treats eliminate all this unnecessary stuff and they taste great.

You can transform your kitchen into your bakery and find most ingredients in your local grocery store. This means low production costs with a good profit margin. You can package your baked goods quite simply with paper bags and make your own labels at home.

Before you dive right in, make sure you check out the legalities of preparing and selling food in your area. The laws will vary from area to area.

Dog Bakery Supplies & Equipment

-Do you have a kitchen with an oven?
-Dog treat and biscuit recipes ~ there are many books available on the subject
-Cookie cutters ~ find cute dog bone shapes and other unique cutters
-Packaging ~ You can go as simple as brown paper bags with a nice computer-printed label with all your contact information. If you're shipping your biscuits, you may want to choose some more sturdier packaging. Check your local dollar store for inexpensive tins and boxes. If you have a knack for sewing, how about a sealable plastic bag placed into an attractive fabric bag with a drawstring?

Dog Baker Skills & Attributes
If you don't like dogs, you shouldn't waste your time. A love of pets and what you're doing is essential.
An interest in baking.
Sales skills - these biscuits aren't going to sell themselves.
Ability to meet deadlines - people will be making orders and you need to be able to fill them in a timely manner.

Dog Bakery Product Prices
Check out your competition for appropriate pricing. If you sell wholesale to stores try not to undercut their retail price when selling to retail customers.

Get Your Business off the Ground
Visit the following businesses to see if they would like to sell your product.

-veterinarian
-pet store
-kennel
-doggy daycare

If they aren't interested in selling, ask if you can leave samples with your menus. The great thing about having low production costs is that samples aren't going to break the bank.

Also, don't forget to give your samples to your friends with pets ~ but make sure they take a menu too!

Book a table at a local pet event.

Try organizing a fundraising event with your local SPCA or animal organization. The idea is that people purchase your products and the organization receives a portion or all of the profits. Again, be sure to have menus and business cards on hand, so that people can make future orders from you in the future.

Start Your Own Baby & Toddler Clothing Resale Business

2006-12-08T03:47:00.000-08:00

You may have started by clearing out your children's closets and selling what you found on eBay. But have you ever considered doing this as a full-time business? Why not open your own Virtual Baby & Toddler Clothing Resale Business? People love high quality, fashionable clothing, but don't want to pay a lot of money for it. Babies and toddlers grow like weeds, this we all know, and it can be expensive keeping up with all this rapid growth. You can start a business that helps parents keep up without having to spend a lot of money.

Says Donna Bliss of MyMiracleBaby.com, "There is a tremendous market for children's clothing--particularly babies' because they are outgrown so quickly. The brand names are so pricey and offering them for resale gives parents a chance to dress their angels to the nines without going broke. My customers are so grateful and we can barely keep our 'shelves' stocked. We coined the phrase 'pre-loved' because the clothing we offer is more than just used or resale--its the best of the best and there's plenty of wear left."

What is a Clothing Resale Business?
Clothing resale is what you make it. You can sell gently used clothing online or you can open up your own home based store ~ or both. What about baby necessities like strollers, bassinets and cribs? Why not include some unique handmade products to your offerings?

You can take items on consignment from local families, businesses, seamstresses and knitters; you can make bulk purchases from your local thrift store or you can buy up the whole lot at a local garage sale.

Your virtual business can include selling on your website, selling at online auction houses and partnering with other websites to sell your merchandise. Says Sandy of her online resale clothing business at TwiceIsNiceKids.com, "This is a work at home option that only requires a few hours a day -- updating items that are sold and adding new inventory. You can put as little or as much time into it as you want."

Clothing Resale Supplies
If you are operating your resale business online, your supply list will be relatively simple:

Clothing & Items for Sale: Well, of course you'll need to get clothing and baby & toddler-related merchandise to sell. Whether you purchase or take clothing on consignment, be sure to only take quality merchandise that is not well worn. If you are operating your business online and people are making purchases based on photos, you don't want them to have any surprises.

Packaging & Boxes to Ship Items:You need to ship those orders. Make sure you have enough packing supplies around for fast shipping times.

Digital Camera:If you want people to buy your items online, you have to show them good quality photos. Clothes are photographed best on models (and they're so cute, too) or on a mannequin.

Clothing Resale Skills & Attributes

Marketing Skills:You need marketing skills to run a business. Many of these are skills you can acquire along the way, but be sure to do your preliminary research.

Organizational Skills: You need to keep good records of your sales and not just for tax purposes. You need to be able to keep track of which buyers have paid, which have received their items, etc. Setting up a spreadsheet or database with all the pertinent information should help keep this under control.

Customer Service Skills: You are selling to people who have never met you. You need to ensure that you customer service is impeccable to ensure good feedback on any online auction houses you use and to have repeat customers.

Clothing Resale Prices: Your prices will vary depending on the quality, brand name and what you paid for the items. Calculate all your expenses and determine what you can sell for in order to maintain a profit. You may want to give volume discounts.

Stuff a Friend - FREE home business

2006-12-08T03:16:00.000-08:00

This is a great FREE home based business.

Survival tips for your Craft business

2006-12-08T03:08:00.000-08:00

Organize yourself: Write your creative ideas down on paper when they first occur to you.

If you delay, you will probably forget. Make frequent notes. Create files for ideas, receipts, customer addresses, and supplier information. Stay informed about crafts business news: Publications for home businesses can help you gain insights into your crafts business. Here are some of the online craft magazines:

Craft Marketer News - Get the free email newsletter that brings you articles and tips for craft selling, pricing, funding and more: subscribe to Craft Marketer Newsletter by email. You will receive a confirmation message in a few minutes with a copy of a recent issue. Newsletters go out around twice a month.

Arts Crafts Show Business - Magazine and website for the craft artisan who sells. Includes show listings, articles, links and more: http://www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com/

The Crafts Report - Online version of print magazine discussing all aspects of crafts business.

SAC News Monthly - Articles on craft business and promotions and reviews of craft shows: http://www.sacnewsmonthly.com/

Sunshine Artist - Online version of print magazine discussing art and crafts business. Also links to craft show locators. http://www.sunshineartist.com/

Take classes: The more you know, the more you can do. Increase your technical skills and gain competitive advantages in the marketplace. Craft shops and schools usually offer courses in craft and art techniques. This is a good way to pick up tips for faster production methods.

Work at home: Make products at home. Since you are already paying utilities, rent, or house payments, you wonÃ½Ã½Ã½t increase your expenses and you can still spend time with your family.

Use what you got: Before spending money for equipment and supplies, honestly assess whether you need them. Be creative with materials that have gone unused for awhile. Once, I took some ghastly colored yarns, indisputably useless, and over-dyed them with great results.

Cut costs by sharing expenses: I share studio space with three other crafts persons, saving on rent and utilities. As a group, we also help generate enthusiasm for each others work and business. We sometimes make large materials orders together to receive bigger discounts. Sometimes we share booth space at craft shows. More ways to cut costs of doing a business in The Basic Guide to Pricing Your Craftwork.

Prepare for hot sales times: Be ready for the good selling seasons, like the months before Christmas, with plenty of inventory. Once the season is past, its several months before sales pick up. Use a production quota to insure you have the goods. Order your materials far enough ahead of the production time so that you arent ruined by out-of-stock problems with suppliers. Budget so that youll have the money to buy what is needed.

Get phone service in your own name: The phone company will charge you a higher rate for a business phone than for service in your name.

Save on travel expenses: Lower your travel costs by doing shows in cities where you have friends and relatives. If you do many shows, chances are you will make good friends with other craftspeople. When your show schedules coincide, why not share motel costs?

Do your own building and maintenance: Cut down auto expenses. Learn how to do easy repairs on your car like changing your oil and tune-ups. Build, or find a friend to help you construct your display booths, inventory shelves or tables for your studio.

Make mistakes pay: If your project doesnt turn out for some reason, write it down and think of other ways to use what youve made. Can a piece be taken apart and rebuilt?

Get payments for orders in advance: Whenever a customer wants something special made, ask for payment in advance. When a new store account places an order, require them to prepay or accept the shipment C.O.D.

Contract the drudgery: If detail and finishing work drive you crazy, hire someone to do it for you. You can pay them by the hour or by the piece; this gives you more time to design and sell.

Think BIG: Save time and increase profits by "ganging up" your production. For example, work from several piles of assembled raw materials. This cuts down production time per piece, increasing profits.

Avoid undercutting your wholesale store accounts: If you do a craft show in the same town where you have a store account, be sure to charge the same retail price that they are asking for similar products.

Use contracts in all business arrangements: When working with galleries, designers, or large exhibitions, draw up agreements clearly defining liability, how pieces will be shipped, who pays for the shipping, and whoÃ½Ã½Ã½s liable if something goes wrong. Require purchase orders from stores. Clarifying these things in advance can save you hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars in the event of confusion or unexpected misfortune. Source of business and legal forms for crafts.

Keep your eyes open for new opportunities: If you come across a store that sells handcrafted items, but not your craft, approach them about carrying your work. Adding a new product line will increase sales for both of you.

