Comments on: Searching for Alternative Forms of Income

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:14:45 +0000

Good for you that you have decided to stay at home. Unfortunately, when our first daughter was born, it was not possible and my wife had to continue working to keep our health insurance. When you make a big decision like that it does lead to being more creative about how to support your family.

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:11:54 +0000

It's funny how many of you suggested staying away from direct sales in favor of something that I'm more passionate about or could make more money doing 🙂 @spaghetti0625 seems to have made her work with direct sales pretty enjoyable. If that's possible I would definitely be interested, but because of my anti-clutter, "don't buy things unnecessarily" approach to living I'm not sure that sales is the appropriate place for someone like me. Still… I figured I'd add it to the list of 'at home' jobs to consider.

By: Ruby Leigh

Ruby Leigh — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:55:15 +0000

I strongly considered becoming a Pampered Chef rep a couple years back when I was between jobs. I think their products are great and love too cook, so it seemed like a good fit. Even found a group that seemed relatively supportive and helpful.

I had a few reasons for not committing. One) You have to start by advertising to your friends, which I didn't care for but also would be difficult because most of my friends were too young to want a stockpile of kitchen utensils. Two) The income was decent, but not comparable to my previous salary (or not until you started having underlings and really power-sold).

Overall, I don't think they are entirely bad gig. However, if you have skill in Software Development... you could most likely find non-sales wfm work. If you need additional training, take the time you have at home to pursue that. It could be as simple as taking a additional language course.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:01:45 +0000

Oh, oops, you did already mention advertising in the blog. Sorry. 😛

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:00:03 +0000

Why not try to build on what you already have? Like blogging…any way to beef up your site and maybe get a bit more money through advertising, or reviewing books and products? I know absolutely nothing about making money that way, though. If you like sales, I guess you would first need to identify a product or company you really believe in and want to support, like Spaghetti said. Or maybe even babysitting one other child in your home?

By: Newlyweds on a Budget

Newlyweds on a Budget — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:47:41 +0000

I would love to work from home when I have kids so this is a topic I'm interested in, BUT I know that direct sales is just not for me. I didn't even like selling candy for school because I hated asking people. so yeah that's out.

By: spaghetti0625

spaghetti0625 — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:44:20 +0000

It all depends on what you would like to sell and what other people are buying.

I did/do Partylite and it you work your business, you can make a very nice check. You get 25% on all sales, and if you 'bonus' you get an extra 7%. And you get rewards and stuff for excelling (free product).

I started, wow, let's see in college, so maybe 11 years ago? I've done it off and on. You get a free kit, which is why I started. The other ones you had to pay for your kit. Now, they are more focused on doing 'online' shows, instead of home shoes, so it's even more time to spend at home with your little one to be.

There are meetings you can attend and it's almost like a big group of friends. However, they do talk to you about 'moving up' and recruiting people. This is similar in all direct sales. The more people below you, the more money you make. It's Multi level marketing. I never recruited b/c I knew the people and it just wasn't for them but they always called me for candle orders. I was just a plain consultant and when I did shows and focused on my business, I did very well for myself.

But they are pretty much all the same, you just have to find one that you will LOVE the product that way your heart is in it. And even with Partylite, I did a few shoes where the product sold itself. The people there hadn't seen each other in ages and all they wanted to do was catch up while ordering from the catalog.

I wish you the best of luck!