Forget get-rich-quick schemes. If you want to earn some extra money in your spare time, or if you are a stay-at-home mom, take a look at these real opportunities. They require a very small investment (less than $100) to get started, and have been tested and proven successful by thousands of people.

Direct Sales

Not matter what your interests and hobbies are, there is a company out there selling products for it. They are known as Direct Sale Companies. You earn money through person-to-person sales, retail, home parties or fundraising. Some companies will provide you with a website for online sales.

The worst thing about this type of job is that is based solely on commission and you need to sell consistently in order to bring in a profit. The good part? Commissions are usually high (20-50%) and you can earn free merchandise as a reward for good sales.

To get started, you need to invest in a Starter Kit from the company, which usually includes sample products, brochures or catalogs, and all necessary forms and applications.

Some companies with a proven record of good sales are: Pampered Chef (sells cookware, kitchen gadgets, and seasonings; Starter Kit is $90), Petra Fashions (lingerie; Bronze Kit is $79; others available), Discovery Toys (educational toys, books, games, and software; Standard Kit, $99), Country Bunny Bath & Body (bath, body, and spa products; their Managing Services Program is $89), White Lily Candles (Choice Kit, $80; cheaper kits are available).

Sell discount healthcare plans

Discount benefits plans can be medical only, or cover dental, vision, prescription, and sometimes chiropractic services. They are aimed to people without insurance that want to save money on medical assistance. This is a relatively new service, so there is little competition out there and a potential for great income.

Although you start with direct sales, you can also make money by enlisting other brokers, which would earn a percentage for you with every sale they make.

AmeriPlan is the top selling plan on the market. You pay $95 for the Basic Broker Kit and then $35 each month to continue as a broker. This includes a free coverage plan for you and all household members and a free website to promote your business. You make a 30% commission on every enrollment.

Online Paid Surveys

Contrary to popular belief, there are legitimate online companies that regularly conduct market research and will pay for your opinion. Besides monetary compensation, you will also get to keep any product you are asked to test.

There are also thousands of scammers that will ask you to sign (and pay) for something before you “qualify” to participate in a survey. Don’t do it! Legitimate companies will never ask for anything from you except that you fill out a questionnaire.

Some legitimate companies that pay for surveys: Baker Street Solutions, 20/20 Research, Bellwether Surveys, and American Consumer Opinion. Google them for more information.

Online Auctions: eBay

Everyone knows by now how eBay works – You list an item for sale, let people bid, collect payment, and then haul the package to the post office to ship.

Start by doing your research. Look at what sells and for what prices, check out the fee structure (you pay both an insertion fee and a percentage of the final sale price), read the Public Forums and the Help section on the website. Buy something for yourself to experience the process firsthand.

Thrift stores and garage sales are a great source of designer clothes, popular toys, and other items that consistently do well on eBay. Always take advantage of end-of-season sales and after-Christmas specials.

Finding a niche can be the key to success. Maybe you live near an outlet that sells discounted brand-name merchandise? Maybe you have access to specialty merchandise such as As-Seen-On-TV products or hot collectibles? A few years ago, a woman made a remarkable income on eBay by selling high-end breastfeeding garments she bought from a local shop at steep discounts.

Sell crafts

If you are an artist of some kind, you already have the foundation for a new business. Ceramics and pottery are especially saleable, but you can branch into anything you like, from wood ornaments to pressed flowers to scrapbooking.

Start small, attending craft or county fairs, flea markets, or renaissance fairs. Talk to other artists to see what sells and what doesn’t. If you strike a friendship with another crafter, you can offer to share the expenses of a booth with him or her. In smaller fairs, you can buy your own table. Unless you are thinking of participating only in fine art and juried shows, keep in mind that most crafts are impulse buys and they should be priced accordingly (usually under $50).

Other places to sell your crafts are consignment shops and farmers markets. Also check sampler, an online magazine that will advertise your crafts for a small commission on sales.

Private tutor

If you are qualified in an academic subject, you could take up tutoring. Math and foreign languages are always in demand, but many other subjects work as well. You can also offer after-school help with homework or test preparation.