Use suppliers that offer credit terms of 30 days to pay for purchases: Many suppliers will extend you a month if you can come up with a couple of references. Approach the major suppliers as a retail supplier if you want to receive wholesale discounts. If you set up a retail business to other crafts persons, you can buy supplies for about 50% of the average retail price. If you teach classes, resell these supplies to students at the full price.

Hire the physically disadvantaged: The government has a grant program for businesses that offer training that leads to employment for individuals with handicaps. Contact: Office of Program Operations, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Dept. of Education, Washington, DC 20202.

Save money on your long distance phone bill. Through a network cooperative plan, Ive cut my long distance phone costs by 50% and more. Interstate rates through this program anytime of the day are only 5.9 cents per minute billed in six second increments. I get the same 5.9 cent rate for a toll free number I provide my customers to order through. Since ATT, MCI and Sprint bill you in 1-minute increments, you are paying for time you aren't using. This program is a must for cutting phone costs. See http://www.tollfreenumbers.bigstep.com/.

Networking with a group who shares your interests opens doors to new opportunities. Many resources exist to help increase contacts, expand marketing efforts, provide information about funding, insurance, and legal advice.

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Packaging Your Finished Product

2006-12-08T03:01:00.000-08:00

Packaging your finished product Packaging not only increases the attractiveness of your finished product, but also its perceived value. Don't be fooled -- you pay a hell of a lot for packaging all the time in your every day life. How many times have you been into a store and bought something that was nicely packaged just because it looked good? It's all about letting the customer know that your product is professional and not just thrown together.

Some ideas ....Â·
If your candles have a rustic or country feel, simply tie them off with some natural coloured raffia wrapped round and tied into a bow with a hang a tag for the company name, product and scent. Â·
Use cello bags to pop your candles into.
Tape over any excess with clear tape and tie the tops off with pretty curling ribbon. Stick a label on the front with the company name, product and scent.

Â· Use your home printer to make labels!!! A lot of easily available software like Microsoft Publisher comes with label templates that you can customise yourself. Print onto good quality sticker paper and cut to size! For an added effect use scissors with a fancy cutting blade to get a really good effect on the label. Â· Custom made warning labels. Some companies offer reasonably priced custom printing onto warning labels with your company name and tele number. This gives a great impression to your customers If you have a well thought out and professionally packaged product, the customer is more likely to think of you as a "real" business. It may cost a little extra in the outlay for cello bags for example, but the return will be more than worth it.

Setting Up a Craft Booth

2006-12-08T02:48:00.000-08:00

You have decided to sell your crafts at a Craft Show. Now how do you do this to make your items sell. The first thing that you need to do is to see how much space you will need and how do you display the items.

Keep in mind that most spaces a Craft Shows vary from 8'x5' to 10'x10' for single spaces. What you now need to do is find an area where you can mark off 8'x5'. You can use something as simple as cans for the corners of your space, but don't trip on them or move them around. You can also use masking tape on your floor or carpet.

Now do you want to display everything on a table or do you want to get some height. Keep in mind that the customers eyes will wonder so you will need to think of this with your items.

First, try a table (one you plan to take with you or the size of one that you might rent) and see how you might want to display your items that way. If your items are small enough a table is all that you will need. Usually, people have 6' tables that they take with them or maybe a couple of card tables. This really depends on your crafts.

Now you may want to think of some height. You can buy plastic take apart shelves that will look good and be easy to carry. This will give you some heights and if your items will work on a shelf that will be great. If you need a back on the shelf you can get a piece of plywood cut to fit and then connect it to the shelf so that it will not fall. If the items that you might want to lean on the backing are light weight you can use a piece of fabric cut to fit and place under the bottom to make it tight. Another way to acquire height is to have a small peg board made to fit on the ends of the table, screens in frames, mesh wire in frames or metal grids. What ever you use you will want to make it safe so that it will not fall over onto your customer. There are so many ways to make heights and it really depends on your crafts as to what you want and how you want to display these items. You can even go to the boxes that you carry your items in and place them on the table to make a riser and then you will want to cover this with fabric.
There is one very important thing to remember here. Most Craft Shows will want you to look professional and cover your table to the floor all the way around. You can buy professional covers made for your table or you can get very reasonable fabric to cover your table with. You will have to make sure that you do not have anything on the floor to trip your customer. If you choose a plain color of fabric you will not have problems with your items showing up. Some people even use plain white sheets with the ends folded is so that the sides also look professional.

Now that you have a table set up see if this is how you want your I
tems to show. You will play around with this at several shows before you are really happy with your set up and even then you will keep changing as your craft changes. Always keep in mind that you can always change the way that you display your items. You may find ways that others use to show off their items that might work for you also and choose to do something similar.

If you try a set up at home first you will have an idea of how much space you will need and how to set it up when you arrive at the show location. Practice at home with your set up and then after you have your space set up the way that you think you want it, leave the room and rest awhile from it. Now come back into the area with a fresh view and think of yourself as the customer. How does your space look to you now? Are you happy with your idea or is it lacking something? You usually do not have the time to do al of the playing around when you arrive to set up.

There are several large items that you need to set on the floor. Now what do you do? Move your table around (on the side or back of the area) and place the items where you want them on the floor. This is the fun part, while you are at home and under no pressure to hurry and set up. With practice at home you will be more relaxed when you arrive at the location of the craft show.
There are so many different ways to set up your booth that working it out at home first is really a must. Remember, that you can always change things around and your set up is not set is stone. If you find a crafter close that you become friends with you can also ask for suggestions. Most of the crafters will be more that happy to help each other, all you have to do is ask. If you have a slow period during the craft show you can recheck your set up.
You need to remember that everything will need to fit into your vehicle and that is another place that you may want to practice.

Now that you have your area set up, did you remember that you will want to sit down and have room for a money box or something to keep your money in? To start with you can buy small cash boxes. You will not want to be fumbling around in a shoe box or cigar box like you may have done at a garage sale. Later you may want to buy a small cash register. If you use a money box you will want to keep it away from hands so you may want to get a box fixed to hide your money box in.

Don't forget that you will need to have bags on hand for your items. Your customers can not carry everything around and if they do not have bags you will not be albe to tell if they bought the items or not. If your item is too large for a bag you may want to place a bright sticker on the sold items so that you know that it was purchased.

There are many times that a person will get discouraged, but keep in mind that you need to do more than one or two shows to really know if craft show selling is for you or not. Spring shows are a good place to start as they are slower than the fall shows, but this is where you can get discouraged since the sales are lower. Remember, at this point you are practicing. Summer shows are mostly outdoors. And then you have one day shows to four day mall shows. Do only what you feel that you can do and do not extend yourself too far. I myself have been doing craft shows for over 30 years and love meeting the people and hearing the comments about my crafts even if they do not buy right then. Many times they will come back later if they truly like your items.

You have now practiced and found out how much space you need to get at the craft show and you have ideas of how to set up your booth.
Happy selling!

Create Themed Gift Baskets

2006-12-08T02:45:00.000-08:00

Gift baskets are a great way to make a personal gift for family or friends. This article includes many ideas of containers and themes to help you get started on a gift basket for everyone on your list. Gift baskets can be a lot of fun for you and the recipient and don't have to cost a lot of money.

The Recipient

The first thing to consider is who you are giving the basket to:

- What do they like?
- What are their hobbies?
- What do they need?
- What do they like to eat?

Containers

The container or "basket" doesn't have to be expensive. Pick a theme (some are listed below) and find a container that goes with the theme that can hold some items or have items attached to it. You want the container and the items to go together and for everything to be usable and practical. (This is not to say that a few fun things can't be thrown in too.) Below are some of my ideas for containers but there certainly are many more possibilities.

- Baskets of all shapes and sizes
- Bowls
- Flower pots
- Watering can
- Fishing creel
- Canvas bag
- Day pack
- Waste basket
- Bucket - ice, plastic or garden
- Colander
- Plastic container
- Storage box
- Platter
- Tin

Ideas for Themes

The items that go within the gift basket should be tied together by a common theme. The themes below are gift basket recipes that can be modified to fit your needs or to get you started on developing your own themed gift basket.

