Avon calling?

[blankslate]

I had to redo my budget since I'm now taking a 5% paycut and losing 20 hours over overtime a month. That's $800 a month now missing from my income. Ouch. I've only had that $800 more a month since transferring to LA 2 months ago so it's not like I had a chance to get used to it. I'm glad I had it while I did because it enabled me to settle into the new city.

So now on my budget, I have exactly enough to pay for the bare basics again. Rent, food, utilities, gas. Not a penny leftover for other things like tires, car repair, clothes, health insurance for me... not good. I have a moving reimbursement check coming to me (I hope) from my company soon. I had originally planned on paying off my student loan balance and putting the rest into a decent used car. That plan has changed. I'm still going to pay off the student loan so that will be done and the rest will go into savings. My car is still getting me to work and I thank it every day for not blowing up.

I'm trying to think of other ways to bring in a little more income each month. At least $300 that I could put into savings for emergencies. Getting another job is out of the question because of my work hours. My 17 year old daughter is going to try to get a part time job but I want her money to go towards things that she needs and a little savings for herself.

So, I was thinking of selling Avon. The products are good enough and cheap enough that I wouldn't be trying to sell something ridiculous to friends and co-workers during a recession. It's not something I could put a whole lot of time into since I'm already working full time. It would be putting out catalogs with order forms at work and having a website for the rest.

Anyone had any luck with Avon or know someone who did? I'm not looking to get rich but hoping to supplement some of my recent loss in income. If nothing else, at least break even enough that my own products end up being free. Let me know your stories. Fortunately, it's only $10 to start up and $7 per campaign to maintain a website so I'm not looking at a huge investment.

[twuoo]

Get your loans into foreberance. That will help. Student loans can wait.

[blankslate]

Unfortunately, not these student loans. They've been garnishing my wages for 3 years. Once the automatic stay is over, they'll get right back to it if I don't pay it off. I can't afford any monthly payments at all with my budget as it is, especially $400 a month that they were taking out of my wages. It would be best to pay them off with my reimbursement check and be done.

[Flamingo]

As to Avon; I have a co-worker friend who decided to look into selling Avon to bring in additional income but she found out that the market is now glutted with Avon reps due to folks looking for additional income and purchasing is down by folks cause unless they really want Avon products, it is cheaper to get items in discount stores and not have to pay shipping or other charges. We used to have just one lady selling Avon in our office; over the past year we now have 4 so to avoid issues/conflict, I quit buying any items from any of them.

[LuciluS]

I used nothing but Avon products Until last Sept. when the Credit Card Companies raised our minimum payments and jacked up the interest rate.

We moved in 12/07 about 60 miles from where my Avon Lady lived. No Problem though. She would mail me the products I ordered and Pamphlets too.

Yes, Avon is a lot cheaper than the products sold in Department Stores. However, I've had to start buying the cheaper facial items from Wal-Mart.

I believe Flamingo is right about more women selling Avon, but I wouldn't know as I do not work. I am disabled.

I know the start up fees are not that much. You just need to decide if you think you can make enough additional money to help you.

Luci

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I'm lucky that no one at my work that I'm aware of sells Avon. I work in the media so the ladies have to look good. We all took a paycut recently so I know everyone needs to spend a little less on looking good.

[Ifonly]

If you think it may work for you and the start up fees are not crazy, go for it!

Even if you only make $100 a month, it's $100 more than you had, right?

Also, don't forget to track your start up fees and every expense associated with the business so you can report it on your Schedule C, probably show a nice loss to offset your income tax on your regular income.

For instance, you put your orders in via a website which is required by the Avon business or you launch a website. Your monthly internet bill is now a business expense. You buy yourself a tube of lipstick to wear to work to show how great the product is. Testing/marketing expense! See where I'm going with this? This is all legit.

When I sold Pampered Chef, my earnings averaged approximately $400 - $700 a month and my Schedule C for that income tax year showed that I lost $2,000.

One word of warning - if you're going to try a home office deduction, check into the rules first. That is an deduction the IRS pays attention to.

[blankslate]

Thank you! I didn't even think about the tax deductions! I can already deduct wardrobe and makeup due to my job but never have. I don't know if I should do it on next year's tax return because I am also claiming moving expenses for the job transfer. I don't want to raise any red flags with too many deductions. It's always been a simple EZ form but this year that will change since my daughter will no longer be a minor as of September.

In the fall we'll be getting a credit for the DSL internet when my kiddo starts her senior year in a "virtual academy" that pays for the internet and a bus pass for her to attend weekly labs and testing centers.

I have some marketing ideas to go with selling Avon (once upon a time I was a marketing guru) like doing a weekly review of a certain product and emailing it to my clients.

As you said, even if it's only $100 extra a month... that's $100! I have two goals with this. 1. To have a little "extra" to put aside each month for a cushion. I haven't had a "cushion" for over 6 years. 2. Take care of myself a little better. My self esteem has suffered greatly in the last few years. I stopped wearing makeup (lucky for me I can get away with light colored sunglasses and lip gloss on camera) and caring for myself in general.

Unfortunately, I have to wait until Friday (payday) to get started. I've got $10 to last until the end of the week and that has to include gas to get back to San Diego for my continued 341 meeting tomorrow. This is exactly what I'm trying to get out of by brining in some more income.