Another option is to teach an arts and crafts or any other specialty class at a local community center. After you’ve gained some experience, or if you are truly an expert, search for a Learning Annex and explore the possibilities of teaching a workshop or presenting a lecture.

There is little to no investment required to set up this business, unless you count some incidentals, such as office supplies and maybe some used books (visit library sales for this) on the subject you plan to teach.

Cleaning services

Start by advertising in the service directory of your local newspaper and taking on small, general house cleaning jobs until you get used to the dynamics of it. Later on you can target companies, building managers, office directors, etc. for large scale jobs, which offer the advantage of being more regular and can guarantee a fixed income.

Most jobs will provide you with their own cleaning supplies, so there is little investment required on your part aside from advertising costs.

Although not obligatory in many cities, consider getting licensed. Not only it will provide some sort of insurance should something happen to you while at work, but it will also open doors to major companies that may be reluctant to hire you otherwise.

Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants are the secretaries of the new millennium. Besides providing all the standard administrative support (word processing, copywriting, database management), they can also offer web design and maintenance, proofreading services, event planning, or public relations guidance. The more skills you possess, the more marketable you will be as a VA.

Work assignments are handled through email or overnight shipping, so there’s little to no need for commuting.

Since this is a freelance position, you could charge by the hour or by the project. Pay usually starts around $20/hour, although it can go much higher in large cities.

Small medical offices offer the most employment possibilities, as they may be in need of somebody to handle medical records, and insurance billing or transcriptions, but do not want to hire a full-time secretary.

To market yourself, print and distribute flyers to local businesses. Have business cards printed and hand them out at every opportunity.

Consulting Services

A consultant is an expert in any subject who helps others make the best of an event or a situation. A classic example is the bridal consultant, who’s in charge of planning a wedding to the minimum detail. Other popular areas of consulting: Art, Image, Feng Shui, and Websites & Computers. Event Planners are also consultants with a different name; so are Life Coaches, a very popular and lucrative enterprise nowadays.

Find a niche you can fill –Although there are thousands of Feng Shui consultant, you can differentiate yourself by specializing in Feng Shui for busy people or Feng Shui for the newborn.

Start by picking a field you enjoy and learning as much as you can about it. Find an online class, attend workshops and lectures, or consider a professional certification if one is available on your field.

Build a portfolio. Offer your services for free to friends and family members in exchange for reference letters. Take a few representative photographs of the final product for your portfolio.

Subscribe to online forums or associations. Read what others have to say and ask questions. A good place to get started is The Association of Professional Consultants (CONSULTAPC).

Pet Services

Pet Sitting – Just as the name implies, it entails taking care of animals, usually when the owners go away on vacation. Many pet sitters take animals into their own homes (works only if you have the space and no pets of your own) or visit the animals twice daily. Don’t limit yourself to dogs and cats –There is an ever increasing market for owners of birds, fish, and other small animals.

Dog Trainer – Dog trainers help with proper housetraining techniques, teach animals to follow commands, and provide assistance with choosing the right type of breed for every individual. They can also handle common behavior problems (excessive barking, biting, etc.) and train animals for shows and competitions. The National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) offers assistance to potential dog trainers, as well as a certification exam. Check their website for more information.

Dog Walker – Although the primary responsibility is simply to take the animals out for a walk, many dog walkers do much more than that. To set yourself apart, you can learn to plan exercise routines for overweight pets, administer medications, or offer pet boarding as part of your service. Most dog walkers take several dogs at a time and charge by the hour; you can also offer the option of “private walking” and charge more.

Dog Groomer – Dog groomers are in charge of maintaining the overall appearance of the animal, including trimming and shampooing the coat, nail clipping, and brushing and combing. Many start working at pet shops or boarding kennels to gain experience before opening their own business. Mobile dog grooming is a thriving business, which entails the groomer driving to the client’s house, usually in a van, which is equipped with all necessary tools for a complete grooming. For more information, check the NDGAA (National Dog Groomers Association of America) website.

It’s always a good idea to be prepared for emergency situations. The American Red Cross offer a First Aid/CPR for Pets certification. Even if you never have a need for it, it would show potential clients you are a serious professional.