Guest post by Sarah of Early Bird Mom
When I got pregnant with my first child, I assumed I would put him in childcare and continue working full-time – after all that’s what moms do, right? Well, even though my mom was able to babysit for him, my resolve to leave him every day quickly vanished.
By the time my little man was 4 months old, I had quit my full-time corporate job and switched to doing computer consulting from home. That was 13 years ago, and I’ve been working at home in one form or another ever since.
If you’re wondering how you might be able to work from home, here are 7 different home-business ideas that can be started with minimal investment.
1. Sell on eBay, Amazon or Craiglist
A woman in my neighborhood makes great money selling shoes on eBay. She has an arrangement with a local department store to buy up their end of season shoes at rock bottom prices. She lists them on eBay and makes a nice profit.
You could scour thrift stores and garage sales for items to sell. Why not learn to refinish and reupholster furniture and sell it on Craiglist.
2. Blog
I am convinced that anyone who is motivated, works hard, and remains focused can learn how to blog. You really can turn your passion into a business. Plus, it’s fun!
3. Pet sit or House sit
Another neighbor of mine walks numerous dogs every day. She charges a reasonable rate and gets a ton of fresh air and exercise to boot.
House-sitting is even easier. Both these jobs would be great for a stay-at-home mom.
4. Cater and Bake
Do you bake amazing desserts? Why not become known as the go-to mom for home-baked goods for school parties?
This would be a great job for a stay-at-home mom. Small neighborhood stores might even be interested in stocking your goods (our local farmer’s market offers homemade items). Pretty packaging will help this kind of a business stand out.
5. Tutor
Did you love English class in high school? Maybe you were a teacher before you decided to stay home with your kids. Offer tutoring to local families or at the local community center. Make connections with your child’s teachers and the PTA.
6. Babysit or Run an In-Home Daycare
This kind of job is perfect for the mom with young kids at home. If you’re going to be home reading stories and finger-painting with your own little ones, why not add a few more kids to the mix and earn some extra money? Of course running a home daycare is not all fun and games but it can be a successful way to add to your household budget.
7. Become a Virtual Assistant
When I was running my previous business, I depended heavily on my assistant who lived two time zones away. She handled all kinds of work – phone calls, bookkeeping, website updates.
It was a perfect arrangement for both of us – she was able to be home with her kids and keep a very flexible schedule and I had a wonderfully dependable assistant. Being a virtual assistant is a wonderful choice for an organized stay-at-home mom.
It’s challenging to find the time to work from home, but it may be the right thing for you and your family. It has been a great blessing to mine.
Have you worked from home before? If so, tell us about your experiences!
Sarah is happy to have a loving husband and 4 of the most rambunctious boys you’ll ever meet. She blogs at Early Bird Mom all about how to increase productivity at home and in home business.
Sabrina says
Has anyone had experience with AP Health Benefits? I’ve heard that it’s a legitimate work-at-home business, either training people or enrolling customers in their insurance programs.
Any info would be helpful.
Thanks!!
Becky says
Thanks for the ideas. Just a few comments about the baked goods and the in home daycare. I have tried both of these and it’s not just a simple thing to just take some extra kids in or even bake for your farmer’s market. There are a lot of regulations that you have to go through with your local state departments before you can get started. It’s a lot of fun, don’t get me wrong, and a good way to earn money. But just for people’s fyi there are some steps you have to take.
Victoria says
I work from home as a Realtor. This is a great job because of the flexible hours. If anyone needs help getting started, please contact me!
Robin Schroth says
Victoria,
My husband became a Realtor after his company closed after 2o years of service, he was in manufacturing. He seems to be having a hard time keeping consistent business/income. Also, many don’t want to use you if you are not “seasoned” but hard to do if you don’t get the business. Can you give us any ideas on what worked for you to get your business off the ground and moving. We don’t want to live it 24/7 but if we sold one home a month would work for us. He works for school system 6-9 am and then again 2-4:30. Gives us some regular income and full health benefits so he can be a Realtor. We would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks, Robin
Megan says
I work from home. I do tech support for a software company. I was hired and trained remotely. Unfortunately, the company I work for no longer will hire people in remote locations. I am still with the company, because I was here when it was bought out by a bigger one, and I know the product. All I can say is, I feel so blessed to work the way I do. The company I work for is Catholic, and although I am not Catholic, I am a Christian, and working in a faith based environment is wonderful.