College Student Gift Basket

Use a basket or usable container
- Pens and Pencils
- Printer paper and supplies
- Mouse pad
- Washcloth and hand towel
- Yummy healthy snacks
- Phone Card
- Gift certificate for a CD
- Nail Clippers
- Book light

Bath Gift Basket

Use a nice basket
- Gel eye-pack
- Epsom salts or bubble bath
- Aroma therapy oils
- Scented candles and holders
- Pumice stone
- Washcloths, scrubber or loofa sponge
- Back cleaning brush
- Relaxing music on CD or cassette
- Rubber ducky

Kids Coloring Gift Basket

Use a rubber/plastic storage box
- Assorted papers, coloring books
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Nontoxic markers
- Assorted stickers
- Paint box and brushes
- Safe scissors

Photographer's Gift Basket

Use a basket or a camera bag
- Film
- Coupons for picture developing
- Camera Filters
- Lens cleaner
- Lens cloth
- Photo print paper
- Picture frame and matte
- Picture Album

Letter Writer's Gift Basket

Use a square basket or plastic box
- Note paper or cards
- Envelopes (choose a variety of sizes)
- Letter opener
- Pen or pencil
- Personalized seal
- Sealing wax
- Return address labels
- Rubber stamps to decorate envelopes
- Stamps

Crafters Gift Basket

Use a rubber storage container
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Acrylic paints
- Assorted brushes
- Craft knife
- Craft supplies (this will depend on the craft they do.)
- Craft patterns or how-to books
- Craft papers
- Scissors

Pasta Lover Gift Basket

Use a colander or bowl
- Package of gourmet pasta
- Tongs or pasta grabber
- Package of sun-dried tomatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fancy olives
- Spices: oregano, basil, garlic powder
- Collection of your favorite pasta recipes hand-printed on recipe cards
- Pasta cookbook
- Jar of gourmet sauce

Gardener's Gift Basket

Use a clay plant pot, bucket or watering can
- Gardening gloves
- Hand tools
- Vegetable, flower seeds
- Liquid fertilizer
- Kneeling pad
- Gardening book
- Subscription for a gardening magazine
- Plant markers
- Heavy Duty Hand Lotion

Cat Lover Gift Basket

Use a cat bowl or pet bed
- Catnip Mouse or other cat toy
- Hair ball paste
- Cat treats
- Cat Brush
- Scratching post
- Gourmet cat food

Dog Lover Gift Basket

Use a dog bowl or pet bed
- Rawhide bone
- Dog biscuits
- Squeaky toy
- Dog shampoo
- Brush
- Collar and/or leash

Dogs come in all sizes so make sure you are buying for the right size dog. Also if it is for a puppy, chewy stuff is the best.

New Home Owner Gift Basket

Use a tool box or tool tray
- Screw drivers - Slot and Phillips
- Wrench, Pliers or Vice Grip Pliers
- Hammer
- Assorted nails, tacks, screws, washers
- Gift certificate for the local hardware store
- Do-it-yourself Home Repair book
- Other assorted odds and ends like:
- super glue
- light switch covers
- light bulbs
- duct tape
- paint brushes
- knobs and handles

Guitar Player's Gift Basket

Use a basket or gig bag
- Assorted guitar picks
- Tuning pipe or electronic tuner
- Sheet music
- CDs or cassettes of great guitar players
- Guitar strings
- Capo
- Polishing rag
- Guitar polish
- Chord or lesson books

Skier or Snowboarder's Gift Basket

Use a small pack or canvas bag
- Gloves, mittens and/or warm hat
- Hot packs
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Pass to the local ski hill
- Hot chocolate
- Ski, snowboard or sled waxes

Grandparent Gift Basket

Use a basket or reusable container
- Scrapbook
- Children's artwork
- Gifts made by the kids
- Framed family pictures
- Videos of the family
- Long-distance calling card
- Candy, coffee, or tea
- Handmade Christmas ornaments
- Polar fleece lap blanket

Wine Lover's Basket

Use a wine cooling bucket
- Wine Glasses
- Cheese and Crackers
- Cork screw
- Bottle of wine

Holiday Entertainment Basket

Use a nice holiday basket
- Holiday Napkins
- Holiday Plates
- Holiday Cups
- Whole Mixed Nuts
- Nutcracker
- Cookies or baked goods
- Holiday floral picks or ornaments for decorating
- Cheese ball or Sausage stick and crackers

Fillers

Once you have obtained your items here are some fillers to put around them.
- Piece of fabric
- Shredded paper, newspaper or colored paper
- Straw
- Easter basket grass
- Tissue paper or newspaper comics
- Raffia
- Colored towels or cloth napkins
- Cedar shavings

Extra Items

For Christmas Baskets add:
- Candy canes
- Candles - scented or unscented, votive, tea lights or tapers
- Pine cones
- Cinnamon sticks tied with red ribbon
- Greenery - spruce, pine, cedar, holly
- Christmas ornaments

For any occasion add:
- Potpourri
- Hot cider, special tea bags, special coffee or cocoa mixes
- Mandarin oranges, tangerines, oranges or apples
- Unshelled nuts or packets of roasted nuts
- Wrapped candy or baked goods
- Small toys or puzzles
- Sample hand creams
- Lip gloss or Chapstick

Finishing

If you buy colored cellophane you can cover the entire container with it disguising what is inside. Tie a ribbon around the whole thing or paste a ribbon on top. Have fun!

Be sure to let us know if you have more ideas for themes and items!

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10 Ways For A WAHM To Have A Successful Day!

2006-12-07T03:12:00.000-08:00

10. Pick one task that MUST get done and accomplish it First!
Be sure this is not a multi step task such as submit my advertisement to 100 sites, that could take all day. You want this one task to be something accomplished immediately so when the day falls off track due to your toddler helping themselves to the permanent markers, you know you've gotten something productive done in your business.

9. Take a 10 minute break EVERY hour.
You wouldn't believe how happy your kids will be when you take 10 minutes to fully devote to them. Set up a new game or activity, color, play tag. Get them on a roll. Your next 50 minutes of working will be filled with laughter.

8. Make snacks FUN!
Nobody likes graham crackers in a bowl everyday. A little effort into snacks can bring smiles. How about strawberries cut on a plate, cool whip with drizzled chocolate syrup. Takes less than 5 minutes and your children will WANT to sit at the table.

7. Use the Crockpot.
During morning snack time, while the kids are at the table with their fancy snack. Throw some meat in the crockpot, add some spices, put the veggies on the table or in the crock. Dinner will be ready in 15 minutes after your long day working at home.

6. Let's get Physical.
Don't forget kids have a ton of energy and you need to help them use it up. During your 10 minute breaks, be sure at least 3 of those are physically tiring activities. Besides you'll get your 30 minutes of exercise in for the day!

5. Use a Timer.
This is both for you and the kids. A large kitchen timer that counts down 50 minutes at a time. Even the littlest of toddlers will recognize the beep and realize it's Mommy time! You can set it again for 10 minutes which will remind you and your children its time for Mommy's work. This will keep your day flowing without losing track.

4. Take One day OFF a week.
Places such as museums and zoos are less crowded during the week. Take the day off, pack the kids a lunch and GO! You'll be refreshed and more productive the next day. You won't believe how many new ideas you can come up with when you walk away from the computer for more than a minute. Plus, your kids will probably go to bed early from the outing, you'll be able to check your emails in peace.

3. Don't forget your Friends.
We have many different roles to play once we become Mommy. Most of the time we forget to be a friend to our peers. Not just our other Mommy friends that we met because of our kids, but the friends that we don't talk to all the time or make playdates with. Call the friend that you only see once and a while. Have lunch and an adult conversation.

2. Take Time for Yourself
It's o.k. to read a book that doesn't talk about marketing strategies. Spend 10 extra minutes in the shower and actually dry off before you get dressed. Instead of making everyone's favorite dinner, order out your favorite meal. You'll be a better person to everyone when you take time for yourself.

1. Remember why You Choose To Stay Home!
When your frustration level is increasing, you can't get anything done, your toddler just hit delete on the article you were writing and the dog is barking....enjoy it. This is why you are home. Step away from your work, take a deep breath, take time to get the house rythym back and then worry about work. You're home to love your kids when they need it most, take advantage of the opportunity to handle challenging times, this is why you're a WAHM!

How to choose a theme for your home parties business

2006-12-07T03:11:00.000-08:00

Home parties are a vital part of many network marketing businesses, but sometimes it’s hard to come up with a good theme to really get your customers interested. Here are some tips to get you thinking of new themes:

1. What events or holidays are coming up?
This could be back-to-school, Fourth of July, Super Bowl, baby showers, any event. Think of how your products tie into this event, and use that knowledge to sell, sell, sell.
2. Solve a problem
How do people use your products? What problems do they solve? Do they keep people organized? Make cooking more fun? Decorate the house? Use your knowledge of your products to motivate your customers.
3. Men/Women only parties
This is great if they aren’t your usual customers. Think of ways to help the men or women learn to use your products or buy as gifts.
4. Clearance sale!
Focus on your company’s clearance or discount price items. Who doesn’t love a sale?
5. Charity
Offer a percentage of sales to a charity and encourage your guests to give or buy products for the charity.
6. Time savers
This is really a part of the problem solver party, but worth mentioning on its own. If your product can help people save time, why not demonstrate that?
7. Party at a business
Check with local businesses that your clients tend to be at and see if they will let you do a party. Your workplace probably will not, but what about gyms?
8. Team up
Know other consultants for other network marketing companies? Coordinate a party with them. Give your guests even more products to buy, and show how they work together.

Hopefully, these tips will give you many options for your home parties. Themes can encourage people to buy, so make sure you plan thoroughly. Above all else, have fun!

GIFTS IN A JAR

2006-12-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

225 pages of great recipes and ideas for making gifts in a jar!!

FOR A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL IT IS ONLY $4.99! YOU SAVE $10.00!!

Gifts in a jar!

