 Making
money from home
Being your own boss and working from home is becoming an increasingly
popular option for parents who want to fit work around their children.
But can you make a decent living? We talked to five different women who
are all doing their own thing to discover if it pays to be a home-worker.
My business …
Claire Everett works as a representative for Avon, an international
beauty and cosmetics company.
Why did you choose to do this?
"I have always bought Avon so I thought it be a good idea to work for
a company that I buy from. I have a 4-year-old and a 9-month-old so, unfortunately,
I seem to be unable to return to a 'proper' job due to school and holidays
and having to pay for childcare during holiday time. I only do a few hours
a week and mostly in the evening when my husband gets home. I drop off
the Avon book to each house in my territory, with an order form, pick
them up a few days later and then sort and deliver the orders. I am looking
into extending my territory and maybe even becoming a sales leader."
Start-up costs - what did you have to invest to get into this?
"It just cost £14 to set up - to cover the administration costs and
the paperwork they gave me. It was taken out of my first two campaign
sales so I hardly noticed it."
What about the money?
"Avon produces 18 brochures a year so there's plenty of opportunity
to sell, as there's a different brochure every three weeks. If you place
an order over £120, you'll earn roughly £1 for every £4 your customers
spend. If you place an order below £120 and above a specified minimum
order value, you'll earn roughly £1 for every £5 your customers spend."
What about training?
"Avon offers training and support to get you started. You will be part
of a representative group managed by a sales leader, area sales manager
or both. There is normally also a starter pack which includes products,
samples and paper bags to help you sell. I can go to my area manager if
I need any help or support with anything."
Would suit ...
" … any mother I think. Someone who likes the products, likes to meet
new people and needs work to fit around other commitments. I have met
a lot of new people."
Is it worth it?
"Yes it is worth it. I only bring in about £60 every three weeks but
it is our holiday fund and slowly building up!"
If only I'd known …
"Nothing would have made it easier!"
My business …
My name is Claire Willis, and I'm launching a new business producing
handmade mei tai style baby carriers available through my website (www.snugbaby.co.uk)
I have two boys, aged 3 and 17 months.
Why did you choose to do this?
At seven months old, my second son, Josh, took his first holiday with
us and I decided to try him in a mei tai style baby carrier (a type of
carrier, inspired by traditional Asian carriers, consisting of a panel
of fabric and long straps and can be worn on the front, back or hip).
Mainly, though, we didn't want to have to cart pushchairs round in already
cramped hire cars (You know what it's like - you order a 747-size people
carrier, and end up with a Sinclair C5 at twice the price.)
We quickly realised that a sling gave us the best of both worlds: Josh
loved being "cuddled" constantly, and I revelled in having the use of
my hands for two weeks.
Unfortunately, although we were instantly sold on the concept, the sling
we'd chosen didn't seem very comfortable for him and did my back no favours
at all. Not prepared to throw the baby out with the bathwater, so to speak;
I started to wonder if a better designed sling might be the answer. I
played around with some bits of material on a sewing machine and eventually
came up with a design that was comfortable, functional and stylish enough
to grace a catwalk - I could even use it wearing heels!
A couple of friends asked me to make carriers for them, which I gladly
did and when their babies loved them too, I started to think I could be
on to something.
Start-up costs - what did you have to invest to get into this?
A friend of the family kindly donated a redundant sewing machine,
so my initial costs were limited to the cost of fabric which was unpicked
and reused in the development stages. From this, I developed a range of
different carriers, all individually made, and I'm always on the look
out for stylish new fabric designs. My other expenses have consisted of
general supplies, production of marketing materials, and business start
up costs.
My total start-up costs, including fabric, office supplies and other
miscellanies are less than £300. My definitely not nerdy husband
put his I.T. degree to good use and designed my website - saving a small
fortune.
What about the money?
My slings retail for between £33.50 and £50 depending upon the design,
with an average of £40. At the moment, I am producing the baby carriers
in the evening, when the children are in bed, and at this stage, all the
money I am making is being invested back in to the business.
What about training?
I haven't had much experience of running my own business before, but my
local council have an enterprise centre which has so far proved invaluable,
offering advice, training, and a range of useful seminars and much needed
coffee.
Would suit …
Anyone not frightened by a bit of hard work!