As for my kids, one is in school during the hours I work (I only work 15 hours a week), and my younger one is at grandparents houses or here at home with a sitter on the 3 days a week that I work. So I only have to pay for one 5 hour day of childcare, usually just for one child.
Shanta says
I already to the family child are. I’ve been doing it for 10 years. It is not an easy job. High stress & kinda takes up more time than I was hoping but it allows me one major benefit…I can be home when my kids get home from school or during the summer. Lots of downfalls though. So be warned if you choose this path.
Dekota says
Great post! I’ve tried virtual assisting back when my daughter was teeny tiny and, from my experience at the time (around 4 years ago), it is a very difficult field to get into. Unless you do have a specific skill, offering basic clerical services will hardly land a client!:(
I make jewelry now, which I love, and was able to have my husband stay home from his employer to be a stay at home dad because of it. After many tries on medical transcriptionist, bookkeeping, virtual assisting, among MANY other things, I found my calling.
I think it takes many tries and fails before you figure it out sometimes 🙂
Dekota
Christine says
I have worked from home as a freelance writer and as an editor for a news portal. That was over 10 years ago. Thanks for the list. (Although, I am uncertain how one makes money as a blogger, unless you have some other service that you sell and mention it in your blog.) I would recommend mystery shopping for the flexible schedule a mom needs. I got the idea to look into it because of your web site. I started in October, and have been making a nice part-time income to help with our bills. I was surprised at how steady the work is, and how much I am making. It is not a large amount, but the flexibility of being able to be home when I need to be (and get my daughter to her many doctors’ appointments) makes it worth it.
Sarah says
Bloggers can make money through affiliate marketing and writing and selling their own e-books, to name a few options. I think if you have a topic to write about that people want to read, you can generate some income from it. As with anything else, it takes time to learn the business, but there is so much help online, if you have the time and you’re willing to work hard and be patient, you can make some money.
Emily T says
I love making cakes and decorating them. I had people ask me all the time to make cakes for their occasions. I didn’t mind every once in awhile, but I found what worked even better, was to offer occasional classes at my house 2-6 people at a time, for just a day. I started by teaching some basic cake tips and decorating tricks, and send them home with their own piping bag and 2 tips. The same group wanted to learn more, so the next time around I taught new things. This was really easy for me to only block out one day… buy a few supplies in bulk, and easily figure out if I was making any $. And even better, when THEY made wonderful cakes, they passed out my card to give me some credit.
It may not be a continuous cash flow, but I can do what I love and help other people, while at least funding my own hobby at the same time.
Karen T says
I worked 17 years in the corporate world (went back to work at 6 weeks with my son), and when we had our first daughter (10 years later) we were determined I would stay home at least until they girls were in school. I ran an internet business from home for hte first three years (made a little money but not enough for hte effort I put in), then had a cleaning business when hte girls were in preschool – kindergarten – good money but NO flexibility. I now work as a virtual assistant for a Broker, in the next state over! Kids are both in school and I work 25 hours a week. Which leaves me time to get them on and off the bus, to afterschool activities, volenteer in class (one morning a week in each classroom). My suggestion for anyone who wants to work at home is to be motivated (if you think you can do a bit here and htere while jumping up to feed the baby or throw in laundry all day, it may not work for you). Find something that fits your schedule, skills, and what you LIKE to do. Also I have a seperate office – carve out a place and set some hours for yourself. Don’t let your at home business take over your at home life 🙂
Jill Clark says
Beachbody coaching is another fantastic way to earn a little (or alot!) of extra income! The products sell themselves as everyone has heard about p90x, insanity, turbojam/fire, shakeology to name a few! For more information you can look into it on my beachbody website! Plus what better way for you to get your body back after baby and as your children grow what a great image for them to have of you sweating and taking care of your body while they play beside you or even jump in and try!
