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Are you looking for work from home business ideas to help you start a home business of your own?

Maybe you’re tired of a long commute every day, and wish you could start a home business and work at home. Or maybe you’re a stay at home parent, and would like to make money at home, but need a flexible schedule.

While there is a whole slew of information on how to start your home business, the first question to answer is what type of home business will you start? Believe it or not, answering this seemingly simple question will likely be the hardest part of getting started in your own home business.

Below are a few of our most popular Home Business Ideas.

1. Write Childrens Books – Make Money From Home
2. Laser Engraving Business
3. Start A Vending Machine Business
4. Become A Home Inspector
5. Mobile Car Detailing and Wash Business
6. Become A Photographer
7. Become A Business Broker
8. Coin Dealer Business Overview
9. Start A Home Candle Business
10. Start An Auto Glass Repair Business.

1. How to write Childrens books as A Buisiness : Writing your own stories isn’t all that much different than telling stories. All you need is to have a flair for capturing the imagination and innocence of children and be able to put your stories on paper!

It is possible to start writing your own children’s books without having to hire children’s book publishers. The internet has made it easier than ever for you to be able to simply write your own book and publish it all on your own. You can know how to write childrens books and how to publish them, too!

If you want to be published with a publisher, you can do that, too. You can purchase writing and publishing tools and services to give your stories a professional look and present your completed copy to potential publishers.

Keep your options open when you think of stories for your children’s books. You can write books that contain short stories or they can be about mysteries, lessons or you can create fun books that contain puzzles and games. If you have gift for drawing, you can even create your own coloring books!

When creating your stories, write about memorable characters that children can love and relate to. Ideally, you can create a series of stories where you can feature your most popular characters again and again. If you want to be really ambitious, offer your books in both print and on CD.

2. Laser Engraving Business : Laser engraving and cutting is the process of using a specialized laser system to engrave, cut and mark a variety of materials. The applications of laser engraving are virtually limitless which makes a laser engraving business especially attractive. As mentioned earlier, the products and services you can sell in your laser engraving business are limited only by your imagination and customer demand. Here are some of the more common laser engraving ideas:

• Laser Engraved Photographs
• Laser Cut and Engraved Musical Instruments
• Trophies and Plaques
• Glass Engraving (for example, wedding flutes or wine bottles)
• Intricate woodworking designs for dollhouses and models
• Holiday decorations
• Barcoding and parts identification
• Photo album and journal covers
• Personalized anything

Before you go out and spend thousands of dollars on your laser engraving and cutting equipment, first decide what types of products you’ll offer. The products and materials you choose will help you decide what type of equipment to purchase. To help you get started in this business, you may want to focus initially on a niche product rather than trying to engrave or cut everything.

Starting small doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll make less money. On the contrary, with some market research you may find a highly profitable niche. Focusing your efforts here will not only help you hone your skills, a smaller menu of services will also help you more easily develop and refine your laser engraving business processes.

With your list of products and services in hand, the next step will be to acquire the necessary equipment. There are several startup kits available for less than $10,000. But before you go and buy the cheapest product you find, make sure to speak with a qualified product representative who can help you decide the best equipment for your business needs. This is where your market analysis and business plan will come in handy.

Just like the time you’ve spent analyzing your market, you should also spend time evaluating laser engraving equipment vendors. These machines will be the heart of your business. Make sure you pick a provider that offers a quality product backed up by superior customer service. Even if you need to pay a little more, quality counts here.

3. Start A Vending Machine Business : The vending machine business is an important industry for increasingly active people who need this convenient option for foods and drinks.

This is a wonderful opportunity for generating “passive income” for continual cash flow. 

Develop a Business Plan :Develop a business plan for your forecasted expenses and revenue. According to experts, approximately 78% of your gross revenues will go to expenses, so after accounting for vehicle maintenance and repairs, be sure to factor this in to your plan’s calculations.When you first start out, you should focus yourself on finding locations, acquiring equipment, and determining good product mixes. Later you can look into finding new locations and centering yourself on filling every one of your clients’ needs.

Also be sure to monitor the owners of current machine locations to see if there’s any way your company could improve the service they receive.