Turn Your Trash Into Profit E-Book

2006-12-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

Do you want to learn how to make money from your crafts?? Then get this e-book for the low price of 1.00!! Comes to you in your email!
BONUS - ONCE YOU BUY THIS EBOOK YOU ALSO GET RESELL LICENSE SO YOU CAN RESELL IT AND MAKE YOUR MONEY BACK!

Craft Supplies

2006-12-06T06:03:00.000-08:00

This link is for a great and low priced craft supply store. If you sell crafts then you always need supplies. Get them online and you can stay home more to make more crafts.

Sample Of DoJo's Doggie Treats

2006-12-06T05:44:00.000-08:00

If you would like a sample of the gourmet doggie treats I make just click on the button below. It is $1.50 for the sample.
I call them DoJo's Gourmet Doggie Treats. The name DoJo comes from a combination of my 2 dogs names. Dozer and Cujo!

What a busy day!

2006-12-06T05:08:00.000-08:00

I am going to be busy all day making more doggie treats. I want to get them into my flea market booth before the weekend. I am also trying to get my pet supply estore done. I might even put some of the treats on there to see how they do. I do not have anything listed on ebay. My sales had been so down for the last month that I think I will take some time off of ebay for a couple of months. Go back to selling after the first of the year! I got some fabric yesterday to start making some more handbags. I usually just recycle old clothes ,but I was in walmart and got some pleather (about 4 yards) for about 3 dollars!!! What a deal!

Do you like freebies then I have got the site for you- All New Freebies

I just found the best site!

2006-12-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

This site , http://www.allfreecrafts.com/ , is the most fun. I was on here all morning looking through all of the great crafts. I printes off a ton of ideas. They have a great gift in a jar page. Check it out.

TURNING YOUR SEWING INTO MARKETABLE MERCHANDISE

2006-12-05T04:57:00.000-08:00

Make, buy and sell needlecraft products such as pillows, crocheted or knitted items, quilts, sweaters and bedspreads. There is a huge market for these items -- and even larger number of people who make them. The trouble is that the qualifications for creating these beautiful items (patience, TLC, close attention and years of practice) are quite different from what it often takes to successfully market them!

Many people have a great deal of difficulty selling their needle handiwork. Even when they do, they often don’t even get back the cost of the materials. To make money in this area you must FIND and then ASSAULT the market!

When you sell only to friends and neighbors, the 'market' quickly becomes saturated and only lowering your prices even more seems to stimulate sales. Unfortunately, human nature is such that most people will pay a decent price only for something made across town by someone they don’t know.

Some people view an item made by someone they know (other than family) as 'home made' -- a substitute for the real 'store bought' thing. But when they buy an item that was crafted by a total stranger, it is 'handmade' -- something exquisite (Ah, human nature!).

This explanation does not make much sense, but it unfortunately rings true in too many situations. Even so, it does NOT mean there isn’t a good market for YOUR hand made products.

With a little imagination, your items can be marketed tastefully, or better still, SHOWCASED. Compare a homemade quilt hanging on a clothesline beside Grandma Brown’s house to a HANDMADE QUILT (same quality) featured in a store window with a pleasing background and a couple of spotlights to show off the beautiful color patterns and intricate stitching!

Think of a clever name; have your own labels made; take some good color pictures of your product, then prepare a brochure or 'flyer' (one sheet ad) showing it in its most favorable light.

Draw attention to its detail, fine work, durability and describe how it will become a HANDED DOWN HEIRLOOM in the buyer’s family.

Put light colors on dark backgrounds (and vice versa) for contrast in your ads; print (calligraphy would be even better) little cards to 'announce' the product in its setting. Tell about the fine materials used and the meticulous work involved -- show your products as the valuable, hand made treasures they are!

Show only a few products (even one) at a time to avoid a clustered or oversupplied appearance, which tends to cheapen the effect, whether the medium is a store window or a brochure.

Use as much skill and planning to present your products as do to create them! How about little tags or folders with something like Aunt Martha’s Hand Crafted Pillow Covers, 'each one created with loving patience and care?' Doesn’t that sound more interesting than 'Do you want to buy some pillow covers I made?'

You can advertise your products in the newspaper, magazines, or through bulletin boards and clubs. You can offer finished goods, or take orders for them to be made in a choice of sizes and colors.

One way to advertise inexpensively is to offer a sample of your work as a prize in a community drawing or contest, or for a charity auction (just make sure there are not several other similar items -- too much competition ruins the effect for everyone).

Another technique is to rent a window in a vacant store or one that will lease space or accept a commission on sales made as a result of the display.

Check on fairs and shows on subjects where renting a booth might be an excellent way of meeting potential customers. The 'trick' here is to have a 'free drawing.' People that stop by your booth can register by filling out a small form and keeping the numbered stub. The 'price' you realize for whatever you give away is a list of names and addresses of people who were interested in your products.

Now, you can send them brochures and 'special offers'! A stall at a flea market may or may not be advisable, depending on the clientele (some are great for auto parts, but no good at all for hand made tablecloths).

Call on stores in your area that might handle products like yours -- ask them to buy yours, or at least take them on consignment (if they do and they sell, switch them to outright purchases later).

If you have or can produce a good quantity of your products, contact a mail order house to see about selling to them, or paying them a commission on sales they make for you.

Regardless of which sales system works out best for you, once you have established a satisfactory 'outlet', immediately start making plans to buy other (non-competitive) products of equal quality (or take them on consignment), attach your label and add them to your 'line.'

You can specify exact products, color combinations quality -- what it takes to qualify for your label -- which is necessary to maintain your reputation and enables other products to be sold through you.

If you are considering mail order sales, place a few 'test ads' in smaller publications to learn which type of ad works best for your product. You need to learn the best wording as well as the best potential market, so keep careful track of which ads are answered by whom (use a box number suffix, suite or department number).

Spend a little time in the library to find magazines that would be a good place for your advertisements, and in others that advertise supplies you need (trade magazines).

When writing to any commercial supplier, always use letterhead paper. The easiest way to do this is to name yourself (use the same name on your product labels).

Order at least a minimum set of letterhead paper and matching envelopes for contacting suppliers.

In this business, as well as any other, records are extremely important. A person who can create quality handmade items is one who should have no trouble keeping neat and accurate records! In the beginning, a simple single entry ledger might be best (unless you are experienced in this area) -- because it will serve as a sort of 'diary' as well as business record.

THE BUSINESS OF CANDLE (AND SOAP) MAKING

2006-12-05T04:55:00.000-08:00

Create and market your hand-made candles. This business, along with its closely related cousins soapmaking and plastercraft does not automatically progress from the hobby to business stage without a good deal of planning and effort.

The volume sellers must compete with cheaper, less stylish mass-produced and often imported products. But, with perseverance and ingenuity, it can be done!

Candle making is a highly versatile craft -- one that encompasses unlimited opportunities for creativity. Candles can be dipped, molded, rolled, fused, layered, sculptured or any combination of processes. They may be colored (dyed, painted or tinted) within and without;; they can be scented or can have embedded materials such as beads or shells, coated or whipped (foamed).

An illustration of candle making ingenuity and versatility is hot yellow-orange wax poured over small ice cubes. When the ice melts and the wax sets, it leaves cavities that look like Swiss cheese!

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CANDLE MAKING ARE:

* a place to work (it is too dangerous and messy for the kitchen),

* adequate storage space for materials,

* a relatively cool place to put finished candles (they will sag in hot temperatures),

* utensils to melt and blend the waxes, molds and wax additives.

Startup supplies should include wax (sold in sheets or slabs), colors, stearic acid, temperature gauge, double broiler, a heating medium, molds and mold accessories (wick, lead, clay, etc.).

Equipment and supplies to get started at the crafts level should run in neighborhood of $200 from a professional supplier like Pourette (see Business Sources).

The candle making process is not complicated, but does require time and attention to detail for safety reasons as well as product quality.

Melting wax is highly volatile and can catch fire easily (this is why double broilers are used)if one isn’t very careful. In the standard molding process, raw wax is melted and brought to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

During this time, certain additives such as stearic acid, colors and scents are added. Meanwhile, the mold is cleaned and sprayed with release (silicon). A wick inserted from the bottom and tied to a stick across the top and the hole in the bottom sealed with clay.

Note that the top of the mold equates to the bottom of the candle, and vice versa! Heavy lead wires (weights) are wrapped around the bottom of the mold.

The mold placed in a convenient position to receive the hot wax. When the wax is ready it is slowly and carefully poured down the side of the mold to prevent bubbles from forming.. The mold is filled to the top.

The remaining wax is kept at ready temperature and used to refill the hollow that forms as the wax shrinks, a natural result of the cooling process.

During this process the mold is frequently placed in cool water to speed the cooling process (the reason for the lead wire). If the candles meant to be hollow (like hurricane candle),, the still molten center is poured back as soon as the sides cool to the desired thickness (about 1/2 inch). When cool, the candle is removed from the mold, the wick trimmed and any final touches made.