Laura says
I am a SAHM of 4 kids ages 3 1/2, 2 1/2, 2, and 9 months!! I sell Avon, and it’s a great way for a SAHM to earn some money! I love makeup and fragrances, (Avon offers SOOOO much more, though!) and I LOVE selling Avon!!
melissa says
There are many great home businesses such as Thirty One. I have had the opportunity to
be home with my kids and earn extra. With a business like this you can work as little or as much as you would like. If you are interested contact me 🙂
Sarah says
I totally agree with everyone that whatever you do, it needs to be something you love and are passionate about. When my youngest turned one, I needed to find something that would get me out of the house (without kids!) a few times a month and bring in a little extra income. I ended up joining Dove Chocolate Discoveries and holding chocolate parties. There are few things I can be passionate enough about to sell, and quality chocolate is top of the list! I’m able to do the needed paperwork and phone calls from home on my schedule. I’m able to decide when to hold parties that works around my family’s schedule (hubby’s business trips, kids sports, etc). The fact that there are so few reps with Dove Chocolate Discoveries has worked in my favor too. It’s a newer company and many people love the idea of a chocolate party!
Whatever you do, make sure you do the research and choose something that you would love to do.
Jennifer says
I’m hoping to be able to work completely from home one day. For me the hardest part is going to be making the last step of walking away from a paycheck in the corporate world to trusting myself to do it all myself. In time I know I’ll get there though and it will be nice to have a bit more flexability with family.
Alicia says
I would also like more info on being a virtual assistant, that would be perfect for me!
Elise says
Great ideas! I’ve been trying to figure out if want to/can earn money through my blog. Thanks for your series on the topic!
Lauren @ Funky Monkey Embroidery says
I opened my own Etsy store last September, and had my second child in December. I now have 2 children under the age of two, and love staying home with them while also contributing to our family budget through my Etsy work. While it wasn’t cheap to start up (because the machinery and supplies to do what I do – monogramming and embroidery – are not cheap) it has definitely paid off. I love feeling like I can take the business where I want and grow it at my own pace!
Jennifer says
I’ve been doing medical transcription for a couple of years – started just before my daughter was born. I’m expecting #2 in about a month and am planning on continuing as soon as I can after he arrives. Not all medical transcription companies allow flexible hours, but the one I work for does. So I get to work around home schedules for the most part.
I’ve seen questions about working as a virtual assistant. First a disclaimer: I’ve never done it. But if you’re just looking for a possible start, you might look at Elance. I’ve recently done some freelance transcription on the side and have seen several job opportunities advertised on Elance for virtual assistants. Again, I don’t know how virtually assisting works, but just a thought to look into if you’re interested.
Elizabeth says
Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
Lizzie says
My sister and I run a blog to help people learn how to sell online:)
http://www.thesellingsistersonline.com Check us out:)!
Sarah @ Your Healthy Home Biz says
I’ve been earning a terrific living as a freelance health copywriter since 2005. By building on my background as a health educator with a degree in biology, I’ve slowly but surely developed a business that now earns me 2-3 times what I would be making as a nurse (my original plan for returning to work when the kids got bigger.) And I can do all this online from home so I can still keep up our little homestead farm.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get started as a freelance health copywriter, I’ve put together a free ecourse right here:
http://blog.healthymarketingideas.com/become-a-freelance-health-copywriter/
Jenny says
TUTOR!!! I was a teacher before I had kids, and now I tutor math. Granted, I can teach advanced levels of math (which people pay more for) and I tutor in a very affluent area (Newport Beach), but I get paid $60 per hour. I tutor two evenings a week and on Saturdays. If you have a specialization, TUTOR!!!!
Laila @OnlyLaila says
I’ve loved reading the comments and all the things that moms are doing to bring additional income in their homes! We are a resourceful bunch!
I’m a single mom who works full-time outside of the home. Blogging has definitely helped bring some money in, I also sell Lia Sophia. I really enjoy working with Lia Sophia because the jewelry is gorgeous and it has a life-time guarantee which no other company offers. Check it out – http://sites.liasophia.com/sites/laila
Kristin says
I would also appreciate info on being a virtual assistant. I have tried everything to make money from home: Avon twice, The Body Shop, blogging, web design, and two stints working in childcare (which I should be really good at considering I have three sweet and well-behaved children of my own). But I have FAILED at them all. Miserably. I don’t know what is wrong with me – I wish I could have a pro watch me for a few days at work and tell me what I’m doing wrong, but that can’t happen. And every time I fail, I get more discouraged! What can I do to improve my chances of success?