Expansion options include movie rental kiosks and medical device and candy machines amongst many others.

Your Vending Machine Location: The most basic sales task for the vending machine business is attracting good vending locations. Find a high traffic location or company with many employees. Bulk targets should include schools, hospitals and factories though the competition here is high and service expectations high.

Tailor your product mix to the specific business or venue you’re serving, and compare the pricing structures of your competition so as to be able to offer more competitive services

4. Learn How to Become A Home Inspector: If you’re a contractor looking for a line of work that’s a little less physically demanding, why not learn how to become a home inspector?

The American Society of Home Inspectors (homeinspector.org) estimates that 77% of homes in the United States and Canada are inspected before being purchased. Home inspectors are used by the seller to find out what needs to be repaired before putting a house up for sale.

Buyers also use home inspectors to identify any problems in their dream home before they finalize the deal.

What Home Inspector does : An inspector will examine the exterior and interior of a home, checking out the home systems. Areas to examine include, but aren’t limited to:

• Roof, including the chimney for leaks, damage and wear
• Basement for leaks, mold, ventilation
• Plumbing systems for water pressure, distribution
• Heating and cooling systems
• Outside and inside for condition of materials, i.e. siding, shelving, banisters, walls, etc.
• Appliances such as refrigerator and stove

Once the inspector has completed the review, he (or she) will write out a detailed report outlining the findings and give a copy to the customer.

A thorough knowledge of and a keen interest in home systems are essential to be a home inspector. People with a background as general contractors often have very transferable skills. However, if you don’t have that background, there’s still hope.

A number of organizations offer home inspector training. You could start with a home inspection course through ASHI. Courses are a great way to learn how to become a home inspector. 

5. Mobile Car Detailing and Wash Business: For a low cost, low technology business, consider mobile car detailing. People love their cars. They name them Betside, Freddie and Babe. They rely on them.

But owners don’t always have time to clean them or take them to the car wash.

Mobile car detailing solves the problem because the cleaner comes to the car.

Your mobile car detailing and wash business can be a single person or a multi-person operation. 

What Mobile Detailing Equipment is Needed: The basic equipment includes sponges, brushes, clothes, buckets, vacuum and cleaners and wax. You’ll need to be familiar with car detailing products so you don’t use anything that may cause damage to the car’s finish.

You will also need access to an electrical outlet and water spigot. As your business grows, you may consider buying a portable generator and a large capacity water tank. 

Who will Want Your Service : Consider contacting limousine companies, who need to keep their cars immaculate. Set up a regular contract to clean their cars and be available for emergency service.

Car dealerships could also use your service. While larger dealerships may have their own detail division, smaller dealerships may not. Used car dealerships and rental car agencies are other possibilities.

Individual professionals are also good targets. Their image may call for a pristine car, but they may not have time to clean it. Law firms, medical practices and corporate headquarters may be the source of potential customers.

Neighborhoods may also garner customers, particularly those with higher end homes or corporate apartments.

6. How to  Become A Photographer : To become proficient at taking pictures, take your camera with you wherever you go. Take pictures of everyone (with their permission) and everything. Experiment with lighting and different camera settings. Examine every photograph you take with a critical eye. Learn what works and what doesn’t.

If you don’t have an art background, consider taking art and photography classes. Classes teach techniques for proper lighting, staging, and composition. Expert advice is available in books and professional magazines.

Photography is a creative pursuit. You need to know the methods, but with plenty of practice, you will also develop your own style. Style is what makes one photographer different from another. You may also develop a preference for taking certain types of photographs. Perhaps you enjoy taking portraits. You may prefer taking photos of children. Landscapes may be where your real talent lies. You may also, however, enjoy taking all types of pictures. It’s up to you.

Your camera setup will be the most expensive and most important piece of equipment you need to become a professional. Just a few years ago, a professional would never have considered using a digital camera. That has changed with the development of versatile, high quality digital cameras. Conduct research and read reviews before you purchase your camera to determine which will best do the job.

You’ll also need to invest in a decent computer with image editing software such as Photoshop.

