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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.
More on Direct-Retail Sales
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.
More on Home Landscaping
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.
More on SAT Tutoring
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Recent Comments
Ynotnetwrkmktg 11:24:21 PM Jun 16 2009
If you are looking into network marketing - know what you are getting into. For FREE TIPS check out whynotnetworkmarketing.netIf you want to know the top 50 earners in network marketing (and what companies they are with) send me and email from my website.
godspeed401 12:03:53 AM Jun 01 2009
Folks plain and simple, I have the recipe for you and your family. www.123setsyoufree.com!!! You owe it to your family to work from home in a happy environment! Stop trading time for dollars and eventually firing your boss!!
getbusyliving6 10:42:56 AM May 14 2009
WITH ANY BUSINESS THERE IS AN INVESTMENT...THINK OF IT AS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE. I BEGAN MY HOME BUSINESS SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND INVESTED MUCH LESS THAN $5,000 TO GET STARTED. NOW I AM REAPING THE REWARDS BOTH PERSONALLY AND FINANCIALLY. I AM SO HAPPY. I WOULD BE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU JOIN ME AND LET ME HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS. WE HAVE ALL SEARCHED FOR SOMETHING BETTER AND I KNOW I HAVE FOUND IT. WWW.JKMAKINGMONEY.COM
headlightmedic 10:39:03 AM May 14 2009
Have you ever wanted to be your own boss make your own hours and have an unlimited volume of income potential?$500.00 is all you need to start your own Automobile Headlamp Restoration Business.Take a look around you while driving at all the other cars and trucks just about anything on the road today has plastic headlights and in a few years they start to get cloudy or yellow it might even be one of yours!Email me at www.headlightrx.net and your on your way!!!!!
headlightmedic 10:37:41 AM May 14 2009
Have you ever wanted to be your own boss make your own hours and have an unlimited volume of income potential?$500.00 is all you need to start your own Automobile Headlamp Restoration Business.Take a look around you while driving at all the other cars and trucks just about anything on the road today has plastic headlights and in a few years they start to get cloudy or yellow it might even be one of yours!Email me at www.headlightrx.net and your on your way!!!!!
teamghpsport 07:11:28 AM May 14 2009
Do you want to know how to save doing the things you already do and own you business at the same time?www.shoptoearn.net/rbccont
savanasmiless 09:09:43 AM May 07 2009
You can't beat getting into your own business at home for just a $50 per month. And what you get back for that $50, validates it, time and time again. You don't need thousands of dollars to start your home business. You just need the know how and I was taught everything I needed to know. Over a year later, I'm still here and my life has changed drammatically. I can't doing anything else and will never work outside my home again. Being paid everyday is another perk since I use to get paid twice monthly. I'm right on track to retire in 4 years. I will still work, but only very part time. I want my residual monthly checks to take care of my children if anything happens to me. www.SavanaSmiles.SImpleAsAbc.com ...Questions?...SavanaSmiles@gmail.com
ad2multiply 12:32:48 AM Apr 29 2009
150$ own your own business publicaly traded company ...http://BRANDINGYOU.BIZ ... http://AD2MULTIPLY.LOCALADLINK.NET
getbusyliving6 12:23:20 PM Apr 28 2009
I started this Home Based Business for less than $5,000 but the potential rewards are 20k/month. I have never been happier. Join me and have more time to do the things you love. www.MeyeVision.Info
cctmobiledetail 06:40:38 AM Apr 28 2009
I started a Mobile Auto Detailing business for about $ 500 , 16 years ago . I advertise for free on craigslist, and have lots of regular clients as well as new business all the time. Service businesses will always be needed. There will always be stuff that people don't want to do in their own life, so specializing in that certain area will be your niche to long time recession proof income !!! See my ad on craigslist.com/SFBayArea in the automotive services area and seacrh for CCT Mobile Detail.
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