My degree is in Fine Arts, which I used to make decent money at when I lived in a large city, but not now that we live in the suburbs. It’s also been over a decade since I did anything remotely creative. I’m not flaky, I show up on time, do my job, get along with everyone and don’t gossip.
Somebody help me, please!
Elizabeth says
I’m in a similar situation as you. I have a BA in history, which I didn’t think would be a problem when I chose in at the start of college, but I live in a small town and the job market here is lousy. It makes me wish I had studied something more practical – computers, graphic design, nursing, whatever. You can’t just go out and get a job as a historian. 😉 So I’m looking for options where I can work online/work from home.
Denise Ocker says
I agree with all of the above! I truly think that whatever you decide to do it needs to be something you love and are passionate about!
With that being said, I decided I wanted to do something to help my kids and still bring in extra income!
I chose Usborne Books! I wanted something that I didn’t have to make monthly minimums and also pass on my love of books to my kids!! Its been an amazing journey and with all the books Usborne carries I’m considering homeschooling! Usborne has all the books I need and I can get the books for Free.
If you love books and want a way to build your library, please check out Usborne
My Website: http://www.qualitybooks4u.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UsborneBooksMoreWithDeniseOcker
Kristin says
Thank you for this info. I really love to read and help kids discover wonderful books. I’ll check out your website.
Denise says
Hi Kristin, if you have any questions contact me and I would love to answer them!
Thanks, Denise
Cathy @ MilSpouseLife says
I’ve been running my web and print marketing design business from my home office for the last 5 years (www.canopywebdesign.com). Even though I went back to work full-time outside the home a year ago, I’ve kept my design business going for a few clients — keeps my skills that I worked really hard to teach myself current in case I need them again later in my career. I also just love working with clients, especially when I’ve come up with a design that captures exactly what they’re looking for. I’ve also started a blog — I enjoy that too, but it’s not a moneymaker yet.
If you pursue a work-at-home field that relies heavily on having an internet connection, make sure you have a reliable, high-speed connection. If you enable wifi, secure it. Learn some basic troubleshooting like how to reset your modem/router — that will save you from some unnecessary customer support calls, but have your internet provider’s customer support number handy just in case. And I definitely recommend investing in an external harddrive for backing up your work files at least weekly, if not daily.
Sarah M says
I have been a childcare provider, in my home, since 2006. I checked out the licensing, etc in my county and state. It is hard work but you are allowed to be at home with your children which is a bonus. I am able to contribute to our income and I am happy doing what I love..teaching and taking care of children. This job is NOT for everyone..I am open 6am to 6pm which is a long day.
Kasey@AllThingsMamma says
I have been doing childcare in my home for the past 5 years, as well. And, YES it allows me to stay home with my children, brings in a decent income if you are to your license max and I’m able to provide quality childcare for other parents. But, with all the being said…it is THE hardest job I’ve ever done. It is long days (7:30-5:15am). It is very stinky and your home is really not your own since you answer to parents, licensing reps, state food workers and fire marshalls. A lot of times your home feels more like a business than a home – which is hard. Just make sure you are committed to providing quality care before you decide to go into this business because as Sarah said…it is NOT for everyone.
Amy Woo says
Thirty-One is a faith based company celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year!!!! Have been working for this company for over two years and could not be happier. I am in qualifying for director position. I LOVE!!! all of our products and they really do sell themselves. For only $99 to start up you get over $300 worth of products, order forms, catalogs….everything you need to get your own business started. You have amazing team support, and great customer service when calling the home office. You make your own hours, and you determine how busy you want to be and how much you want to make. Not to mention you get to use these fabulous thermals, purses, totes, etc everyday! Check out my website: http://www.mythirtyone.com/amywoo or call me at 805-577-0911 if you have any questions! Thanks, Amy Woo
Ally says
Thank you for all of the great ideas! I’m a nurse expecting our first (yay!). I’ve been wondering about some ideas that would allow me to stay at home with our little one for at least the first couple of years while I also attend grad school online. Any additional options/ideas you might have for someone like myself with a health care background? Also, I’m wondering if you can give me an idea of some reputable companies to look into becoming a virtual assistant for?
