Legitimate Home Business Ideas That Work

One of the best investments I made when I started my home office was the All-in-One Printer. It became clear early on that I needed to copy, fax and scan as well as print. After numerous trips (and checks) to Kinkos, the HP All-in-One became a best friend. My first HP lasted over seven years without a single problem. I recently purchased the HP Officejet Pro 8500A Premium All-in-One and love it!!

If you know your way around a tool box, consider starting a handyman business. There is such a need for someone that can do small repairs at a reasonable price. Think of the many senior citizens that prefer to stay off the ladder or how about the many single women (or men) who do not have the tools or knowledge to do simple repairs.

Finding a reliable person to do simple repairs is not easy. This is a business that may be started with the tools you already have; get some business cards and flyers to use for marketing. A handyman business will have customers all year and with your good work and great attitude, the business will grow.

Do you have an artistic flair? Maybe you've already made a wreath or two for yourself or friends. The wreath making business has definitely grown over the past few years. Wreaths are no longer just something we see at Christmas; there are wreaths for every occasion, every season and some for no specific reason.

The wreath making business can be started at home with just a few simple tools and supplies. You might consider giving a few of your really beautiful wreaths to real estate offices (or other businesses) with your business card - they make great housewarming gifts. With a little advertising and by word of mouth, your business can boom.

You may already have an outstanding idea for a home-based business, but have you done your homework? Have you determined how much money you need for start-up? If you plan to convert a hobby into a business, you may have all or most of the necessary equipment. For example, you love photography and have the cameras and other necessary tools to start a business. Also, a word of caution, owning a camera or two does not mean you have the skills or talents to start a business in photography. You really need to be brutally honest as you evaluate what you can and cannot do in order to be successful in a home-based business.

What if you really don't have a solid business idea? Get started by doing an online search and look at some work directory sites. When you find an idea that appeals to you, dig deeper and do more research. Some obvious scams are envelope stuffing, craft making (this is not the same as making your own crafts to sell), and anything that sounds too good to be true. We would all like to be an overnight millionaire, but that is not reality. As you research, do a reality check and be sure you are looking into a legitimate business idea.

Ask yourself some questions about the business. Is there a need for the service or product? How much competition will you face? Can you charge enough to grow a lucrative business? Does the business idea fit your talents, education and experience? If you select a business and have no experience or education in that field, there may be a learning curve. Are any special certificates, degrees or licenses required? You cannot decide to practice law from home without the appropriate degree and license to practice. What about any zoning requirements for your specific business? Along with using the Internet to research, you can go to the public library, contact small business organizations and trade associations. The Small Business Administration has a wealth of information on their website. You may need a loan from the SBA and, yes, home-based businesses qualify for loans under the same criteria for approval that a regular business must qualify. Be sure the market for your service or product is big enough to generate a profit, and honestly evaluate if this is the right business for you.

Once you have settled on your home-based business, you need a written business plan. This will be the road map for your new business to avoid taking the wrong turn or exit or making unnecessary stops. As part of the plan, be sure to seek the advice of a tax professional. You want to be sure you structure the business the right way and keep your home-business legitimate for tax purposes.

To get you started, this is a list of some ideas for your consideration and research as you explore the option of a home-based business. Start your own short list of ideas and then get started with the research. Don't procrastinate but get motivated and take the first steps to your new adventure.

Ideas to consider:

1) Accounting business - this is one that would require specific education and certifications
2) Sell products on EBay
3) Alterations and seamstress service
4) Pet grooming service
5) Cleaning service - commercial and/or residential
6) Yard work/landscaping
7) Child Day Care service
8) Freelance photographer
9) Cake decorating and design
10) Handy-man service
11) Window cleaning business
12) House sitter/pet sitter
13) Tutoring
14) Desktop publishing
15) Secretarial services
16) Personal shopping and errands
17) Sell your arts and crafts
18) Garage and attic cleaning/hauling
19) Wallpaper hanging/house painting
20) Make and sell custom jewelry
21) Scrap booking business
22) Avon consultant
23) Mystery shopping - you can make legitimate part time income

This should get you started and after you do some brainstorming, you will have great ideas for a legitimate home-based business.

There are several valid reasons to consider the option of a home-based business. Each person has their own unique personal reasons, but these are some benefits that apply to almost everyone.

Financial Benefits
You will be financially rewarded by what you save and by what you earn. Expenses for commuting to a job are eliminated. The dry cleaning will decrease along with the need for purchasing new business clothes. Eventually all that hard work will payoff with increased income.

Tax Benefits
As long as the business is set up to meet IRS requirements, you will be able to deduct part of the operating and depreciation expenses on your home. You can also deduct certain expenses for the use of your car in business related activities. Be sure you seek the advice of a tax professional and keep your home-based business legitimate.

Less Stress
You will eliminate the stress of commuting in traffic and the stress of sitting in traffic (as we do in Houston). Think of the time saved by not commuting - you will be walking from the kitchen or bedroom to your home office. You will not cope with a grumpy demanding boss or all the office politics. You will set and meet the deadlines of your business.

Quality Time With Family
You'll be in a more relaxed mood when you spend time with family. You can arrange your own "flex schedule" to be home when the kids return from school. You will be able to attend those school events held during the school/work day.

Sense of Accomplishment
This may be the best benefit of all. When you work in a business you love and begin to see the tangible results of your work, there will be a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. Sweet success!

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