Busy people all over the world rely on laundry services to take care of their washing, ironing and stain removal. Don’t let the conventional image of a laundry service in a shopping mall or street front location fool you; it is entirely possible to start an operation of your own right from your home. If you’ve got a knack for laundry, a small amount of start-up capital and a room to spare this could be your next work at home business.

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

There certainly aren’t any formal qualifications needed to get started. You will however often be dealing with expensive or precious items of clothing. It’s essential you have a thorough knowledge of basic laundry services such as washing, drying and ironing as well as more advanced services you might offer such as dry cleaning.

The Start-Up

If you already own the machines your initial investment can be as low as $1000. To get started you’ll need a dedicated room (as spacious as possible), a washer and dryer (normal domestic ones will do for now, but industrial large capacity units are ideal) and an iron or steam press (a steam press is ideal for quickly ironing many items). Finally if you plan on offering specialist services like steam cleaning you’ll need the relevant equipment – a home based laundry service however would usually specialize in basic services.

Making It Work

Be prepared to put in a little extra effort, first to create your reputation and then to maintain it. People will happily recommend your service if they receive friendly and warm service, good value and a caring touch for their clothing and other items – invest in your brand at all times. Doing small repairs such as fixing missing buttons is one great way to do this.

Marketing

This is a word of mouth driven industry. There is a great deal of trust involved in handing your wardrobe to a business; as a result people often check with friends or co-worked before trying a new laundry service. To get started advertise in your community newspaper, at your local school, library and anywhere your ad might be spotted by someone too busy to do their own laundry.

Don’t Forget

Don’t forget to self insure for mistakes. Open a separate savings account and setup a monthly debit order for the amount you’d like to self insure for. Mistakes happen – the best thing you can do is be financially prepared for them. Finally don’t forget to insure your equipment and other assets once your business is breaking even – as you are running a business from your home those items won’t usually be protected under your normal household insurance.

Engraving doesn’t exactly jump to the front of your mind when you think of essential services, but for many organisations, clubs and businesses engraving is quite essential for everything from cups and trophies to name badges and plaques. If you have engraving training (or would like to get trained), have a eye for detail and enjoy working with your hands, this could be your next work at home job.

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

This isn’t the type of business you can start with no experience and hope to learn on the job. Engraving requires professional training or extensive on the job experience as an apprentice.

The Start-Up

To get started you’ll need professional engraving equipment; the type of equipment you buy will largely depend on your budget and experience. It’s recommended to seek out used equipment in a good condition, some of the equipment you’ll require include an engraver, molds, stencils and good lighting. Start-up costs could set you back between $35,000 and $75,000 (USD), but you could make between $40,000 - $65,000 (USD) if you work hard and build the right contacts.

Do thorough research on the local compeition before deciding on your price strategy. Many services charge an addittional fee when quick delivery is required such as a 48 hour service.

Making It Work

You’ll need to be a strong networker to be successful in this industry. Much of the work available will be already taken by established engravers. To build a client base you’ll need to set yourself apart from the competition by offering a unique service and product. Remember that competing on price is often a good launch tatic but is very difficult to maintain as a long term differetiator. Sell people on your exceptional attention to detail, customer service and prompt turn around time.

Marketing

Market your business by advertising in the Yellow Pages (if you can afford it), direct mail, networking within the industries target market (businsses, organizations and schools) and creating reciprocal relationships with similar businesses such as shops that sell trophies and jewlers.

Don’t Forget

Don’t forget to account for hidden costs such as insurance and your time. In any business of this type its easy to spend too much time on any one job. Use an online time tracking tool such as Slim Timer to account accurately for your time.

No matter how careful you are your car gets nicks, scratches and dents over time. These minor cosmetic problems are often too small to take to a panel beater. This is where the automotive paint touch-up service comes in. Touch-up services specialize in removing small dents, scratches and other minor cosmetic defects. If you’re looking for a hands-on business to take up on a part time business, this is for you.

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

Before getting started you’ll need to have some experience in the auto paintwork and panel beating industry. As you’ll be doing minor work you won’t need to be a professional but prior experience is essential.