Thanks again for all of the great ideas! 🙂
Lauren says
Ally – Congratulations! I’m a new mom, and I work at home as a medical transcriptionist. Some MT jobs require training, but if you’re already a nurse, I’m sure you’ve got the training it needs. I work for a local orthopaedic practice, but there are lots of jobs nationwide. Try MTJobs.com to start, or if you’re already hooked up with a doctor’s office in your area, maybe they can put your name out there for doctors in your area looking for transcriptionists!
Kelly says
What about a nurse who takes calls for a doctors office overnight and on weekends? I am sure it would take creativity with your sleep schedule, but I know people who have done that from home… Calls got forwarded to a home line.
Any @ Gsbriels Good Tidings says
I would add to sell on etsy. If you have a creative streak or an eye for vintage finds, you can make a decent supplemental income on etsy. I’ve been doing it for years!
Sarah says
I highly recommend Etsy as well! My Etsy store, The Amateur Naturalist, is new, but I have been really pleased by the response. Many women are already crafting or scouting vintage finds, so Etsy is a great place to start selling without any upfront costs.
Elizabeth says
Did you do advertising to get your Etsy shop going, or just rely on people to find your products while browsing the site? It looks like you’re selling some really cool and unique products. 🙂 I’ve been wanting to set up an Etsy, but I make pretty typical crafts – hand-sewn items like purses and hairbows, for instance – and I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to compete with all the other similar products on Etsy.
Sarah says
We have not done advertising on Etsy. I do feel like our unique products help us stand out. However, we (my sister and I are in business together) have tried to learn a lot about Etsy SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and I believe that has really helped people find our products. There are Etsy articles on SEO. For your craft items, I would recommend focusing on something that makes your products unique, finding some niche to help you stand out. Plus, great photos are definitely key. We had a photographer friend help us with a lot of ours. The best part of Etsy though is that although there is a time commitment to get started, there is no major money investment. So you can open up your shop and see how it goes. It never hurts to try. To be honest, we started out making jewelry and selling vintage, but that led us to our butterfly terrarium idea in a round about way, and our Amateur Naturalist Etsy store has been far more successful than our jewelry or vintage. But we never would have gotten to The Amateur Naturalist store, if we hadn’t tried the other things first! Good luck! Go for it! Feel free to convo on Etsy.
Elizabeth says
Thank you so much for your advice! I’ll do some thinking on what kind of product niche I could slot myself into, and look into building my knowledge of SEO. I keep telling myself I won’t know how it might go unless I give it a try. 🙂
Julie @Logger's Wife says
I was also going to suggest Etsy! It can take awhile for it to start bringing in money but so worth it. I have made about 11 sales in 4 months plus a number of local off-Etsy sales. Most Etsy businesses take about a year to start bringing in consistent income. It all depends on how much you put into it. And it does take work beyond just the crafting. Networking can take a lot out of you but it is how you help bring in sales.
You can find me on Etsy at AbigailsAttic112
Sarah says
I sell on Amazon and eBay. It allows me to shop and make a profit from it! I make about $1500/month from it and put in less than 10 hours a week.
Lisa Pepper says
What kind of things do you sell? If I wanted to do that would I need to find a “niche” product to do well?
Tina @ Mamas Like Me says
I left teaching to stay home with my kids and started watching other teachers’ kids. I still have the same schedule (more or less) and now I’m home all day! I also make a little money blogging, which is helping us get out of debt. I have been home now for 5 years and truly believe that anyone who REALLY wants to be a SAHM/WAHM can make it happen with a lot of prayer and a lot of hard work 🙂
Amy says
I too have a strong desire to stay at home with my 3 boys. A few months ago, I signed on with Paparazzi Accessories where I sell jewelry and accessories for $5 each. I never could have anticipated how successful it has been, and I love that I don’t have to be a pushy salesperson because it is only $5 and everyone loves it. This has been an amazing way for me to bring in some income to our home while enjoying the priceless benefits of staying at home with my kids. I would recommend it to any woman who needs some extra cash. Feel free to email me or check out my website for more info. 🙂
Jessica says
For over a year my mom made thing and sold them at craft fairs, we barely made enough money to cover our costs, at every event we did we would notice the jewelry women always had people flocked to their booths so we said we need to do that! Few months later we started with Paparazzi $5 Accessories it has changed my life I love that I can sell where and when ever I want I always bring a bag full of jewelry when we go to the Drs office the nurse go crazy or I do fundraisers to help out my daughters gymastics or dance academies. It also offers me a break from my daughter so I can come back and be the Mom she deserves. Beside I get to have new jewelry all the time!!!