Purchase props to use in your photos. Props could include chairs, tables, fabric, vases, or stuffed animals. Props should be used to enhance the picture, not become the center of attention.

Learning how to become a photographer and discovering your own approach is the first step toward becoming a professional. There are a variety of ways to make money with your photographic skills. You can open your own studio, work from your home, travel to other locations, sell your original work, or employ a combination of working styles.
If you have chosen a niche to begin with, target customers in that group. For example, if photographing children is what you most enjoy, advertise in newspapers, on public bulletin boards, and anywhere parents gather. If you like to shoot wedding photographs, speak with wedding planners, bridal shop owners, and others in the field to let them know you are available.
Beyond knowledge of your craft, hone your interpersonal and communication skills as well.
Expanding Your Photography Business
As your portfolio grows, you will discover other related business avenues to pursue. Below are some ideas to get you started:

• Contact local schools about taking school pictures
• Contact local businesses about taking catalog photos
• Sell original photos to newspapers, calendar companies, and online

7. How to Become A Business Broker : Businesses are bought and sold daily, so perhaps you have wondered how to become a business broker and work in this exciting real estate field. The reason there is such flow in business ownership has a lot to do with risk. Just starting a small business can be risky, and purchasing an existing business may be a better way to start than from scratch.

This is why it makes sense to learn how to become a business broker – you can capitalize on these transactions. You will help clients to find a business for sale that fits their list of requirements.
What A Business Broker Does
It is not as simple as just buying a business here and selling a business there. If you want to make a nice income at this job, you will be busy searching out new listings of businesses for sale and networking with real estate agents, clients, and even media people.
For clients, you need to determine their wants and then help them to locate, evaluate, and eventually purchase a small business or businesses. You can call your new endeavor Business Finder-Broker or something similar and start right away. You don’t need a license, but this is a great career for someone versed in and licensed in real estate because they already know the ins and outs of property sales.
The Importance Of Networking
As you discover how to become a business broker in your town, you will network with others doing the same thing. This is helpful because all the contacts you have will be valuable in helping you to know what is available. The more listings you can access, the higher your probability of making property matches with new owners.
You may be able to work a deal with sellers as well. If you network with a person who specializes in selling small businesses, you are ready to help them by bringing in your group of potential buyers so you can both make a match.
Finding Success How To Become A Business Broker
Other sources for listings are local periodicals, newspapers, internet websites, property guides and even public notices of property sales. You will help your clients to find business opportunities that fit their budget and cash flow circumstances.

If you want success, follow tips you get given along your journey. Specialize in acquisitions, and then learn to process your exchanges smoothly – but don’t ever forget your buyers. Even if you work with another broker or get involved with a business broker franchise, you can still serve both sides of the deals and make more money.
Get to know your media reps by placing a few ads; they may have leads for you. You can create a newsletter with paid ads and circulate it around town to other businesses. Finally, you can step right into a business management business by offering to do consulting with your clients after the sale to get them started off right.
Now you know how to become a business broker, what are you waiting for?

8. Coin Dealer Business Overview : Have you ever wondered whether the change you have might include coins rare or valuable to a coin dealer?
Have you always had a fascination with coins? If so, maybe you should consider starting a business as a dealer yourself.
If you have a coin dealer business, you will provide a forum for people to buy and sell rare and valuable coins, antique coins, silver coins, and gold coins.
You will also provide pricing, grading, and services to authenticate the coins. Even if you establish your business in a retail establishment, you will want to have an internet presence for coin trading and valuation.
The most important asset for your business will be knowledge. That is especially true because of all the counterfeiters out there in the industry.
It will help greatly if you have an in-depth knowledge of coins or access to another person who does, or to other resources that can help you such as a network of coin dealers. To start your business, you will need a few thousand dollars to establish your inventory.
One thing that will help you to expand is writing a coin collecting newsletter. It could cover such topics as rare coin reviews, pricing and grading charts, coin collecting basics, and classified advertisements. You might even decide to expand your business to include stamps, watches, or pens.
Starting Your Business
To start your business, you should research coin collecting. Search for coin dealers on the internet, as they will know what coins are the rarest, most traded, and newest. Establishing a network with other dealers can be very beneficial. Visit trade shows or coin shops to decide the types of coins you would like to begin your trading with.