Molds can be solid plaster of pairs,metal or metal shells, or flexible plastic. The flexible plastic and metal molds are the most popular. It is difficult to make your own molds for many projects. Most anything can be used for a mold -- from hollowed out wet sand to paper cones.

To make a flexible rubber mold, coat the subject with the commercial silicon formula and paint on successive coats (after each coat dries) of compound until the desired thickness is reached.

Allow your mold to cure and then simply peel it off and start making casts. The procedure for using most molds is similar except that some need to be fastened together (2 or more parts and some need to be supported (in sand, plaster or even water).

There are unlimited variations that can result in strikingly different and very impressive candles.

One is dipping a partially formed candle into vats of different colored wax, then peeling back layers with a knife to reveal the contrasting colors and textures.

Another is filling a cavity in damp sand with wax, which yields a candle with a sandy surface.

One 'secret' technique was discovered by accident. A rubber mold was made of a wooden statue purchased in the Philippines. The statue had been made by aborigines who used shoe polish for a 'stained' finish.

The heat from the mold curing process caused the shoe polish to break away from the wood and mar the smooth finish. The resulting mold imparted a pitted or frosted type surface to the molded candle -- not desired (and expected) smooth shiny surface.

The candle maker made several black candles and applied bronze. 'rub and Buff' and the results were fantastic. The candles looked like they were made of solid bronze and sold like wildfire!

The way to get started is to order supplies and begin as a craft or hobby. Get your wax from as close to home as possible to save on freight (you will need about 50lbs. to start).When you feel confident of your ability and have a pretty good idea of the market, you are ready to consider becoming a business. Make up some samples, take some pictures and sell.

The difficult part is marketing ( due to competition from commercial, import and hobby candle makers). Some suggested techniques are:

a. Concentrate initially on a few items that you can produce expertly on a fairly large scale for wholesaling to gift stores. Examples: Anniversary or hurricane candles.

b. Develop an 'original' candle or series and market them as exclusives, either wholesale or retail. Examples: Statue of local hero, school emblem.

c. Visit local retailers and ask what they could use at what price; plan your production with their responses in mind.

d. Set up a display (rent a window in a vacant store) to show candles you have to offer; include a sign with your number or address.

e. Organize candle making classes, charge a fee and sell not only the finished products but supplies as well.

f. Rent a booth at a good flea market each holiday season and 'test' the market and sell of any remaining stock.

g. Have professional pictures taken of your best work, make up a catalog or send the pictures and descriptions (of candles you can mass produce) to catalog houses.

Anyone who works with candles just a few weeks will automatically come up with numerous original ideas and variations.

That is one of the beauties of this craft -- it almost forces you to be creative! Whether you produce a low volume of exquisite, high quality candles or a high volume of easier to produce candles, big ones or little ones is entirely up to you.

One candle may be highly profitable if it is a work of art. Note that candle making does not restrict you to wax only. You can sell other items that are decorated or complimented by candles, such as driftwood centerpieces with candles.

Soap making is very similar to candle making in that they are both molded, colored, and scented.

In fact, many of the molds and ingredients are interchangeable. Plaster craft is also related (the same molds can be used, so long as they are thoroughly cleaned).

For ceramics you use totally different and much more expensive) equipment, though many of the artistic skills are very similar.

The most glaring potential problem area in candle making is the danger of fire from the wax. Don’t even THINK of melting wax without a good double broiler and fire extinguisher handy.

If the wax were to boil over, splash onto an open flame (or red heating element) a very serious fire could result. Anytime you are melting wax, make sure it is watched CONSTANTLY and that it is not allowed to get too hot.

My all new bookstore!

2006-12-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

All of the books are for everyone who want to work at home ,have a home based business , crafts, etc. I hope you will take the time to look through it.

Life of a Work At Home Mom Book store

I actually started a new home business in about 2 hours!!

2006-12-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

I got all of my stuff together and made some homemade gourmet doggie biscuits (treats) and packaged them really simply and put on a label took 3 bags to my flea market booth and told the lady who owns it and is also cashier to call me when any sold. She called with in the next hour!!
I tried them out on my 2 VERY picky dogs before I even thought of it and they loved them. I used a recipe that uses peanut butter. Oh well just wanted to post this so everyone can know how easy it is to take any idea and do it!! But that is the secret - YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY JUMP IN AND DO IT! I try different things all of the time!!

29 Ways To Make Money For Those Interested In Cooking And Baking

2006-12-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

1. Operate a potato chip shop in a busy location 2. Operate a French type hot dog stand 3. Sell popcorn coated with 20 different flavors 4. Offer a casserole delivery service 5. Run a take-out food store with a new specialty 6. Run a homemakers’ cooperative, selling assorted edibles 7. Supply restaurants with your own specialty 8. Operate a home-cooked meal delivery service 9. Operate a box-lunch service for offices 10. Cater hor d’oeuvres for special occasions 11. Operate health food cafeterias in schools 12. Cater exotic desserts 13. Make wedding cakes 14. Operate a homemade soup shop 15. Bake cookies 16. Sell homemade pastries or any other delicacy you are good at baking 17. Run a fruitcake business 18. Bake and sell traditional goodies for festive occasions of the year 19. Specialize in the candy apple business 20. Sell crepes suzettes and/or American-style pancakes in a busy location 21. Merchandise Christmas candied fruits 22. Run a homemade candy stand 23. Operate a frystick snack shop 24. Merchandise maple syrup 25. Manufacture new and uniquely-flavored cough drops 26. Sell home-canned goods 27. Dehydrate surplus produce 28. Produce and bottle fresh juice and sell to restaurants 29. Make lollipops of all shapes and sizes

HOW TO MAKE $5,OOO A MONTH OR MORE WITH GARAGE SALES

2006-12-04T04:39:00.000-08:00

In this day and age, everyone seemingly knows how to put together and hold a garage sale. Yet if this is so, why is it that some people are lucky to gross $150 while others consistently make $1,500 or more from their garage sales.

Pick almost any city or town in the country; drive through any middle class neighborhood or residential area on any weekend. You’re sure to spot at least a half dozen garage sales. And what’s being sold at these garage sales? The accumulated 'junk' that a lot of people no longer use or want taking up space in or around their homes.

Is it hard to hold a profitable garage sale? Not in the least! All it really takes is some of your time, and an awareness of a few merchandising tactics. But to be really prof it able, you must know how, and exercise careful planning.

First, let’s look at some of the background. Everyone accumulates items that other people are searching for, and are willing to buy. These items range from discarded or outgrown items of clothing to furniture, tools, knick-knacks, books, pictures and toys.

Start by taking an inventory of all the things you have 'just taking up space' around your home. Decide which items you’d be better off getting rid of, and make a list of these things. These are the things you are going to put up for sale. And if you are honest about what you really want and need, the pile will grow if you look over your house hold a second and third time! Remember that many garage sale offerings are items of merchandise purchased on impulse, and later found to be no t what the buyer wanted. It is the human condition: We discover too late that we don’t like or have use for things purchased; we 'outgrow' in size or taste articles that once fit, or pleased us. You’ll find that many items offered at garage sales are gifts that have been given to the seller, but not really suited to the recipient. In other words, it will be to your benefit, before you stage your first garage sale, to take a week or so to browse through all the garage sales you can find.

The problem is, most people just don’t have the time or energy to gather up all the items taking up space around their homes and staging a garage sale to get rid of them. Believe it or not, many people really don’t know how to stage a garage sale; and a lot of people feel that putting on a garage sale is just too much bother and work.

This is where you enter the picture. Your enterprise will be an ongoing garage sale of items donated and collected from those people who lack the initiative to put on garage sales of their own. In other words, you can become a 'liquidator of people’s junk,' via super garage sales that you promote.

We’ve already suggested that you spend a few weeks visiting the garage sales, swap meets and flea markets in your area. Your purpose will be to see what is being offered for sale; what the people in your area are buying, and how the merchandise is being sold. One of the things to notice is how the merchandise is displayed. You’ll also want to notice how the sellers handle customer browsing, and the prices they charge for the merchandise offered. You’ll find most items tagged with a price sticker, but generally the seller is open to either price negotiation or a reasonable offer made by the customer.

Begin your enterprise by cleaning out your own attic, closets and basement or garage. Talk with your relatives and friends; tell them what you’re doing, and ask for donations (or at least consignments) of unwanted items. It’s here that you’ll get your first experience in negotiating, and you’ll usually get enthusiastic cooperation. You’ll find people explaining that they really don’t have a use for a specific item, don’t want to keep on storing it, but for sentimental or other reasons, they have just hung on to it.

Once you have a little bit of experience, you’ll be able to advertise in the newspaper that you purchase garage sale items, or take them on consignment for a percentage of the final sale price.

It’s best that the wife or woman of the house handle the garage sale itself - that is, let a woman be the one who greets the potential customers, shows them around, and generally engages them in conversation. If it’s a woman staging the garage sale, then arrangements should be made for a second one to 'mind the store' while she’s out digging up more items for display and sale. And if you are running a really big sale, a second or third per son can be very useful in selling, and just generally keeping an eye on things.

