There’s no denying the downturn in the economy is socking it to us. Who couldn’t use a little extra money now that gasoline is barreling past $4 a gallon and food costs are shooting up right along with it. We’re all feeling the pinch, but there are ways to counteract this cash crunch. If you have access to a computer with Internet connection, there are ways to staunch the outflow. Here’s how real moms are taking action and bringing home some green.
Turn Clutter into Cash
Homes with kids tend to get overrun quickly with items that have a lot of use left but are no longer needed: baby strollers, car seats, cribs, breast pumps, toys, clothing, shoes and more. Rather than perceiving this stuff as clutter, change your view and imagine it as tens and twenties spilling out of your bedrooms, closets and storage areas.
Craigslist Comes to Mississippi
Instead of going the yard sale route, sell these still-great items on Craigslist (http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/ms). This FREE web site is virtually the classified ads we always knew - only better. Craigslist will bring in more money per item than a garage sale because you target buyers who want what you’re selling. So far I’ve sold a baby stroller ($25) and swing ($50), and leather Robee baby shoes ($10.) I can’t imagine getting those prices at a yard sale.
How to Post on Craigslist
- Write a short description of the item you want to sell
- Including a way to contact you (telephone number or e-mail address)
- Upload a photo of the item (optional, but highly recommended)
- Name your price.
Katie DeVillier, mom of 3 says, “I believe I've made much more money by going through Craigslist than by taking the time out to host a 1 day garage sale. It makes more sense to me to do this online.
Pricing
Katie offers, “For larger items [like] baby furniture and activity sets, I will keep it to a price that is half or less of what was paid. A baby cradle that was purchased for $179, I believe I sold for $70. At a garage sale, I think I would have probably only sold it for $25.”
Patty Paoletti, a mom of two who has sold homeschooling books and a slew of other things on Craigslist, says another idea is to sell stuff for too-busy friends and family and charge a percentage of sales.
Safe Selling Tips
- Accept only cash.
- Do not invite people you don’t know into your home. Meet in a public place or bring items outside for prospective buyers.
Turn Your Skills into a Business
Ready to join the ranks of Mompreneurs? Gwen Moran, author of “Make Payable to Mom,” (Spring 2009 Sphinx/Sourcebooks) says, “…the first step is to take an inventory of your skills and then see how you can use the Internet to fill a need. Are you a good writer or editor? There are freelance opportunities. Are you good with numbers? Look into medical billing or becoming certified in QuickBooks or another program and take on bookkeeping and billing work from home.”
Feeling crafty?
Founded in 2005, www.Etsy.com is a website specializing in homemade products. Artisans open their own virtual store, posting photos along with descriptions and prices. Regarding eBay and Etsy, Gwen advises, “The key with either is that you need to promote them beyond just posting them online. Start an email list of customers and prospects -- have them opt-in, of course -- to alert them when new products are posted. Participate on blogs and message boards that are relevant to your work and contribute to the conversation, always signing off with your blog, website, or store location.”
Become an Agent
Monica Bond, mom of two, was a marketing executive for a major beverage company before starting her own consulting business. Her workload has slowed with the economy, and she has less time to devote to it now that she has kids, but she still keeps her entrepreneurial hat on when she sees opportunities. While pining for upscale plantation shutters for her house, she contacted the mill directly and asked to become a representative for them. She has since outfitted several friends and family members’ homes both locally and out-of-state with beautiful, custom shutters and wood blinds and purchased her dream plantation shutters at a great price.
Monica says the Internet has been essential to her success. She directs prospective customers to an online photo gallery and samples, and she places orders with the mill online. She then adds a percentage as her fee.
Liz Hainley, mom of two, became an agent for Stuck On You, a custom label company, after the birth of her son three years ago. Liz, who is considered a top performer in the company, says, “For a SAHM this was a great opportunity. All orders are web-based and there is no inventory. No cash is exchanged. All orders are shipped directly to the customer. …All you really need is a computer. ”
Liz cautions that this business isn’t meant to be a full-time job. She estimates that she puts in about two weeks a year during the peak time – camp season – which is spent mostly getting brochures ready and mailed out. Administrative duties require approximately two hours a month. When asked for advice for someone contemplating becoming an agent, Liz advised, “You need strong marketing skills, and some merchandising skills are always helpful. If you can be persuasive without being pushy that's a bonus.”
Liz added, “For me, it keeps my brain stimulated working spreadsheets, and it pays me enough for my daughter to go to summer camp…”
Stuck On You (www.stuckonyou.biz) requires an initial investment of $300, which the agent information states is easy to recoup with about 17 orders. Liz says, “...from my first year to my second year, I doubled my commission, and I've never been negative from my first month going forward.”
Gwen says, “We all have something that we do that is of value to someone else. Look at your skills creatively. What do you routinely get compliments on? Take that and look at the ways you can apply it.” Gwen’s website is www.gwenmoran.com.
