Work-At-Home
Assembly
Like
many others, I have responded to tons of work at home ads, including the
product-assembly type ads.
First make no mistake about it, there are lots of good opportunities
out there, also there are a lot of scams, too. I once purchased a
work-at-home program for $10 that consisted of a letter that said to
take out a classified ad like the one I responded to, then send people a
photocopy of the letter I received telling them to take out ads of their
own. What an item!
Speaking Of Scams
One of the all time great work at home scams is the 'stuff envelopes'
plan. There are ads around right now that promise to provide you with
brochures, envelopes and even stamps, purportedly all you do is just
stuff the envelopes and get ready to make big money.
Ever been to a modern business mailing company? These large firms can
print, fold, stuff, stamp and mail an item in seconds. Would any company
pay you to do what they can have done by the thousands at pennies per
item?
Of course, they wouldn't. Most stuff envelope plans expect you buy
their brochures, then place classified ads that ask the reader for a
'stamped envelope' for more information. You then use the stamped
envelope to mail the brochure you bought. If an order is generated, you
receive a commission on the sale.
There is nothing wrong with such opportunities, if they were presented
to you honestly in the first place. Funny how many of these folks
require that you pay a big fee upfront before they reveal the truth
about the program. That's the tip off!
Something for Nothing
I think there are a couple of reasons why work at home schemes flourish.
First, people love to believe that there is some way to get rich easily.
In real life it just doesn't happen very often.
Second, there are legitimate companies that really do hire ordinary
people anywhere in the country to do work at home. Most of these
companies offer home assembly work, almost exclusively in the crafts
area.
Because many people know such companies exist, but don't know who
they are, they are willing to spend a small amount of money trying to
track down these firms.
The fact is, many companies that offer work at home don't advertise.
They are mostly small businesses that need a reliable source of American
made crafts and do not want or need thousands of workers.
They have specific products they have designed and are currently
selling at wholesale to retailers.
There Is A Long Tradition
Here in America, there is a long tradition of home workers. Right now
millions of Americans work in their homes as their regular employment,
and the trend is GROWING!
You can be a part of this return to tradition. Of course, you must be
physically able to craft a product that meets the quality requirements a
company has set.
And no company will simply send you a box of patterns and raw materials
for free. Sadly, there are dishonest persons who might make the items,
then just sell them, stealing the company's ideas, materials and
profits.
Nearly all legitimate work at home companies will require a deposit.
The deposit is often refundable if you can not do the work. Most require
you to submit a few sample items, so they can judge the quality of your
work. Again, they usually refund your deposit if they find your work
does not meet their standards.
A Few Pointers
It is especially beneficial to join a home workers organization that
will offer you assistance if you have an unpleasant experience with a
firm. It is even better if the association screens companies for you.
All real work at home companies provide detailed instructions, patterns,
raw materials (unless you can buy the raw materials easily yourself and
get reimbursed), and sometime tools (such as paint brushes).
Opportunities most widely available today are in crafts: sewing
items, painting, gluing, beading and so on.
Most work does not require a great deal of artistic skill, they already
have designed and developed the product, and can show you the exact
steps needed to make the item for them.
Firms today most often hire you as an independent contractor, they
pay no benefits. You receive a tax form 1099 where you have made enough
money with a company, but you must keep track of money paid to you and
pay the taxes yourself.
There are very few companies who will buy you own original crafted
items. They want people who can and will carefully and exactly follow
the company's existing patterns and directions, to make the items the
company chooses.
(Note: See the resource box at the bottom of this page for realistic and
pre-screened opportunities)
Work At Home Income
Working at home can be very rewarding. If you have a little spare
time, you can fill that time profitable. You can expect to net $50 to
$300 or more a week with these work at home companies.
But, working at home can be harder than working in a company building
somewhere. You alone will have to motivate yourself to get the work
done. You will need to have a time and place in your home to do the
work. If you have a family, their support is extremely helpful.
Normally, finding a work at home firm is perhaps the hardest part. Few
advertise, they are in business to make products to sell to retailers.
Fortunately there are some legitimate resource lists available to
help you find or start home craft-making businesses.
Millie Louise
(Millie Louise is a veteran worker and supporter of work-at-home
craft and sewing assembly jobs through many reputable small companies,
as well as author of several best selling books, including the
"Making
Money Working At Home Directory.")
Remember, your future is up to
you, 