The advertising angle is really quite simple, and shouldn’t cost you very much, either. Check area newspapers, and select the one that carries the most ads for garage sales. You shouldn’t concern yourself too much with competition from other ads. People who go to garage sales either go to all of them they can locate, or else only to those within a 3-to-5 mile radius of their homes.

You should run a small classified ad in the newspaper of your choice for about three days in advance, and up through the day of your sale. Once you’re operating on a full-time, every-day-of-the-week schedule, you’ll want to change your ad schedule and the style of your advertising. But in getting started, stay with small classified ads simply announcing the fact that you’re holding a garage sale, emphasizing that you’ve got everything from A to Z - something of interest to everyone. Such an ad might read:

BIG GARAGE SALE! Hundreds of interesting items. Through Saturday, July 16th. (address)

To get ideas on how to write your ad, check your newspapers for a week or two. Cut out all the garage sale ads you can find. Paste them up onto a piece of paper - then with a bit of critical analysis, you will be able to determine how to write a good ad of your own from identifying the good and bad features of the ads you’ve collected. Keep in mind that the bigger and better your sale, the bigger and better your 'getting started' ads should be. Always remember that in order to increase your profits in any business, you must increase rather than decrease your advertising. At the bottom line, you’ll find that the greatest single reason for a garage sale failing to turn a profit is the lack of promotion and advertising used to publicize it.

You should also have an old-fashioned 'sandwich board' type sign to display in front of your house when your garage sale is open for business. The purpose of course, is to call attention to the fact that you’re holding a garage sale and are open for business. This will pull in your neighbors, if you haven’t already informed them, and attract people driving by. Sandwich boards are also sometimes set out at key traffic intersections not far from the site of the garage sale. These will attract attention, and point the way. However, check your local ordinances to be sure that this sort of advertising is permitted.

Another 'sign idea' practiced by a few really sharp operators is the old 'Burma Shave' type roadside pointers. Here, you simply make up a few cute sayings (verse or one-liners), write them on pieces of cardboard, tack them onto the power poles at about 200 yard intervals on the thoroughfare leading to your garage sale, and you’re sure to create a lot of traffic for yourself. People are amused by, and drawn to people who do something a little different, unusual and creative in promoting a sale of any kind.

To come up with some cute verses, simply visit your public library and check out a book on limericks. Adapt the ones that you feel are most humorous, and start making signs. Again, a word of caution before you get too deeply involved: Be sure to check your local ordinance before you start nailing signs to power poles.

By all means, search out and use all the free bulletin boards in your area. It’s better, and usually much more profitable to take the time to make up an attention grabbing circular you can post on these bulletin boards, than just to use a scribbled 3 by 5 card announcement.

Pick up some -transfer lettering;' go through your newspapers and old magazines for interesting illustrations, graphics and pictures; then with a little bit of imagination and flamboyancy, make up an 8 1/2 by 11 poster announcement of your sale. When you have it pasted up take it to any quick print shop and have them print up 50 or 100 for you. Your cost for this small print order should be well under ten dollars.

If you make this circular/poster up with versatility and long-time usage in mind, you can use it over and over again simply by pasting on a new date. In case you feel 'left-out' when we talk of 'pasting-up' things, this simply means pasting a piece of paper onto the overall page you’re putting together.

Say you have made up your circular with a date of Wednesday, May 1st, and want to change it to read Thursday, July 16th. Rather than do the entire thing over, simply write out a new date with your transfer letters on a separate sheet of paper, cut this out to fit in the space occupied by the old date, and paste the new date over the old date. The artwork master is now up to date; the printer does the rest. Incidentally, this is precisely what is meant in mail order and other dealership offers where they furnish you with the basic advertising/promotional material and advise you to 'paste over' their name/address with your own.

For paste or glue, drop by just about any stationery store and pick up a tube of 'glue stick.' This is a small tube of paste, about the size of a tube of lipstick, generally sold for less than one dollar per tube. The tube glue stick works much better than regular glue or paste, and is not as messy as rubber cement.

Your signs have to be effective, but you have to remember to keep them simple. Don’t try to cut corners on your signs. Signs announcing and pointing the way to your garage sale should be placed at each intersection within a one mile radius of your sale location. If it takes 50 signs, then make 50 signs. The important thing is to let people know that you’re holding a garage sale.

Signs can be made simply by cutting and using the sides of cardboard boxes, and writing on them with a heavy felt tip marking pen. Make it easy for your signs to be seen, and for people to read what’s on them. About all you really need is great big block letters reading 'GARAGE SALE,' with the street address, and an arrow pointing in that direction. Don’t think for a minute that people are going to stop and read a lot of 'stuff' you’ve written on your sign when they are driving by; you just want them to see your sign and proceed in the direction necessary to reach the location of the sale. They’ll be moving by your sign too fast to see or read anything else you may have written.

The ads you place, the bulletin board announcements you post, and the signs you put up will bring many people to your garage sale location. A lot of people will drive by slowly and just look, but most will stop to browse around.

But you still have to contend with the huge number of people who just drive by without stopping. So, let’s talk about the 'inside secrets' of drawing people into your sale, and the merchandising gimmicks that will result in the maximum number of sales for you.

You must call attention to your sale. Don’t be shy, bashful or self-conscious about let ting everybody for miles around know that you’re having a garage sale. If you could afford to get the Goodyear Blimp to 'hover' over your garage sale, then by all means, you should do it!

Some sharp operators do the next best thing. They rent miniature blimps, send them up above the housetops, and tether them there on their sale days. Of course, this giant balloon or miniature blimp has some sort of sign on the side of it, inviting people to your garage sale.

This is one of the strongest available advertising ideas for pulling traffic to a sale of any kind. For more details, write Pie-In-The-Sky Company, PO Box 5267, San Mateo, CA 94402, or explore to see if there is a local outlet for this kind of advertising merchandise for rent.

You have to give your sale some flair. Put some posts up across the front of your property and run some twisted crepe paper between them - or better than crepe paper, run brightly colored ribbons. Invest in some colorful pennants and fly them from temporary flag poles. And don’t forget the balloons!

Make your garage sale a fun kind of event, with clusters of balloons anchored to your display tables and racks. Be sure to 'float' them well above the heads of your customers as they’re browsing through your merchandise displays.

Cover your display tables with colorful cloths. Don’t hesitate to use bright colors and busy patterns. Regardless of what you sell, effective display (packaging the event) is still absolutely essential to your success.

The secret to outstanding garage sale profits is in having the widest or largest selection of merchandise. And part of the process is taking great care in displaying and labeling your merchandise.

You cannot simply dump items haphazardly on a table, sit down, and expect to realize great profits. The people doing the most business and holding the most sales are the ones with interesting displays, action and color.

Have as wide a selection of colors as possible in your clothing racks, and mix them for 'rainbow' effect. Make sure that your jewelry items shine and sparkle. Arrange them in and on jewelry boxes, jewelry ladders and other items sold for the purpose of showing off jewelry while keeping it neatly organized. Some people have even gone so far as hooking up battery operated lazy susans and arranging their jewelry on these. Having the jewelry slowly turn on the lazy susan will not only catch the eye, it will catch the light, making an attractive display even more attractive because it sparkles and gleams.

Think about it, and then study the methods of display used by the 'rack jobbers' in the stores in your area. These are wire racks that usually hold card packaged items. Such a rack or kind of display would lend itself beautifully for anchoring a cluster of balloons. Keep these things in mind, and build your individual displays as part of the whole. Make it pleasing to the eye as well as convenient for your customers to browse through and select the items that appeal to them or catch their fancy.

At many garage sales, some of the merchandise (particularly the clothing) is dirty. Notice this when you visit other people’s garage sales, and then take it upon yourself to make sure that every item - positively everything you show - is clean and sparkling bright. A bar of soap, a bucket of water, and a few old rags will do wonders for shop tools, garden equipment and bicycles. The same goes for furniture polish on old furniture, and a run through the washing machine for all washable clothing.

It is advisable to determine a price for each item before you set it out for display. Then mark that price on a price tag, and attach a price tag to each item. Your prices should also always be rounded off to more or less even numbers such as: $.25, $.50, $1, $1.50, $2 and so on. In other words, don’t ask for $.35, $.95, or $1.98, or any of that sort of pricing. Almost needless to say, you should always mark everything up by 100% of more. In other words, if you have acquired a particular item for $l, set a price of $2 or more on it. It’s also a good idea to mark up your asking price from the bottom-line price you’re willing to accept. Basically, the price marked on the price tag at most garage sales is taken as the starting price fro m which the buyer and seller negotiate. Most garage sale promoters price their cheaper items at the bottom line price they will accept, and don’t deviate from those prices as shown on the price tag. Then on the more expensive items - $2 and over - they mark up their asking prices by 20 to 40 percent and use that margin for negotiating with the customer.

