Businesses You Can Start For Under $5,000
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Starting a business takes plenty of elbow grease, but not necessarily a pile of cash. Here are 13 ways you can run your own show for less than $5,000 in up-front costs. In many cases, marketing could chew up a considerable chunk. Here are some ideas that don't need much startup juice.
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First Up: Direct-Retail Sales -
Phelan M. Ebenhack, AP
Direct-Retail Sales
Direct selling is serious business ($30 billion in the U.S.), and the country's 14 million independent agents can make good money. Big names that will pay you to go door-to-door (but not for your gas) include cosmetics companies like Mary Kay and Avon, as well as houseware firms like Home Interiors & Gifts.
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Next: Interior Design -
Interior Design
The $275 billion home-improvement market will take a hit in an economic downturn. Still, if homeowners can't afford to upgrade to bigger digs, at least they might look to spruce up what they already have.
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Next: Event Planner -
Event Planner
The $122 billion meeting-and-events industry needs plenty of planners, many of whom can bring home $80,000 a year, according to Meeting Professionals International.
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Next: Home Landscaping -
Home Landscaping
Landscapers who do things like plant shrubs and build irrigation systems and patios need a license to get started, perhaps a few hundred dollars. New tools can cost a pretty penny, but you can buy them used for around $1,000 to $2,000, and plan to spend another $2,000 to $3,000 on a truck to cart them around.
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Next: SAT Tutoring -
Mario Tama, Getty Images
SAT Tutoring
Competition to get into college has never been more intense, so there's a hungry market for this service. Expect to spend $500 to $1,000 on advertising, be it on newspaper ads or fliers in local schools. You'll also want to buy the test-prep book your students might be using.
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Recent Comments
fan65 08:56:46 AM Oct 19 2009
No better comp plan around and voted the best Home based business for 2009. Check out www.livinity.com/Cecils3 and this will not only change your financial life but you health.
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bellasangelcamp 02:07:39 PM Aug 21 2009
If I would have had $5,000 when I started my own business at home, I still wouldn't have bought into a business in the outside world and certainly not in a home business either. For $100 flat fee, own your own business at home. Certainly none of the headaches involved with an outside business. 56 yr old company offers you a work at home business. www.profitnetworkathome.com
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BBoricuaGrL15 02:53:38 PM Jul 23 2009
Work at Home!!! Stay at Home Moms!!! Mary Kay is looking for more women to spread the word about their amazing skin care line and makeup. Everyone knows about Mary Kay. It's a honest company and the top of the line brand of skin care products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.Start you own business with just $100 and start gaining 50% profit instantly. If you would like more info contact me at 407-492-1011 and/or visit my site for more info by clicking on "sell mary kay" on www.marykay.com/wandalysberrios
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