The Start-Up

When setting up your business you can choose to be a jack-of-all-trades and offer both paint touch-ups and minor dent removal or focus on either one – dent removal businesses for example focus on dent removal but usually also offer minor spray-painting. Secondly you can also consider buying a franchise, if you have the capital this can be the best way to start turning a profit quickly. Buying a franchise is often referred to as buying a business system – if you aren’t good at setting up systems this is also a great option.

If you’re buying a franchise all your equipment will be taken care of; however if you’re starting out on your own you’ll need commercial cleaning products such as wax and polish a buffer, a dent removal kit, paint and the correct brushes for touch-ups.

Most touch up services charge between $30 and $50 (USD) per job. However this is highly subjective and really depends on the type and amount of work being carried out. Many dent removal businesses prefer to charge per dent removed than quote for the job as a whole; this same principle can be applied to touch-ups and is worth considering.

Making It Work

Businesses are often highly successful when they focus on a consumer’s problem and offer an easy solution. The touch-up business fits into this category perfectly. Build your business’s brand around the idea of a hassle-free and inexpensive way to maintain the value of your car. The consumer’s problem is finding a way to easily fix minor cosmetic problems such as scratches and dents and you are offering the solution. This type of thinking will go a long way to building an effective and purposeful brand.

Marketing

The auto industry is vast and the perfect place to build a business network. Network with panel shops, car dealers, car washes, enthusiasts clubs and anywhere else that offers a service that fits well with your own.

Use traditional advertising such as newspaper classifieds, radio advertising and flyers to get the word out about your business.

Don’t Forget

Depending on where you live you might be affected by environmental regulations when doing any paintwork. Check online or with your local department of environmental affairs to find out more about this.

Finally, don’t forget to account for the hidden costs of insurance and on-going advertising when doing your accounts.

Teaching your own children is as challenging as it is rewarding. Homeschool programs provide much of the planning, support and materials parents require to be good teachers. However for many this simply isn’t enough. A homeschool consultant fills this gap by helping parents setup the school curriculum, create a lesson plans for the year and advise on any other related matters. If you’re interested in a work at home career in education this could be the job for you.

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

Before getting started as homeschooling consultant you’ll need to have a teaching certificate or a related degree in education. The specific requirements will differ from country to country. Communication, planning and organization are the most important characteristics you’ll need to succeed in this business.

The Start-Up

As with many consultancy jobs the start-up costs here are very low. To get started you’ll need to prepare an office space at your home with basic equipment such a desk, chair, computer, printer, phone and internet connection. While you’re on the road you’ll need reliable transport, a cell phone and perhaps textbook catalogues to show your clients.

Do research on the Internet before deciding on your pricing structure. Most consultants charge an hourly rate of between $25 - $45 (USD).

Making It Work

If you enjoy working in education but want the freedom of a work at home consultancy job; this is for you. Being a successful homeschool consultant will depend on your ability to quickly assess the needs of parents and children alike.

Although most consultants charge by the hour, there is always the potential for more stable contract work. Consider creating a contract option for parents who require your services on a regular basis.

Marketing

Build your business network by creating relationships with schools, books shops and other related businesses in your area. Advertise your services in local newspaper classifieds, the Yellow Pages (if you have the budget) and on school notice boards.

Don’t Forget

In some countries you might be affiliated with an education association program in order to qualify for this job. Depending on where you live you might be required to join an education association program in order to qualify for this job.

Natural disasters cause massive damage to both residential and business properties. Once the immediate danger has passed the cleanup work begins. After any natural disaster an army of assessors and contractors usually descend on the area, one type of contactor that specializes in such a situation is a damage restoration service. Damage restoration services work with insurance companies to assess the damage done to a property, draw up an estimate of the costs and ensure that the work is properly carried out. If you have a background in construction, enjoy being challenged at work and don’t mind working in devastated areas, this is a work at home business for you.

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

This is a specialized work at home business that requires in depth knowledge of the industry and plenty of on the job experience. Before getting started you’ll need to have extensive knowledge of building structure and repair codes, regulations of hazardous chemicals (often used in the cleaning process) and specialist construction knowledge (this might include how to deal with damp, water damage and structurally compromised structures).

The Start-Up

To get started you’ll need basic business equipment such as a computer, printer, Internet connection, fax machine and cell phone. More importantly you’ll all the necessary tools, equipment and chemicals needed to get the job done. Hopefully you already own a pick-up truck as this forms an important part of your business. If you don’t you might consider leasing one to begin with.