jenn says
Many schools no longer allow parents to bring in home-baked items. Allergies and the “fear of the unknown” has stopped this practice in my area.
Amy R says
That is sooo sad to me!
Trish says
If your state allows home bakeries without too much red tape, you could be the provider of these “home baked” goodies for your local schools. If you are approved as a “bakery” your goodies will be approved and if they taste good and closer to what mom would bake than the local box store, you will be a shoe-in!
Nicole says
I know I looked around a long time for something to do at home. Although all the jobs mentioned above are great, they just didn’t work for me. I finally found a legitimate WFH business that I LOVE! I’ve been here a year and am very happy with the results. My life really didn’t change other than I’m now busy during the day when everyone is gone!! I’m still available for my husband and 5 kids, which was the most important part, and bringing in some extra income as well! You can visit http://www.aphealthbenefits.com if you’d like to learn more!
Daisy says
Can you tell me more about your experience working for this company? Thanks!
Nicole says
Absolutely! I admit I was a little iffy at first, I was afraid it was going to be a sales job, but it isn’t! (I tried that years ago and was awful)! I am a mentor, I help others work from home and train them to be successful. I’ve been here for almost a year and have steadily been watching my residual check grow, and plan to keep watching it grow! It’s great meeting new people every day, (even if it is just on the phone), and have made some great friendships as well! I know I won’t be leaving anytime soon!
Megan says
I started a home based business when our twins were 7 months old. I couldn’t afford the daycare to go back to a 9-5 and I could not afford to invest in my “own” business. The direct sell company I chose was free and 8 years later we are enjoying financial freedom!
dawn says
where do you start?
William @ Bite the Bullet says
Then there is mystery shopping and the granddaddy of them all: write a book! 🙂
Erin Irving says
I became an ItWorks Distributor at the beginning of February. My first month I made $52. Big whoop, right? Well, the next month I made $502!! What stay-at-home business let’s you do that? I can still be a mom and help provide for my family. This morning my son’s school called and said he has an ear infection and probably needs to go to the dr. I was able to take care of my son and grow my business by telling the receptionist & the pharmacy about ItWorks!
Michelle says
You GO Girl =)
Donna says
I’d love to be a virtual assistant but don’t know how to find a company/companies requiring one. All the “Work at Home” listings tend not to be legitimate.
Mallori says
I also would love info on how to become a virtual assistant.
Sarah says
Crystal has a post about being a VA here https://moneysavingmom.com/2012/11/the-go-getters-guide-to-becoming-a-virtual-assistant-just-6-50-through-thursday.html
Stacey says
Check out eLance or oDesk.
Pam@behealthybehappywellness says
I do a couple of things as a WAHM. I do health coaching online (individual and group programs), blog (no extra money there since I don’t advertise – just fun for me, and helps my clients!) and I am a distributor for Young Living essential oils – all are great ways to earn a little extra income and definitely things I’m passionate about. I think that’s the key – find something you are passionate about – you’ll be able to stick to it when starting out (and not making much) and you’ll ENJOY the time you are working!
Connie says
There are the direct sales businesses that have incredible hours as well! I have been a consultant for Tastefully Simple for 12.5 years now. It’s great to be able to set your own hours, be a stay-at-home mom, yet still make money on the side doing something I love.
Monica says
I’ve enjoyed teaching piano lessons from home. Here’s a blog post I wrote a while back on how to get started: http://homemakingwithmonica.com/2012/09/07/how-to-open-a-piano-studio-in-your-home/
My children have also taken art lessons from a mom who teaches out of her home.
