Mind your own business

...

Tell me...

What businesses have you or your spouse had in your life? And, have you been a sales rep for anyone?

I have noticed some of you on here with candles, beauty items and more! Very impressive. It's a tough racket.

I am among the third generation of entrepreneurs in my family - on both sides for goodness sake! Guess it was what I was meant to do!

Currently (and for 6 years now), I run an in-home/office computer repair & training business that's slowly turning to full-time. I also wish to do some freelance writing on the side.

In the PAST, before the days of computers, I have sold Mary Kay & Avon. Also tried vaccuums and retail which weren't for me.

I loved Avon but they cut their profit margins so I cut them! Avon had broad base of products. At one point with Avon I was making an extra $300/month! Not bad for part-time! But, it died off eventually.

Mary Kay was a big ripoff, couldn't keep it going and it was very pricey. Not much good to say about Mary Kay. I did it really to be friends with someone but obviously that did not turn out well. Anyway, I like my own business much better. I can sell to whomever however I choose.

I do like some Mary Kay items, but not $500/month worth! UGH!

Sales is a tough racket and so is being your own boss. My hat is off to all those who attempt either of these!

Comments: 15

Lune Wolfsong Oct 1, 2007, 9:29pm EDT

I used to sell handcrafted jewelry and other handcrafts with a Native flair at powwows, festivals, town fairs.... my own store for a while, but couldn't do both with the dedication needed to do either of them well so let the store go. Set it all aside when my daughter was small - little ones do like to eat the feathers and beads. And hope to take it back up again, most probably online to some extent or another, when the current little anklebiters get big enough not to be eating the supplies. ;)

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Holly J. Oct 1, 2007, 9:37pm EDT

Catchy title. I have sold things the majority of my life, starting with a sales club when I was VERY young. I then wrote a nasty letter to them when one year I was doing bad at sales and straight up asked people why. Turns out the company decided to send the catalogs to everyone in the person who bought mines familys, so then I didn't get as many sales becuase they could buy off thier niece and nephews. I even ran into some of the kids selling on MY route that I had been doing for YEARS and had a customer base with. But yes, I've sold stuff many times in my life. I've even started my own small craft buisnesses while I was in school, and made some money off of that. Currently, I just write and take pictures, something I've always done. My husband and I hope to open up a pizza shop one day, but I don't see that happening anytime in the near future...

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David Smith Oct 1, 2007, 9:40pm EDT

I've never really been a sales person. I've always wanted to start a home business of some sort. I don't really have the capital to get it off the ground. I suppose I'm dreaming way to big.

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Midnite Writer -- Kim Oct 1, 2007, 9:42pm EDT

Find out what you're good at and go from there. Sometimes something as simple as running errands or being a personal assistant can get you by.

WOW! Don't know where to begin...
Can't top Jeff in Florida, don't know that I want to. My life is simple and I enjoy my clients. I retained some for years now.

Keep it simple, doesn't have to be a shop. You can open up a "shop" on ebay or craigslist.com. That's been working well for me.

Oh, sorry... I'm going on & on, please continue...

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Lina :-p Oct 1, 2007, 9:48pm EDT

I have my own business (Custom Gifts by Talina) where I make customizable gifts and keepsake items. I have also sold Avon and Maddy Moo before... Like you I prefer to sell my own stuff and not deal with the sales quotas and all that..

Because I am 100% invested in my own endeavor and so is my money so I have the motivation and inspiration to stick with it and make it work. I am headed out to several craft fairs this fall/ winter and am looking forward to a busy holiday season..

I LOVE HAVING MY OWN BUSINESS!!
oh, if you want to check out my website: http://www.craftedcustomgifts.com

Have a good night!

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Suzette Vaughn Oct 1, 2007, 9:52pm EDT

I sew, make kids cloths, purses, and do alterations.
I bake for the holidays for a few privately owned business, as free snacks.
I write....not to sucessfully yet...but I will.
My sisters Romance Entry. Help me support her.

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Nothing Fancy Oct 1, 2007, 10:21pm EDT

I run my own Advertising Website - www.LetsBreakRecords.com - I pay my members to complete offers. :-)

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Midnite Writer -- Kim Oct 2, 2007, 12:28am EDT

That's a great idea you guys! I admire the sewing and having your own way of making money rather than pre-crafted ideas.

Please continue...

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Heather W. Oct 2, 2007, 8:57am EDT

I used to sell Tupperware. Now I occasionally play secretary for my husband's woodworking business he runs out of our garage.

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Midnite Writer -- Kim Oct 2, 2007, 4:07pm EDT

Playing secretary is nice, especially for your hubby!

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Marian L Oct 2, 2007, 5:14pm EDT

My husband and I started an auto repair business and ran it for 25 years. We recently sold the business to our nephew who is doing quite well.

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Midnite Writer -- Kim Oct 2, 2007, 9:04pm EDT

Nice to sell the family biz! Keep it going, and you don't have to worry about it anymore. Good luck!

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Robert J. Dec 29, 2007, 12:55pm EST

CASH REFERRALS PAID......$25 for each FAT PATCH Customer you send me. I recently started a weight loss business and am looking for "spotters" This biz is fun and easy to do. So if you know anyone who needs to lose weight tell them your friend (me) lost 20 lbs and 32 inches of FAT in less than 8 weeks. No pills No shakes No diets etc...
Happy New Year to all.....
To Your Success
Bob

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Mind your own business

Comments: 15

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