Damage repair services spend the majority of their time repairing floors, walls and ceilings. As was apparent after hurricane Katrina a large part of this business involves damp removal and dealing with water damage. What you charge is a difficult question and one that can only be answered after assessing each particular structure. Use your on the job experience and advice from other contractors to build a successful pricing structure.

Many disaster specialists aren’t necessarily based in disaster prone areas and jet around their country or the world whenever a situation occurs. This is more suited to consultants and insurance people, as their job requires little equipment. As a fully-fledged contractor you’ll need to be based in or near disaster prone areas. Finally don’t forget to scout for new work all the time, disasters don’t necessarily have to be natural, fire, broken plumbing or accidents in general can help create a steady cash flow when their aren’t any natural disasters to respond to.

Making It Work

Reduce your initial capital outlay by renting your equipment. Prices for renting vary according to the type of equipment but are always a fraction of the purchase price. Renting is definitely not a long-term solution but can help you enter the market without the need for large bank loans.

Marketing

Market you services by building an extensive networking within the construction, insurance and real estate industries. Insurance companies are usually the first place a property owner calls after a disaster; keep this in mind when marketing your business. Advertise your services in the Yellow Pages if you have the budget, in local newspaper classifieds and with a website. Make sure your business website is simple and built with conversion in mind. Consider hiring a Pay Per Click professional to market your website on Google Adwords or Yahoo Overture once it’s done. PPC as its known is a great way to drive targeted traffic to your website at a cost you can afford. If you’d like to learn this valuable skill yourself we recommend Perry Marshall’s, The Definitive Guide to Google Adwords.

Don’t Forget

Depending on where you live you might be required to take out insurance.

Popular culture goes through phases and right now we’re definitely in an ‘old is new’ phase. Collectibles brokers specialize in hunting down old items of value and selling them. This business won’t make you rich - it can however be a great way to supplement your income or just keep you busy as a part time job. If you’re an avid collector and are thinking of turning your hobby into a work at home business, then read on because this is for you!

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

There aren’t any qualifications required to become a collectibles broker. You will however need in-depth knowledge of the area you plan on specializing in. Arguably the most important knowledge you’ll need is the ability to spot a great deal from junk!

The Start-Up

To get started you’ll need to decide on an area of specialization for yourself. Some collectors choose to specialize in a specific item, such as baseball cards or die-cast cars, while others cast a wider net a specialize in an entire era such as the 50’s or 60’s. What you choose will depend on your interests, knowledge and passions.

You don’t need a massive budget to get started. Many collectibles brokers started out with nothing and roll the profits from their first sale into the next and so on. Depending on the ticket value of your items you might consider putting together a modest collection of between 10 and 20 items. Books from your local library, research on the Internet and plenty of time watching auctions on eBay should help you learn what’s a good deal and what isn’t. Finally, it’s best not to spend all your capital on one single purchase, rather try to put together a collection of popular mid-range items that are easy to sell.

Making It Work

Traditionally a collectibles broker would sell collectibles at flea markets, fetes, and fairs. While there is still a market at these places, the majority of the industry has moved online. There are plenty of niche auction websites, however the easiest place to start selling your items is eBay. To get started you’ll need some basic office equipment; this includes a work space, desk, comfortable chair, computer, high speed Internet connection and a digital camera (to take photo’s of your items). Finally, to sell online you’ll need to think about how you are going to accept credit card payments. Depending on where you live you might be able to use PayPal, most sellers on eBay use PayPal as their gateway. If however you aren’t able to accept funds through PayPal there are many alternatives such as 2Checkout.

Marketing

Whether you sell online on auction sites or offline at flea markets, the best marketing you can do is to build a solid brand around your name. Work hard to build your knowledge and experience in the area you’ve chosen to specialize in. As you begin to source and sell more valuable items you’ll slowly build your name and reputation as an expert. Finally, don’t forget to build a network within the collectibles industry. Build relationships with brokers and collectors alike. There is no easier place to do this than online. Seek out busy forums and blogs and get involved. Sales, fetes and flea markets are also great places to do this.