My days are now spent jiggling Josh in a sling or distracting him with
toys to stop him climbing on the dining-cum-sewing table, whilst trying
to conduct business calls, and simultaneously placating Ben with food,
CBeebies, promises of treats, or threats of a sticker embargo.
My evenings are spent putting the children to bed, then sewing, sewing,
sewing. I have tried to convince Ben to bath Josh, but it all fell down
when Ben pointed out that he can't read bedtime stories. My husband, bless
him, doesn't complain, but he has lost over a stone on the new "get it
yourself there might be something in the fridge" diet.
Is it worth it?
Well, the good news is that I am getting somewhere. I am now a bona
fide self employed "Work at home mum". I have a website, orders, stock,
accounts, business assets and a continuous fixation for new marketing
opportunities. In amongst the nappies, trips to the park, and chocolate
stains on the sofa, I have the pleasure of making some of the most comfortable,
beautiful baby carriers around.
There is nothing quite like the buzz when someone in the street asks
me where I got my sling, and I beam back "I make them!"
So yes, it is definitely worth it.
If only I'd known …
At the outset, it all seemed beautifully easy; I'd make millions of pounds,
breezing through life with daily "business meetings" in Costa Coffee,
with just the occasional bit of stitching. Then reality kicked in - I'd
thought that being "just" a full time mum was difficult!
My business …
Karen James has just started to run a small business directory as
part of an organisation called MY MAG. Her magazine is published once
a month and delivered to 2,000 properties in and around her town. She
has three children, aged 10, 4 and 12 weeks.
Why did you choose to do this?
"Last summer, I was reading baby magazines and there was an advert from
a lady who had set up her own company and was offering to train people to
do the same. I visited their website and spoke to them about it and then
decided to test the market in my area to see if it would warrant a community
magazine. The businesses that I phoned were very interested and, at the
end of September 2004, I decided to go for it!
"Unfortunately, my unborn daughter had other ideas! I was hospitalised
until she was born at the end of October which put a stop to getting the
first edition out for December, so I had to make a new date for January.
Again this got stopped as my daughter became very ill when she was three
weeks old and was hospitalised. I finally settled on doing the very first
edition for February and have just distributed 2,000 copies!
"It has been hard work dividing my time between the children and keeping
the house running. I have been lucky though as one of my children is at
school full time, the other goes to nursery three days a week and I work
around the baby and her sleep patterns. She has been present with me often
when I have visited a potential client, they end up cooing over her. I
am sure at times she is the one who wins them over!"
Start-up costs - what did you have to invest to get into this?
"My start-up costs were my computer, printer, etc, plus a Publisher
2003 package to create adverts. This was because at this stage I did not
have a computer at home. Otherwise my only other cost was to purchase
the training package itself, which currently costs £2,900. This included
the four training CD ROMs which take you, step by step, through the process
of developing your complete magazine. There was a publishing tutorial,
Sage Accounting, samples of reviews and adverts, plus much more.
"What about the money?
"The financial rewards are not bad! In my first month, after printing
costs, I have cleared £1,500, without incurring childcare costs. I would
highly recommend it as a business, as the outlay you have to make is soon
made up within two issues of your magazine!"
What about training?
"The organisation that I purchased the training package from over
400 people in the UK and Europe who have taken the idea on board. They
also provide us with support when we need it and are planning their first
conference later this year."
Would suit …
"Anyone who wants to work from home, around their family commitments.
Be warned though … one of the disadvantages is that is hard to switch
off at the end of the day because it is always there with you!"
Is it worth it?
"Definitely - it's the best thing I have done!!"
My business …
Janet Lacey works for Usborne Publishing, an international, award-winning
publisher of children's books. Anyone can become an Usborne Organiser,
selling books from home to familes, schools, playgroups and workplaces.
Why did you choose to do this?
"I chose Usborne Books because we all love books and these are particularly
special quality children's books - a dream to sell. You can normally take
the kids along to where you sell them (eg book fairs and toddler groups)
and you earn money whilst having fun. Longer term, know this business
will allow me to develop it to the extent that I could give up my other
job if I choose. Meanwhile, it provides a nice supplemental income. I
usually spend one or two hours per day dealing with emails, supporting
my team through emails or phone, and planning events/making bookings etc.
This is usually in the evenings and is between other things."
Start-up costs - what did you have to invest to get into this?