If you’re a little bit shy relative to personal selling, here are a few 'inside' secrets that will give you an edge: Always radiate an attitude of friendliness, regardless of the circumstances or your first impression of the potential buyer. Always smile and say hello in a voice loud enough to be heard. Speak to everyone stopping or dropping by your sale location. Be helpful, but allow the people to browse on their own until they specifically ask you for help. When you’re 'keeping an eye on your merchandise,' be as unobtrusive as possible; no one likes to feel he is being watched too closely. Whenever a customer appears to have made a selection and asks you what you’ll take for it, or what kind of a deal you’ll make for it, be ready to enter into 'friendly negotiations.'

Before you open, of course, you will have done your homework and know the value of each item of merchandise you have for sale. Don’t ever take a customer’s 'claimed' value of an item. By the same token, don’t listen to a seller, when you’re buying items for your sale, when he claims that he’s offering you an antique or price less treasure. Sometimes (rarely enough) you’ll be able to pick up fantastic treasures for virtually nothing; so by knowing your merchandise, you’ll not let 'the flag that Betsy Ross made' slip through your fingers for a song. Be sure to have all possibly really valuable items appraised by authentic dealers. These people are listed in the yellow pages of your telephone directory.

Some of the 'extras' that contribute to the success of a garage sale include: Plenty of change, because without proper change, you’ll lose a great many sales. A tape measure, because you’ll find people often want to know the exact dimensions of some thing (especially furniture) in order to fit it into a certain space they have in mind. Long extension cord and electrical outlet, because your customers will want to 'plug in' and try out the mixers, vacuum cleaners, hand tools, or other electrical appliances.

Back for a moment to drawing in those 'cruisers' who aren’t quite sure they want to park their cars and come browse: Look for some kind of interesting or unusual item to call attention to your sale - something you can set up or park in front of your home during your sale. Some of the displays we’ve seen along these lines include a horse-drawn surrey; a restored Model T; an old farm plow. Anything of an unusual or interesting nature will do the trick for you. One couple we know put up a display using a manikin dressed in an old-time farm bonnet, long dress and apron. This display depicted a farm woman of old, washing clothes with a scrub board and two steel wash tubs. It’s not hard to believe, this display really drew the crowds, and crowds always mean sales!

Go wherever your imagination takes you; you have to be different and distinctive. You’ll get lost in the hundreds of garage sales going on all around you if your sales look like the next half dozen.

If you’ll take the time to employ a bit of imagination, and set your sales up with the kind of flair we’ve been talking about, you will not only draw the crowds; you’ll be the one reaping the most profits.

As you think of beginning this garage sale business, remember this: It’s almost a compulsion with some women to go shopping - to search for interesting, and sometimes rare and valuable items. This fact alone will keep you as busy as you ever want to be, staging and promoting garage sales. The market is so vast, and the appetite so varied, that anything from a brass bedstead to a used diary of someone’s long-forgotten grandmother will sell, and sell fast, at garage sales. Put it all together, use a little imagination, and you’ll succeed in a very interesting, challenging endeavor!

HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR OWN ERRAND SERVICE BUSINESS

2006-12-04T04:05:00.000-08:00

People are busier than ever and the world around them hasn’t changed. Grocerys still need to be bought, deliveries still need to be made, gifts still need to be bought, etc. You can take advantage of the needs of these hyper-busy people by running an ERRAND SERVICE.

In essence, what you do is run errands for people and get paid for it. Think it sounds like a kid’s business? Well, you won’t make kid money! If you are in a good sized metropolitan area with steady clients, you can make $15, even $20, an hour!

You won’t need much to start off with. You’ll, of course, need a reliable car or, better yet, a van. The only real expenses at the start are: business cards and business stationery; a pager; and postage. Make a list of large businesses in your area, ones with large numbers of well-paid executives, such as banks, headquarters of large manufacturers, etc. You should then compose a letter detailing your services. List as many timesaving services as you can think of: grocery pickup, dry-cleaning delivery and pickup, post office errands, gift-shopping services, food pickup and delivery, etc.

Note: Don’t transport people or children unless you have the proper licenses. Also, if you delivery messages, there may be state utility regulations you’ll need to check into. Emphasize to these people how they will BENEFIT from your service: more time, less worries, less stress.

Be competitive with your pricing. Call other delivery services in the area and find out what they charge, whether hourly or by the job. Make your prices competitive and your services personal, and you’ll get the edge.

Four other good ideas for publicizing your services: advertise in charity event publications that are read by executives; get permission to post your business card at dry cleaners, grocery stores, bakeries, upscale food stores and delis, etc.; produce press releases about your services showcasing a unique aspect of your business, i.e. you specialize in delivering wedding cakes, for example, and get them to all the newspapers and local magazines in the area; and notify senior citizen organizations about the services you offer.

Hints: Know your way around your area extremely well so you can plan the quickest route to efficiently accomplish all your errands. Be assertive, both with potential clients and with places you are visiting for a client. Be friendly, and you’ll get more return business. Also, be confidential in respect for your clients.

If you’re willing to hustle, you can make it in the errand business. Once you get that first steady client, if you’re good, you can count on word-of- mouth business. Then you’ll really be rolling!

HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH GOURMET GIFT BASKETS

2006-12-04T03:45:00.000-08:00

Here’s a pleasant home-based business that will challenge your creative as well as your managerial skills. It’s a fun business for those who have the flare for creating appetizing gift packages.

A FUN PRODUCT Gourmet gift baskets have become popular in recent years. They are a collection of desirable items, and in such a variety that they appeal to all. By determining the markets you want to target and the type of baskets you want to produce, you can set your income goals for as little or as much as you like.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTS From the very large and the very small, businesses have needs for gift giving on a pretty constant basis.

By targeting corporate accounts, you protect yourself from potential sales fluctuations common to what are generally considered seasonal items. Businesses love gift baskets because they are 'safe' compared to other gifts like chocolate (many people now carefully watch their fat intake) or wine & spirits (many people don’t drink). Of course, other possible clients for your gift baskets include associations, retail outlets, fund raisers, and individual customers who purchase for themselves or as a gift.

CREATIVE DESIGNS

Gourmet gift baskets are fundamentally a few nice items placed in a unique arrangement and presented to look extravagant. Use your imagination and keep an eye for unusual and appealing products. To keep unit price low, inventory most commonly used items by purchasing direct from the manufacturer or main distributor. Look for large pretty items; they will give your product 'size'.

THEME MARKETING

Focus on a theme and build around it. From a corporate perspective, create presentations that communicate the corporate logo or marketing slogan.

Do not limit yourself by just using baskets as your main vehicle. For example, a basket with an Italian theme can use (as its basket) a large pasta bowl to hold a small vinegar, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes and kitchen utensils.

Raffia or 'grass' can be used to cushion the items, sealed together with shrink wrap. Finish your basket with a bow or creative ribbon, and you’ve got a product that can be retailed for around $39. Your cost: as low as $12.

How to Make a Diaper Cake

2006-12-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hosting a baby shower or looking for a great gift for a new mom? A diaper cake makes a fantastic centerpiece for any baby shower and is also a very nice gift that the new mom will find useful. I have also seen people whp make these for selling! You could make quite a bit of money . Here are the basics on how to make your own diaper cake:

1) First, you must decide how big you want the diaper cake. The size of the cake will determine how many diapers you need. Here are some general guidelines:

Top tier - 5-6 diapers

2nd Tier - 15 diapers

3rd Tier - 30 diapers

2) Roll the diapers vertically into cylinders and use scotch tape or rubber bands to hold the shape. Make the bottom tiers first by attaching the diapers together either with safety pins or tape. You can easily form a cylinder which will represent the bottom layers of the cake.

3) If you like, you can wrap the bottom layers of the cake with a blanket. You can attach the tiers to each other with adhesive or pins. Glue can also be used, but is messier when trying to disassemble the cake.

4) The top tier can contain a special item, like a baby bottle keepsake or teddy bear. For a bottle, you can attach the diapers around the bottle. Stuffed animals can be pinned to the top layer of the cake.

5) Other items can also be used to decorate the cake, including pacifiers, ribbons, and colored paper. Feel free to use your creativity to attach other useful items or fun decorations to the cake.

Diaper cakes have become increasingly popular at baby showers. With a little time and effort, you can create a beautiful centerpiece for your baby shower or an unforgettable gift for the new mom to be.

How to Land a Mystery Shopper Job

2006-12-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a way to make some extra money? Are you fairly intelligent, articulate, and pleasant? Can you pay close attention to detail and provide a careful description of what you see? Do you enjoying shopping and interacting with others? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, then you just might enjoy being a mystery shopper.

Mystery shoppers are regular people who pose as customers. They visit a variety of businesses -- restaurants, drug stores, grocery stores, retail stores, homebuilders, auto dealers, and banks, just to name a few. At these businesses they conduct a normal transaction, usually according to an assignment. For example, they might have to buy an item and later return it. They will evaluate the entire transaction based on a checklist or questionnaire. They look for such things as customer service, product quality, and business cleanliness. They fill out an extensive, detailed report.

Businesses hire mystery shoppers for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it tests their employees in a "real-world" environment. It also gives them an unbiased look at their organization. Businesses often uncover and repair problems through the use of mystery shoppers. To this end, mystery shoppers are essential to many businesses.