Don’t Forget

Don’t forget to factor in all those little hidden expenses such as rental space at flea markets, listing fee’s on auction websites and travel expenses.

As the world’s baby boomer generation draws closer to retirement the demand for financial planning services is on the increase. Independent financial planners provide a wide range of services and advice relating to all aspects of financial planning. This highly competitive industry has the potential to provide excellent returns and a rewarding occupation. If you are highly driven, not afraid to work with the pressure of heavy competition and have a passion for financial planning this business is for you.

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

Financial industry regulations differ from country to country and even from state to state. Do research online or at your local department of commerce and find out what the certification requirements are in your area. If certification isn’t required it’s still recommended that you get certified. Competition and the added trust factor that come with a title on your business card make the added expense and time well worth your while.

The Start-Up

To get started you’ll need a typical home office setup, including a work space, desk, computer, Internet connection, printer, fax and copier if possible. Save money by installing as much open source software as possible. Open Office for example is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Office and provides much, if not all of the same functionality.

Trust is a huge factor in the planning industry; bear this in mind while building your brand. Start by choosing a memorable and easy to spell name for you’re business then get a logo and business stationary made. Graphic designers usually do excellent work in this area; alternatively ask your local printer or get pre-made items off the Internet.

Research your local competition online before deciding on a price structure for your business. Be careful not to price yourself too low simply because you’re new to the industry. Most planners charge a set fee depending on investments, which often range from $250 - $500 or more.

Making It Work

Although there is the potential to build a successful business in this industry, many people often aren’t prepared for how long this takes. Be prepared to rough it out for at least a year or two before things start looking up. If possible start building your client list on a part time basis while still keeping your day job.

Marketing

Marketing is a tough game in any highly competitive industry. Don’t try competing with larger companies and corporates, they will always have a bigger advertising budget than your own. Instead work to build a network of referrals and word of mouth advertising. Start with friends and family and work from there, build a reputation of trust, integrity and flexibility. To help this process along consider joining local community and business organizations, advertising in local business publications and newspapers and offering to speak at community events and education programs.

Don’t Forget

Don’t forget, depending on where you live you might be required to take out errors and omissions insurance.

Companies of all sizes rely on the services of collection agencies to track down and re-coup payments owed by debtors. If you have a knack for investigation, a keen eye for detail and don’t mind working in an often emotionally draining industry, starting a debt collection business could be for you.

Before The Start-Up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

No formal qualifications are required to start a debt collection agency. You will however need excellent communication skills, a high self-esteem, patience and a solid understanding of the debt collection laws and regulations in your country (if you live in the U.S you’ll need a clear understanding of the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you might also need to be familiar with laws applicable only in your state).

Depending on the industry you operate in you might also need specialist knowledge such as an understanding of health insurance policies and medical billing practices if you operate in the medical industry.

The Start-Up

To get started you’ll need a workspace with a desk, cell phone, computer, high-speed Internet connection, fax, copier and printer. In the last decade debt collection has been heavily influenced by technology making a good computer and fast Internet connection an integral part of your business. Although its possible to manually keep track of your clients with spread sheets and Word documents, most agencies opt for specialized debt collection software.

A large portion of the work previously required to find a debtor can now be done online by using search databases. These databases always charge a small monthly fee but are essential to find debtors quickly and easily.

Making It Work

As a small home based debt collection agency, it’s essential that you choose a niche to specialize in. Many experienced collectors warn newcomers against starting out in the health care industry due to its demanding nature. The industry or niche you choose to specialize in will depend on your skill set, interests and past work experience.

Finally, the profitability of your agency will in part depend on your ability to pick profitable clients. Look out for small commercial businesses with high value accounts in your industry.

Marketing

Referrals and word of mouth form a large part of new business for many debt collection agencies, this is especially true since most agencies specialize in a specific industry where word of mouth travels quickly. To get this process started and establish yourself you’ll need to advertise by cold calling, networking within the industry (joining industry associations is often the best place to do this), speaking at public events and setting up a website with free content on financial management and plenty of testimonials from clients.

Don’t Forget

Don’t forget to compile a thorough business plan before getting started. Starting without a business plan can often cause organizational problems later on; learn from the mistakes of others and don’t let this happen to you.