Amy R says
I will sing once more the praises of usertesting.com!! On a typical week, I’m making $150 – $200. We are getting ready to go to Disneyworld so I decided last week to dedicate myself do doing as many tests as I could. I made $420 last week. Like I said, this is not typical. I intently watched the site for every test available and took everyone I possibly could, but I am thrilled with the results!
Mike says
Looks like they aren’t taking new signs up right now. But if you have a referral code or something, I’d be interested.
Jennifer says
Interesting! I will have to check that out. Thanks, Amy! 🙂
Mallori says
You have to pay $49 to sign up?
Cindy says
Mallori only if you are the website.
Jenny W says
No – that’s for the people who design the websites. Look at the bottom for a link about “become a paid tester” – it’s a blue button. I put my email in to be considered. Here’s hoping!
Kirsten says
How long have you been using usertesting.com? I applied, but the panel is currently closed. I’m just wondering if your earnings are typical or abnormal. How much time did you devote to the testing? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Amy R says
I started in November with only the intentions of being able to buy my hubby an Xbox for Christmas. (which I did easily) At first, I made about $50/week. (That equates to one survey a day M-F) The tests take about 10-15 minutes on average. If the tests are longer, they tell you up front, and most of the time, they pay you double. I am at home all day. I leave my computer up and check it often for available tests. If a test shows up, I set my two-year old up with an activity I know will occupy him for 15 minutes, I go in my room and take the test. If he happens to need me, I can pause the test. The longer you do them and the higher your ranking, the more opportunities you get. I get many more than I can get to at this point, so I’ve become really picky about the ones I take. Before I decided to focus on making money for Disney, I limited my self to 5 test a day ($50/day). So basically, I easily make $50/day for one hour worth of work plus the few seconds every so often it takes to check for test. I have heard that the panel is currently closed though, and I’m not sure when it will reopen, but it’s worth watching for. Also, another side note…I have been set up as a mobile tester. That means I can also do the tests that come for the iPhone.
Kimberly Cushman says
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing. I have two small little ones, and now that I’m coming out of “survival mode” :), I am becoming very interested in ways I can contribute to our household income. I’ve never heard of a virtual assistant–sounds like a great option for a stay-at-home mom!
BetsyD says
I’m a SAHM of four boys and love working with Pampered Chef. It provides me the flexibility for how much and when I would like to work and provides a wonderful supplement to my husband’s income. Not to mention that I have gained so much in the way of new friendships and a greater appreciation and love for cooking healthy food for my family. The perks are fantastic. Whether Pampered Chef or another home biz, just make sure you chose something that you are excited about and that your family can participate with you. My husband supports me completely and I try to involve my boys in stuffing envelopes or trying out new recipes for my shows.
Erin Branscom says
I read a great book on becoming a VA. The link is: http://www.amazon.com/The-Bootstrap-Go-Getters-Assistant-ebook/dp/B009FNVBHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366139370&sr=8-1&keywords=bootstrap+va
Great book! The author has a forum too!
Jessica says
Catering or selling food may require a health department permit. It’s better to check than to be held liable in case someone gets sick from your cooking. You may also need to label ingredients and nutritional information.
In-home daycares may also require licensure and inspection. Again, better to be safe than sorry.
As for me, I am a WAHM doing freelance / ghostwriting for several clients. I write everything from how-tos to product descriptions to health advice. I have a Masters degree and 10 years of professional experience in my career field plus four years of experience freelancing. I had several publications under my belt as well before I began freelancing. These were in journals related to health and research.
Kalyn Brooke says
I was going to say similar, Jessica. I started a home cake business, but was only technically allowed to sell my baked goods at farmer’s markets. I actually had to have a separate kitchen if I wanted to be legit. (This was in NY). By the time you get through all the red tape, it’s not really worth it, unless it’s your dream passion. If it’s just a side business, I’m not really sure how profitable it could be. My customers weren’t willing to pay enough for my time to make their goodies, and I ended up breaking even.
Sarah G. says
Here in Virginia, there is a recent exemption for some baked goods, although you have to label it as made in a non-inspected kitchen. I started my business (after taking Crystal’s very first business class!) before the exemption, so I am licensed and inspected. I also sell products that require refrigeration, like cheesecakes and cold pies, so I wouldn’t qualify for that anyway. You have to submit your recipes, processes, sketch of your kitchen/storage areas, and a water test to the Dept of Ag to start off, and you have to submit new recipes anytime you want to add something, which is a PAIN in my opinion. 🙂 If you don’t hear back from them within a couple weeks, you’re free to start selling those new products.