"Start-up costs are low. The usual cost for the start-up pack is £38,
though there are frequent offers on this - sometimes half price, sometimes
the same price but with a much higher value. The pack is never worth less
than around £100 and contains around £80 of books and £20 of catalogues/stationary.
You use this as your shop window - displaying the books and taking orders
from the catalogue of over 1, 300 titles. Going on, realistically you
do buy more catalogues and leaflets, and build up your stock of books
at a bargain price - but you never have to buy anything you don't want
to."
What about the money?
"It really depends on how much you sell but the commission rate is
a minimum of 24% on everything you sell, rising to well in excess of 40%
as you move up the ranks. You also earn a percentage as a team leader
on all the sales of the team you recruit yourself, as well as all the
people they recruit and so on."
What about training?
"Usborne runs free training sessions around the country three times
a year at the start of each season. The monthly magazine provides a huge
amount of useful information and the website has many downloadable information
materials, giving hints and ideas. You will also be supported by your
recruiter/team leader when you start an on an ongoing basis."
Would suit …
"Everyone can make a success of this as long as they are prepared to put
the effort in and get out of the house to talk to people. You don't need
to be a natural salesperson - the books sell themselves. You just need
to be prepared to chat to people about the books and seek out events,
being persistent where you need to be."
Is it worth it?
"Definitely! I've met some great people, learnt some new skills, and
built a great library my kids enjoy. Financially, you can make very good
money if you put in the effort - anyone can build a successful business
! And - best of all - it fits around home life. You do as much or as little
as you want, although, as with anything, you do get out what you put in!"
If only I'd known ...
"Look carefully at the Flying Start programme Usborne Books offer
for people who get moving quickly. I wish I'd known how beneficial it
was to achieve all the steps - it's the easiest way to get into their
exec club - and that's worth doing as quickly as possible!"
My business …
Melanie Williams works for Mini IQ, a company that makes educational
books, toys and games for children aged 0-12. Anyone who is interested
in children's development can be a Mini IQ Associate.
Why did you choose to do this?
"When I gave up my job in IT three years ago to become a mum, I didn't
know what I would do to regain my financial independence. Just as Michael
started playgroup, an old friend popped round with her Mini IQ books and
toys. I fell in love with the products, had a party, then signed up in
September. I am now trying to build my own Mini IQ team in Hampshire and
enjoying every minute of it."
Start-up costs - what did you have to invest to get into this?
"I started Mini IQ on a promotional offer of £59 last September, it
is usually £99. For the £99, you get about 16 products and all the stationery
you need to start parties (order forms, invitations, product guide). I
also purchased eight clipboards, some pens and a box to put everything
in!"
What about the money?
"I am not employed directly by Mini-IQ, so I do not receive a salary.
Instead, I am an independent associate of Mini-IQ and all my earnings
are based on commission. The beauty of this is that you determine your
own earnings; the more you put in the more you will get out of it. We
estimate that you can earn £150 a month with four Mini-IQ parties. I have
now started to build my own team, and obviously the financial rewards
for this are even better."
What about training?
"Joining up with Mini-IQ is simple. Someone will guide you through
and host your preview party and your starter party. The company has a
real friendly feel about it, so although you are your own boss, there
are other bosses doing exactly the same thing and willing to share experiences
with you. There are free training sessions which offer help on how to
make the best from your parties."
Would suit …
" … anyone who would like flexible working hours. It is mostly mums
that are signing up, but we do have couples, and people who have already
done 'party planning' for other companies. There is no pressure to meet
targets, and you book your own parties at times that suit you."
Is it worth it?
"Financially, the initial outlay is so small it is only a matter of a
few parties before you are in profit. Personally, I have found it a real
boost as I have regained my financial independence and I don't have to
pay for any childcare as all my work is done when Michael is in bed. You
arrange parties with mums (mostly), have some fun, take some orders, drop
the products round. No stress levels required, mums always love the books
and can't wait to tell you so."
If only I'd known …
"Take the free training ASAP! I sacrificed a training session for
a table-top sale … should have gone to the free training session. Parties
are the easiest way to make money, table-top sales are a lot more work!"
Please note: Anyone considering joining up to a direct selling
organisation should make sure it belongs to the DSA or Direct Sales Association
and is therefore a reputable company. There are a lot of scams around!
Where to next?
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