To find mystery shopper jobs, you can visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association website and search the database. Jobs from many different companies are listed. You will have to apply with each company in order to be considered for their positions. Since mystery shoppers are independent contractors, you can work for numerous companies. Volition also maintains a list of companies hiring mystery shoppers.

You can also search for mystery shopper jobs at freelance websites or through Internet search engines. In searching for mystery shopper jobs, never pay for a job. Some companies will try to sell you a kit. This is a scam. A legitimate company will not expect you to pay to work for them.
About the Author

Mystery Shoppers Info provides detailed information about mystery shopper jobs, mystery shopper networks, mystery shopper companies, advice about how to become a mystery shopper, and cautions about mystery shopper scams.

Do you have a dog day care business plan?

2006-12-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

If you are considering opening a dog day care, then you need to make sure you have a dog day care business plan. A solid dog day care business plan will help you get started in the right direction.

My name is Kelley Blackston and I run a successful dog day care. The reason our dog day care has been such a success in our local area is because we have stuck to our dog day care business plan.

By making sure things are organized we avoid the pitfalls that many people have to suffer through when starting their dog day care business.

It would be very difficult for us to have a profitable dog day care if we did not have a solid dog day care business plan.

A dog day care business plan requires that you take into consideration the cost of resources and understand the laws of your area.

Be sure that your dog day care business plan takes into account all the various needs of your dogs and their owners.

You always want a strong dog day care business plan so that your dog day care business will continue to grow each and every week.

My main piece of advice for you is to make sure your dog day care business plan is very organized and easy to follow. Don't make it more difficult than it has to be!

Good luck with your dog day care business plan.

About the Author

Kelley Blackston

P.S. You may use this article in your publication, but the content and signature file must remain intact. Thank you.

"Thousands Have Discovered This Little Known Secret To Making Money With A Dog Day Care -- Now It's Your Turn..."

http://www.startadogdaycare.com

Basic Quick Mix and Recipes

2006-12-03T05:11:00.000-08:00

With an easy basic quick mix, you can make a wide variety of inexpensive homemade biscuits, breads, and other baked goods. This mix is easy to make and store and great for any family on a tight budget.

Basic Quick Mix Recipe

10 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/4 c. nonfat dry milk
1/3 c. baking powder
1 tbsp. salt
2 c. vegetable shortening (room temperature)

Measure flour into a large bowl. Stir in baking powder, dry milk, and salt, mixing well. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix shortening into other ingredients until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.

Storing mix:

Store basic quick mix in a ziploc bag or container with a tight lid. This mix can be stored at room temperature about 2 weeks. Will keep a couple of months in refrigerator or freezer. Bring mix to room temperature before using.

Using mix:

Do not sift mix for recipes. Stir lightly before measuring mix. When measuring mix into a bowl, level off measuring cup with the straight edge of a knife.

Basic Biscuits

2 c. basic quick mix
1/2 c. water

Stir together quick mix and water. Turn dough onto a lightly floured board, kneading lightly. Roll 1/2 inch thick. Cut with biscuit cutter and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes.

Note: For drop biscuits, increase water to 2/3 cup. After mixing flour and water together, drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. 1/3 c. grated cheese can be added to dough before dropping onto cookie sheet.

Basic Muffins

2 c. basic quick mix
4 tsp. sugar
1 egg, beaten
2/3 c. water

Stir sugar into quick mix. Add water and egg. Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 c. full and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Variation: Add 1/2 c. of favorite chopped fruit.

Basic Pancakes

2 c. basic quick mix
1 tsp. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 c. water

Stir sugar into quick mix. Add water and egg. Pour pancakes onto heated griddle, turning pancakes when bubbles appear on the pancake surface.

The Internet is a great source for more quick mix recipes. Just type "quick mix recipes" into your favorite search engine!

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home Party Hostess

2006-12-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

Do you have a home party sales business? Do you sell baskets, cosmetics, kitchenware, or other? Then you need to read this.
One of the most important things to remember to have a successful home party is to make sure your Hostess is prepared. Well preparedness of your hostess is essential in having your home party run smoothly. The following tips will help your next home party be a success:

1. Before your home party be sure to meet with the hostess personally. Make sure she is familiar with the products that you carry. Help your hostess come up with a guest list. Remind her of people she could invite such as friends, family co-workers, neighbors and many other places. Tell her to remind guests to bring a friend.

2. Be sure to also give your hostess some catalogs to show possible guests or maybe guests that aren't available for the time of the party. Make her aware of whether or not she may take orders before the show. Review your hostess rewards program with her. Be sure to review the order forms with your hostess so she can help customers place orders.

3. Explain the delivery process. Will the merchandise come directly to her or will you be bringing it to her? Will you be distributing the merchandise to her guest or will she? What are the delivery charges and who pays for them?

4. Discuss plans for refreshments. Is she expected prepare refreshments or will you be bringing them? What are you going to have?

5. Arrive at your hostess's home early before the show. Does furniture need to be moved? Make sure there is enough and proper seating so that each guest will be facing the center of the display. Also be sure there is enough lighting for everyone to see.

5 Costly Mistakes That People Make In Starting A Home Based Business

2006-12-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

Starting a home based business in an exhilarating period in one’s life. There are a lot of concepts that stirs in your mind and you will find yourself in a perpetual state of excitement to bring them to reality.

However, most people who are in the process of starting a home based business often find themselves rushing into things. This wouldn’t be a prudent recourse. Risks should first be evaluated and plans should be set. Otherwise, we’ll just end up marching blind towards the great divide, and that could be fatal.

Here are some of the common mistakes the people who are starting a home based business usually make:

* Overconfidence. Confidence is always good, as it would give you the proper mindset that you would need to succeed. However, too much of it becomes a plague, as it would make you fail to see the things that are needed to be considered in starting a home based business. This would play a big role in the other common mistakes.

* Believing that making money online doesn’t need any capital. If you’re one of the people who believe that starting a home based business can be done without any initial financial outlay, then perhaps it would be wise to reconsider your position. Depending on the area of your desired business, you would need some initial resources that you have to invest on. But regardless of the kind of home business you want to engage in, knowledge is a universal investment. Don’t be afraid to purchase things that are sure to help you out as this would help develop the resiliency of your endeavor.

* Failure to study the value of an area of investment. Some people just carelessly spend money on the first offer that comes their way. These offers promise them instant ROIs and underground tactics that would immediately catapult them to online prominence and fantastic wealth. Being lured by these claims without an appraisal of their real worth would just make you lose more than what you stand to earn. Ask seasoned Internet marketers, and most of them would say that they spent thousands of dollars when they were starting a home based business, because of their faith in some of these deceiving offers. So study their presentations first, and determine how exactly they would help your enterprise.

* Believing that a business plan is not needed. There are some people who laugh at the importance of a business plan in starting a home based business. This could be costly. We just can’t pursue a course of action hoping to be able to adjust along the way. There are bound to be certain situations that would be difficult to overcome without a solid program to rely on.

* Failure to study the market. The market is the single most important actor for the success of your venture. Studying the forces that shape your target market is critical in starting a home based business. You wouldn’t want to end up with a market that isn’t receptive to what you have to offer, right? You’ll just end up with a non-moving inventory and no sales to account for.

Starting a home based business require that you take careful steps. Remember, success can never be rushed. Nothing that good can come quite easily.

How To Make Money From Your Blog

2006-12-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

Writing a blog can be fun and exciting, but it can also be rewarding. If you do not know how to make money from your blog content then you need to consider implementing the following suggestions in your blog.

Make Money Tip #1 Adsense
Adsense is an incredible service offered by Google to help you make money and help others advertise as well. Basically, with Adsense you choose several ads that blend or complement the information talked about in your blog. Then, when individuals click on the ads that are present in your blog, you receive money! Best of all, Adsense is free to use on your site, so this is a great opportunity to make money without really having to do very much.

Make Money Tip #2 Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate programs are another great way to make money as well and work on the same premise of Adsense. The web surfer has to click on the affiliate website’s link and when they do so they are redirected from your blog to the link they clicked on. You will get paid affiliate income for the click, and if they make a purchase when they are on that website you will get paid affiliate income again.

Make Money Tip #3 Blog Ads
Blog ads can help you make money as well. Blog ads are not too different from Adsense or Affiliate marketing, but they are in the sense that blog ads connect web surfers with advertisers. Then, when any ad placements are made a commission is exchanged.

Make Money Tip #4 Business Blog
You can use your blog to simply converse about any topic that is important to you, but you can also use your blog as a tool to help you make money. Advertise your business services; make your blog a business blog by focusing at least part of your blog on your business services. This way, you can still communicate whatever it is you need to and make money as well.

When it comes to making money from your blog you can do so easily with these tried and true tricks of the trade. Whether you utilize Adsense, affiliate marketing, blog ads, a business blog, or a combination of all of the above, you will certainly benefit and make money. Don’t delay and start implementing these types of money making strategies in your blog today. Not only will you make money, but your blog will become more popular as well.