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Money Making Home Businesses

by Kathryn Christ

Overview

Do you dream of your own home-based business? Today, you can join the millions of Americans who earn money from the luxury of their own home. Earnings and profits vary based on the type of business you choose. Whether you seek part-time, full-time or professional-level earnings, opportunities abound. You can become an entrepreneur with any of these money-making home business ideas.
Family Child Care

Offering family child care in your home provides steady income with very little capital investment. As of March 2008, more than 400,000 self-employed family child care workers are working in the United States (see References 1). Many states require a child care license and certified caregivers. Limited only by these restrictions and any limitations imposed by your landlord or homeowners' association, you can determine the number of children for whom you care and the rates you will charge.

Freelance Writer

Being a freelance writer is a career that affords many lifestyle options from writing early in the morning, late in the night, at home, at the beach or on an airplane. The requirements are a good command of written English, knowledge of acceptable style guidelines (most newspapers and magazines use the AP Style Guide) and the ability to meet the client's needs through editorial changes. Many writers do have a college degree in journalism or English, but many others begin careers based on an interest area, such as hunting, craft design or auto mechanics. Payment ranges from $10 for a website article to $1,000 or more for a national magazine or corporate newsletter article. Many writers earn $50,000 to $60,000 each year. Still others are able to make more than $100,000.
Internet Seller

As July 2005, more than 700,000 Americans reported eBay as their primary or secondary source of income (see Reference 2). Selling items online might begin with advertising items you have around the house---an online garage sale. Online sales might be just the thing to move your collection of baseball cards into a profitable business or create a venue for your handcrafted items. You can resell items purchased at a consignment store, thrift store or local flea market. Or, you can sell items purchased at wholesale, just as a bricks-and-mortar business does.
Bridal Consultant

With the average cost of a wedding in the United States at $21,000 to $24,000, and an average commission rate of 10 to 15 percent, a bridal consultant can earn $3,600 or more per event (see Reference 3). Managing 10 events each year will bring you a moderate income. Experienced consultants who are capable of managing 40 events in a single year may earn well over $100,000. With an eye for detail, a flair for design and a sense of humor, you may have found your money-making idea right at home.
Catering Business

Do your friends compliment your cooking? Are you always creating new recipes? Perhaps your money-making idea will come from the kitchen. Starting your own catering business will give you the opportunity to make money and enjoy a creative outlet. Research local zoning laws and health department regulations, and then break out the spatulas. Your cooking might be just the business that will lead to success.