Besides coins, you may also need to buy such equipment as display cases, a jeweler’s eyepiece, and items to clean the coins. A garage or other room may be adequate to operate your business in, so there is no need to spend a large amount on premises.
Advertising Your Business
To sell your coins, you need to advertise. You can advertise in trade magazines, newspapers, and free advertisement publications. Trade shows are another good place to promote your business – especially among other dealers and collectors. You might also make a lot of sales on the internet, and there are a lot of free and inexpensive web hosts that can be found by doing an online search.
Other Subjects Relating To Becoming A Coin Dealer
If you are not an accountant yourself, there is help available for your numismatics business – or business dealing with coin collecting. Do an internet search for accounting software for small businesses and you should find plenty of help. It will not be hard to find insurance for your business.
If you do decide to start a business as a coin dealer, you very well end up being very glad that you did.

9. Start A Home Candle Business : You may not be ready to rent a storefront or workshop, but there are ways of starting a candle business without investing money into square footage. Here are some ideas…
Handmade Candle Party
Send out invitations to your friends and coworkers and have a party at your house. Put out a few snacks and beverages that will encourage people to linger and chat.
Try to time the party ahead of Christmas or Mothers’ Day—times when people might be likely to buy gifts for others as well as items for themselves.
Mark the price of everything clearly, or have an easy-to-read list, so that people do not have to feel awkward in asking the price.
Have a guest book available for people to sign up for a mailing list, and send out thank-you notes to those who attend, whether or not they purchase.
Local Boutique Sales
Find a boutique or gallery that sells local items. Use local place names and/or scents of plants you might find in the area’s landscape to name your products. Try to have the buyer purchase the candles outright from your candle business, instead of taking them on consignment.
Price the candles at an appropriate wholesale level, so the store can make a profit, and check in from time to time for re-orders and to find out what sells best.
Fund Raisers
Offer your products for sale as a fund-raiser for a school or local charity. Even though you will have to provide your candles at a discount, consider it a cost of advertising of your product. Limit the choices to one or two of the simplest items to produce.
This way, if the fund-raiser is really successful, you can take advantage of bulk pricing on your raw materials. You’ll also have an easier time meeting the demand.
Be certain the time frame between the order cut-off date and delivery date will allow you to get materials in and produce enough candles in time to fulfill the order.
Craft Shows
Get your candle business into some craft shows. Use your home computer to print up a small brochure with the story of how you got into the candle-making business, why your candles are special, and be sure to tell people who stop at your booth. Don’t forget to have open samples of scented items for customers to smell.
Charities or Auctions
Donate to a charity silent auction or raffle. Make up a basket of your candles, and have your business card or brochure accompany it. Keep track of your cost so that you can list it among your business expenses for tax purposes.
How to Start  Candle Business

Before you sell your first candle, you should obtain a seller’s permit from your state Department of Revenue, so that you can purchase materials at a wholesale discount. There are many on-line purveyors of candle-making supplies and equipment, and the less you pay, the more profitable your candle business will be.
You may also be required to collect sales tax, and it will likely be the seller’s permit number under which you file a sales tax return with your state.
It is also a good idea to check with your insurance agent about whether or not you need liability insurance, in the event a faulty wick sparks a fire, or other such event beyond your control as a candle-maker.
As your candle making business grows, you should invest some of your profit in professional-looking packaging. If you do not have the computer skills and equipment to design and print labels for your candle packaging, find a label manufacturer with a graphic design department, and see if he or she can come up with something eye-catching that conveys your vision of your product.
Choose from among the label manufacturer’s existing dies, so that you do not have to pay for the purchase of your own special die, and have the designer create something to fit it. Pick a shape that will work with as many of your products as possible. Limit your company colors to one or two (plus the white of the paper label) in order to keep the cost down.
With professional packaging, your candles will look more up-scale, and demand for them will grow. You’ll be able to ask more for them. In short order, you may find you need your own storefront after all!

