| One of the big challenges about starting a home | | | | the earnings claim to be backed up in writing. Even if |
| business is getting past all the scams. There are many | | | | the opportunity costs less than $500 it's a good idea to |
| wonderful opportunities out there, but finding them is | | | | ask how they arrived at that number. |
| not easy. And there are so many opportunities that | | | | Ask to talk to other people who have joined the |
| sound wonderful, yet turn out to be scams. | | | | opportunity. You will have to watch out for shills, but a |
| What can you do? | | | | person who is really working a new opportunity should |
| You need to learn how to review home business | | | | be able to tell you the good and the bad about it. Try |
| opportunities for yourself. While you can rely | | | | to get contact information for several people, not just |
| somewhat on what people say about them online, | | | | one or two. If you can get in contact with people you |
| many will have a financial interest in making the | | | | can meet in person, so much the better. |
| opportunity sound good. This is not helpful if they're | | | | Google and other search engines are also good |
| promoting a scam. | | | | resources. Type in the business name with the word |
| There are some sites that can help. You can check | | | | scam, and see what you come up with. You will |
| with the BBB, but that is not always a reliable indicator. | | | | probably want to use quotation marks around the |
| The Ripoff Report website is a good resource too. | | | | name of the business, but have the word scam |
| The challenge is that if an opportunity is new, there | | | | outside the quotes. Try it both ways if you're having |
| won't be any obvious negative information to be found. | | | | trouble getting results. |
| How do you cope then? | | | | Make sure you take your time deciding if you want to |
| The first thing to do is to look at what you are being | | | | join an opportunity. If the opportunity is good, there's no |
| told up front about the opportunity. What does it cost | | | | need to rush. If you're being pressured for a fast |
| you? What will you be doing? How will you earn | | | | decision, it may not be the best idea to join the |
| money? | | | | opportunity. Legitimate ones won't have to worry that |
| All of these should be realistic. You should not be | | | | you'll find negative information, after all. |
| earning primarily from recruiting, for example. Similarly, if | | | | You should always do your research when it comes |
| earnings claims are made, ask for the backup | | | | to a home business opportunity. You'll protect yourself |
| documentation. If earnings claims are made and the | | | | and save yourself a lot of frustration. There are great |
| opportunity costs more than $500, the FTC requires | | | | opportunities out there. |