The Folowing are hundreds ways how to become Your Own Boss
(1) HAND DECORATING
of ordinary objects pays well. Their value is often quadrupled.
Prepared stencils and designs are available from hobby shops.
You can work in attic or basement and need invest very little in
supplies. Saleable items are initialled tumblers, stools, trays,
jugs, boxes, waste-baskets, greeting cards, toys. Sell your work
to gift shops on a sale or return basis.
(2) ADDRESSING AND MAILING SERVICE
This work can be obtained by writing or telephoning department stores,
retail and mail order firms, addressing bureaux, and direct mail
services listed in the telephone directory. You can advertise your
service under "Employment" in local newspapers and in the telephone book.
(3) COLLECT AND SELL COINS
Coin collecting is booming. Supplying collectors is a profitable
home business. Get to know values by reading books and catalogues.
Buy carefully from reputable dealers and from private sources through
classified ads in local papers. Sell through private contacts and
mail order advertisments in "Coins" and other collectors' and hobby
magazines, and in "Exchange & Mart " Weekly, under "Coins". See No
113 on Home Mail Order Business . Combine with No 79.
(4) CORRESPONDENCE CLUB
Your income is from fees charged for people to join the club to receive
the names of others who wish to correspond. In this home mail order
business you cater for some special interest: hobbyists, coin or stamp
collectors, booklovers, prize contest enthusiasts, writers. Place
classified ads in writers', hobby, mechnics and women's magazines,
also "London Weekly Advertiser" and "Saturday Tit Bits".
(5) PROFITABLE SEWING AT HOME
There is money in a home dressmaking service. It often pays to specialise.
Some do well re-modelling old dresses, or making novelties or children's
wear. A sign in your window, a card on Y.W.C.A. notice boards and
students' bulletins, classified ads in the local newspaper and calls
on dress shops and gift stores bring business. See manuals at your local
library. A money-saving idea if you make children's dresses is to buy
bulk remnants from large manufacturers. A firm selling cotton print
and patterns, is J.W. Coats & Co Ltd., Nelson, Lancs. Useful magazine:
"Pins and Needles".
(6) MAKING LAMPS AND SHADES
at home pays well, as they often sell for many times the material costs.
Lamp shades can be made in home workshops from linen, plastics, silk,
paper and parchment. Local public libraries have manuals on the subject.
Outlets are gift shops and department stores. Co-operate with interior
designers.
(7) RENTAL BUSINESS
This has mushroomed into an attractive new business opportunity.
People like to borrow, do-it-yourselfers rent professional equipment.
Many men are doing well these days by acting as rental agents for all
manner of things - power tools, trucks, cars, electric generators, etc.
There is no capital investment because you act as middleman between the
person owning the equipment and the person renting it. Advertise in local
newspapers.
(8) ANIMAL BREEDING
Pedigree dogs and other pets command high prices today. It is important
to start with the right stock and keep to the instructions given in
handbooks available at local public libraries. Two females mated at
different times of the year could prove profitable. People in all walks
of life make a good income from breeding not only dogs but cats, canaries,
budgerigars, etc., but dog breeding is particularly profitable. Whatever
type of animal you choose to breed, it pays to go in for unusual ones,
such as Papillon dogs, Persian cats, Chinese hamsters, etc. Sell through
classified advertisement in local newspapers and "Sunday Times".
(9) BASKETRY AND CANE WORK
can be successful if you keep a good standard of workmanship.
Use bright enamel paints for finishing and keep to standard designs
and articles. Study the market and offer your products on sale or
return to gift and novelty shops, stores, women's exchanges etc.
Basketry and other wickerwork with raffia, needs, etc...,appeals
to many people. Popular items are lamp shades, baskets, mats, trays,
footstools, hats, chair seats and backs.
(10) LOCAL NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENT
Suitable if you are a good 'mixer' and have good local knowledge and
write plain English. Start by sending local editors specimen reports.
(11) CRITICISM OF WRITERS' MANUSCRIPTS
Profitable if you are keen, have some flair, and study writers'
manuals. Advertise in "The Writer", "Writer's Review", and "Writing".
(12) RESEARCH SERVICE
Writers, lecturers, business companies and others need free-lance
specialists to look up information which can be found in public and
special libraries, museums and trade associations. Get work through
classified ads in literary and writers' magazines. Home operators can
earn £2.50 to £3.00 per hour. Your local reference libraries will help.
(13) BUYING AND SELLING ON COMMISSION
Start with an outbuilding or store room until you can take a small shop.
No knowledge of your goods is necessary. Take a commission of 15% to 25%
on everything you sell. Suppose a customer brings in a table, chair, or
camera for which he asks a certain price. When you have found a buyer
you notify your client, who collects the cash and pays your commission.
Your only expenses are for the space, and classified ads. Furniture, T.V.
sets, cameras, typewriters, prams, sell well.
(14) IDEAS FOR CARTOONISTS
Cartoonists pay well for ideas and gags that suit their style.
Write to cartoonists care of the magazines in which their cartoons appear.
(15) AT-HOME BABY SITTING
is an increasing in-demand spare-time activity. Mothers bring their
child to the baby-sitter's home, some taking seven or eight at once,
charging by the hour, plus something extra if a meal is given. Combine
with No 92.
(16) AGENCY SUPERVISORS
working from home are wanted by Buying Protection Services, 20 Gorham,
Rottingdean, Brighton. BN2 7DP.
(17) INVISIBLE RE-WEAVING
This service is popular and rewarding because it salvages costly
garments at considerably less cost than would be needed to replace them.
There is particularly good scope in small community neighbourhoods.
Various firms which give help to home operators advertise in
"Exchange & Mart", notably the Invisible Mending Co., Shaftesbury Avenue,
Piccadilly Circus, London. W.1 and British Invisible Mending Service,
1 Hinde Street, London. W.1.
(18) HANDBILL DISTRIBUTION
for business firms and other advertisers can be profitable.
Door-to-door delivery can be arranged with senior school-children.
Sales letters sent to department stores and other local advertisers
can bring good results, also advertisements in "The Trader".
(19) RUG AND FURNITURE CLEANING
is a growing business. In America especially, more and more people own
and operate an 'on location' rug and furniture cleaning franchise,
such as Service-master, 2117 North Wayne Ave., Chicago 14, Illinis.
In England similar firms advertise in "Exchange & Mart", "Sunday Times",
and "The Observer".
(20) SELL MAGAZINES
This requires no office and it can be evening work. Write to publishers
requesting the right to get subscritions. Approach schools, hospitals,
offices and private people in their home and at their business. Solicit
orders by telephone and direct mail advertising. Or concentrate on
back numbers which can be bought and sold through advertisements in
"Excange & Mart". Old boys' weeklies such as "Magnet" and "Gem" sell well.
