Home Based Businesses An Option During Recession

For many workers who have either lost their jobs, or experienced a reduction in income, the temptation to start a home-based business can be irresistible. Home-based businesses and home-based franchise businesses can provide a great “ready-made” opportunity to make money, but experts warn that many people who are hoping to cash in on a home-based business windfall are setting themselves up for financial disaster.

Workers need to be wary of home-based business opportunities that require high up-front investment or that promise fast returns. Generally, the most stable home-based business opportunities come from reputable companies with a long history of providing franchise support. Many home-based business opportunities involve sales, so if sales work isn’t attractive, look for non-sales based opportunities. Better yet, look into creating your own opportunities to make money at home.

Gap Reports Huge Growth In Online Sales

If you still think that Internet shopping is a “wait-and-see” proposition, guess again. Uber-retailer The Gap reported that its same-store sales were down by 8% for the second quarter of 2009, but its Internet sales jumped by 17%, to $191 million in the same time period. Overall, the Gap’s Internet sales now account for more than 7% of the company’s overall bottom line.

Photo Credit: Paul Falardeau, via Flickr

Bookmark it