10. Start An Auto Glass Repair Business : Windshield cracks and chips are a small problem that can result in a major expense for drivers. Full windshield replacement is a costly proposition and can be time-consuming as well, leading many vehicle owners to seek less expensive methods for repairing minor auto glass damage. The auto glass repair business industry was created to serve this public need, and offers lower-cost methods for repairing small cracks and chips before they become bigger problems.
In many cases, insurance companies will waive the deductible for car owners who choose auto glass repair over full replacement of their cracked or chipped windshield. Reliable auto glass repair services are always in demand due to the reduced cost of repair over replacement to the driver. Although competition in this business can be high, it is fairly recession-proof.
Auto Glass Repair Business Vs Replacement 

Opening an auto glass repair business is a major undertaking and requires an in-depth knowledge of the most up-to-date methods and techniques for repairing chips and cracks in windshields and windows. National guidelines for windshield repair professionals outline various types of cracks and chips and the recommended approaches for these repairs depending on where they are located on the windshield.
While auto glass repair for side and rear window cracks is less stringently regulated, cracks and chips in the windshield can seriously affect driver visibility. This is especially true in the acute area, an 8 ½ inch wide by 11 inch high area just above the steering wheel of the vehicle. Many auto glass repair professionals will not repair a major crack in this area since even after the repair is completed the crack may still be visible from some angles. This can impair the driver’s vision and potentially result in liability for the auto glass repair business.
Glass Repair Method

Most auto glass repair techniques require the use of specialized equipment to remove air from the crack and replace it with one of a number of commercially available resins. Commonly available commercial grade resin systems include products from Glass Mechanix, Novus, Triclare, and GT, with Delta currently dominating much of the United States marketplace.
While auto glass repair professionals differ regarding which is the most effective and durable type of resin, the repair process for all resin types is basically the same and consists of a number of steps, outlined in more detail in the 2007 ANSI standard regarding windshield repair.

1. Thoroughly inspect and evaluate the damaged area
2. Clean and remove all moisture from the chip or crack
3. Warm or cool the glass to the recommended temperature
4. Access the damaged area by drilling or other method
5. Ensure the resin remains in optimum condition
6. Remove air from the chip or crack by displacement or vacuum
7. Fill the damaged area completely with resin and allow it to cure
8. Smooth and polish the repaired area so it is flush with original glass
9. Inspect the finished result

Glass Repair Equipment

In order to start an auto glass repair business it is generally necessary to purchase a specialized auto glass repair system. These systems include a number of necessary tools and resins and may include accessories like moisture evaporators and heat exchangers. The heart of any auto glass repair system, however, is the bridge assembly and injection mechanism. This device delivers the resin directly to the crack or chip.

Most bridge assembly components feature a suction cup to hold the injector securely against the damaged area of the windshield. The quality of the bridge assembly and injector is second only to the quality of the resin in determining the durability and effectiveness of the repair.

Training For Your Business

Many auto glass repair systems include an instructional training DVD. While formal courses in auto glass repair are available in most areas through vocational schools or community colleges, most repair professionals in the field acquire their training on the job. In order to qualify as a Certified Auto Glass Repair Technician, auto glass repair personnel must:

• Either have worked in the auto glass industry for six months or have completed a formal training course, and
• Have performed at least 200 auto glass repairs

Where to Start

Initial investment for an auto glass repair business ranges from around $800 to $1,500 for basic equipment, depending on the system chosen. Some auto glass repair shops are operated out of a vehicle, while others are located at a fixed location. Brick-and-mortar businesses usually also offer windshield replacement services. For all new auto glass repair business owners, attracting and retaining customers can be challenging. One way to attract customers is to develop a relationship with local insurance companies. Referrals are an outstanding way of developing a reputation and a steady stream of customers.
Car dealerships and collision repair shops often require the services of qualified auto glass repair professionals. Direct advertising to these establishments can also bring in new business. Finally, do not underestimate the value of the personal touch. By joining local business organizations and participating in various trade shows and local expos, auto glass repair professionals can make valuable contacts who can help drive business to their company and ensure its success.