If you are looking to start a home based business don't overlook direct marketing, network sales or so called MLM (multi-level marketing) businesses. They are not all bad. More often it is the associate or business owner who is the problem.
Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Watkins, Encyclopedia Britannica, Fuller Brush are a few of the companies I am very familiar with because of personal interaction with business colleagues or in the case of Watkins a personal association. Most of the companies listed reward their associates when they bring in a new sales person or associates under their umbrella, that's what MLM is. However, if you are harassed by an aquaintence, friend or family member to 'get involved with the business', that person is not concentrating on what is important, which of course is the product, not the body count. This is often where the infamous term, 'pyramid scheme' rears its ugly head. Still it does not mean the company is a pyramid scheme, it may simply be that the person you are talking to has a skewed view of what should really be taking place. There are countless legitimate direct sales companies, but like any other business must be checked out closely.
I used to call companies like these, the poor man's franchise. A franchise is a turnkey business which means it has everything you need to get started. I believe that the businesses below qualify as well. You may not be able to buy a franchise cosmetic business, but you can have a Avon or Mary Kay cosmetic business. I know that several businesses offer a web site with merchant tools that allow customers to order products and pay by credit card (usually for a monthly fee).
Some things to consider before you spend your money:
- Can I afford to be in this business? When you look at all of the requirements do you feel that this particular is worth your time, effort and money?
- Is the start-up cost reasonable? If you are being asked to put up hundreds of dollars to get into a business, it may not be for you. There are good business that start for less than $100.
- Are there boundaries? Are you restricted to a particular area or can you sell and market anywhere in the country? If you are restricted it will be very hard to grow.
- Must I sell a certain amount of product per month? If the answer is yes--if you don't meet quota you may end up buying the product each month yourself.
- Must I buy a certain amount of product before I am qualified? If the answer is yes--think twice before investing.
- Would I use this product for myself or my family? If your answer is no, why would you want to sell it or be associated in any way?
- Does the company have people to help me when I have a question?
- Does the company have reasonably priced marketing materials for purchase?
- Can I get a web site? How much will it cost? If you can't get a web site you will a limited clients. If there is a web site available it should be very reasonable since most are turn-key sites with limited customizing.
- Are the prices reasonable? Are they consumer friendly? If the prices are not reasonable, it does not matter how 'exclusive' they are.
Visit these BellaOnline sites, Business Owners and Small Office/Home Office, both have business information for you. See links below.