Easy credit from banks, stores and micro-lenders mean that it’s easier than ever before to get yourself into serious financial trouble. For most people the situation can be resolved by seeking financial advice and exercising restraint; however for many the situation has simply gone too far and bankruptcy is the only option. Bankruptcy services assist people in assessing their financial situation, filing for bankruptcy and planning for the consequences. If you have finance experience and can work with people in emotionally charged situations, this potentially lucrative work at home business is for you.

Before The Start-Up - Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

Before getting started it’s important to know what you are in for. You will be meeting your customers at a low point in their lives; they will be emotional and often difficult to work with. The upside is that you will be in part responsible for the re-building of their financial lives; this can be a rewarding experience.

To start a bankruptcy service from home you’ll need to have a background in financial planning and excellent people skills. If you’d like to start a bankruptcy business but don’t have the necessary experience we recommend first taking a job as financial planner for a large corporate company. Large corporate companies often offer excellent training programs, this combined with on the job experience will prepare you for dealing with the world of bankruptcy.

The Start-Up

To get started you’ll need a basic office setup, this includes office furniture suitable for client conferences, a desk, computer, printer, scanner and phone and Internet connection. You’ll also need essential business stationary such as business cards, letterheads and an invoice template.

Do research in your local area before deciding what to charge your clients. Most bankruptcy services charge $350 per client. Sometimes and additional 5 - 10% is gained from creditors.

Making It Work

The bankruptcy process is intended to help people start over. Some clients will require your services because they have simply overspent while others might have been victims of a tragedy. In order to best help your clients you’ll need to separate emotions from the facts and focus on moving forward.

Marketing

Market your business by advertising in local newspapers, by giving free seminars on debt and bankruptcy management and by offering to speak at other public speaking engagements. Market your business online by getting a website developed, depending on your budget you might decide to have extra features added such as online questionnaires, free information and interactive debt calculators. Drive traffic to your site through PPC (Pay Per Click) advertising. Google Adwords is the most popular service and can be confusing to use. To get started we recommend Perry Marshall’s The Definitive Guide to Google Adwords.

Don’t Forget

In certain countries you might be required to take out errors and omissions insurance, much as an accountant would.

Private functions, events and birthday parties often require the services of a bartender. Whether the bar is a table in the corner of the room or a neon light centerpiece, it forms an important part of any event. Starting a bartending business from home is an inexpensive and fun way to generate a full or part time income. You can choose from simply offering your services as an independent bartender to starting a fully-fledged business, with staff, a vehicle and supplies.

Before The Start-up, Let’s Not Get Ahead Of Ourselves

You’ll need to have a thorough knowledge of all forms of alcohol and most importantly be able to whip up any cocktail imaginable without consulting a book. You’ll also need to be the legal drinking age and in some countries, have a certification.

The Start-Up

To get started you’ll need reliable transport, a cell phone and plenty of business cards. Keep your start-up costs low and write hand written invoices and receipts to begin with. On average, bartenders charge a flat rate of between $15 and $30 (USD) per hour. What you charge will depend on the type of event and the level of experience and expertise you can offer.

Unless you offer an extremely unique service we don’t recommend ever turning down work. If you have more clients than you can handle, consider hiring other bartenders and make the move from being self-employed to running a business. There is excellent potential for expansion in this business and even the possibility of turning your bartending service into a booking agency for other independent bartenders.

Making It Work

Once you’ve achieved some level of success you’ll most likely look to improve your bottom line. High-end cocktail parties fetch a higher price than your average birthday party; consider taking a specialist course in cocktails and flaring (think Tom Cruise in Cocktail). These additional skills will open up a new, more exclusive market for your services.

Marketing

Word of mouth and referrals will eventually account for a large part of your new business. Birthday parties in particular will encourage this process; groups of friends often celebrate important birthdays in the same year, such as 21st’s and 50th’s. Until your business hits this runaway stage you’ll need to work hard to get the word out. Consider doing your first few events for free. Use this time to build awareness; you could leave your business cards on the bar, have a small branded sign visible and even run a competition.

Don’t Forget

If you supply the alcohol for an event don’t forget to add a fee for delivery. Finally, it’s easy for travel expenses to eat into your bottom line; keep these in mind when putting together your price packages.