Many companies hire home-based employees to sell goods or provide services for them. Although the vast majority of work-at-home opportunities are legitimate, plenty of them aren’t. For every opportunity you explore, follow these tips to help you avoid the scams:
Identify a company or product that appeals to you. Check with the Direct Selling Association (DSA) for a list of member companies, or look in your local phone book.
Take your time deciding. A legitimate opportunity won’t disappear overnight, so don’t let someone tell you that you have to make a decision right away. Think long-term.
Ask questions. Ask about the company, its leadership, its products or services, the start-up fees, the realistic costs of doing business, the average earnings of distributors, the return policies, and anything else you’re concerned about. Get copies of all company literature, and read it!
Consult with others who have had experiences with the company and its products. Check to see whether the products or services are actually being sold to consumers.
Investigate and verify all information. Don’t assume that official-looking documents are accurate or complete, or even produced by the company. (They may be created by the person trying to recruit you.)