You have to have ingredient labels, with everything listed by weight and with all sub-ingredients listed, as well as the net weight of the product, your address and phone number. Businesses with income less than a large amount per year don’t have to have the nutritional information, which I am very glad of. My kitchen was inspected yearly for the first 3-4 years, and now that water tests were consistently good, they can come every other year.
Angela says
By the time you do all that kind of stuff, it seems it would be better to just get a real job.
Sarah G. says
Being self-employed IS real. 😛 It gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want and work around what your family needs while not being away from home all day. All the start-up was daunting, but now that all the beginning stuff is past, you get familiar with everything you have to do and it’s no big deal.
You just have to be aware of the restrictions in your area on food sales – some states are very lenient with cottage food laws, others are extremely strict. Virginia is not that bad compared to other states. 🙂
BrandyU says
Sarah — How can I get started with this? I already make cakes & goodies for family and friends but would like to expand my business. The problem is that I don’t even know how to get started. Is there a specific office that I need to contact in my county to get the ball rolling?
Sarah G. says
Yes, I would say to first contact your local branch office of the Department of Agriculture, at least if you’re in Virginia. 🙂 If your state happens to have a different agency overseeing food safety, the Dept. of Ag. would still probably know where to direct you. In VA, they will send you a packet free of charge that contains all you need to know to start your food business. (http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/fdsafety/index.shtml) I would tell whoever you speak to what you intend to sell, and see if you fall under any cottage food law, which means you would have less regulations/inspections to deal with.
You will also need to check with your county to obtain a business license. I had to go to the Commissioner of the Revenue for that and to sign up for our local meals tax. If you set up a business, you will probably also need to set up a sales tax account with your state to collect and send in that as well.
Some people don’t bother going through all the hoops needed to get started legally, because it can really be overwhelming at first. I personally tried to make sure I was following all the laws, because it’s not worth it if you get caught as your business grows. 😛
I hope that helped a little bit! Your own state will be able to help you a more specifically with all the details.
Honestly, I hate the business side of things and would rather just bake away in the kitchen without worrying about all that, but it’s something that has to be done. 😉
BrandyU says
I AM in Virginia so all your info is very helpful! I tried calling before and the woman who answered was confused when I asked about the “cottage law”.
Sarah G. says
That’s odd that they didn’t know more, because I believe the exemption was just passed in the last few years…I got a letter about it when they were notifying everybody. I threw mine away since it didn’t apply to me, or else I could let you know a bit more thoroughly about it. 🙂 Here is a topic talking about it with a link to the new law: http://cakecentral.com/t/711844/cottage-food-laws-in-virginia
Sarah G. says
Hmmm, my reply didn’t seem to take….
It’s odd they didn’t know more about it, although it’s fairly recent in the past few years. I got a letter when they were notifying everybody, but I threw it away since it didn’t apply or else I could let you know more thoroughly about it.
I did find this topic discussing more about it with a link to the law. (cakecentral.com/t/711844/cottage-food-laws-in-virginia)
Erin Branscom says
I work from home and I love it! I wrote a similar post a few months ago on how working from home SAVES us money! 🙂
Angela says
I work from home and it does save money. (I am not self employed however.) Taking a similar job outside the home would cost me money, even if the job outside the home came with a pay increase. I save lots of time commuting (which can’t be measured in dollars but it’s still important.) I save on gas, clothing/dry cleaning, and even make up! (Why put on make up if I’m not leaving the house?? I also don’t dress up. I just wear jeans/tee shirt.) My children are small, so its not saving me child care costs at the moment. I still have to use daycare. However, when they are older it will save me from having to pay for after school care or summer camp/care.
April says
Designing websites and writing copy for other people’s websites can both be great ways to earn money from home. There is a learning curve, but all of it can be learned online for free.
Julie says
Is there a website or several sites that has all the information on how to learn designing websites and writing copy? If so can you please tell me what they are? Thanks