Books

Investment required: A starter kit may be purchased at £35 which will include all stationery. Delivery is free.

You may want to add to this later, other kits are made available to agents e.g. a multi-cultural and social issues kit to sell directly to playgroups and nurseries.

Average number hours a week: You decide how much you want to work

Contact details: Telephone Pat Saunders 01603 860766, Email patsaunders@poppysbooks.co.uk or visit www.poppyschildrensbooks.co.uk

Car required: Realistically a car is needed to visit playgroups and toddler groups and carry the box of books around.

Earning Potential: This is really up to each agent. If you want to work every day then you will earn a good amount. If you only want to work one morning a week then the reward will reflect that.

Best suited to: Mums who are passionate about books! Also need to be friendly and a good communicator.

Name: Alison

Location: Mundesley, Norfolk

Family: Gaby (10) and Holly (3)

How often do you work?
Whenever I want to, anything from 1 to 3 parties a week, you can work as little or as much as you wish. Parties last from 1 hour to 3 hours.

How does the job fit around your family life?
Usually, I work while the children are at pre-school and school and some saturdays during summer fete season. The children come with me then. I have taken my youngest child to toddler groups. You dont have to work school holidays, but the option is there if you wish. Perfect!

Where do you carry out your work?
Toddler groups, Pre-schools, fetes and fayres. I have found once you have done one book party or fete the group/school are so pleased with their books they have either purchased/received they book you again for future book parties and fetes.

Do you need a car?
You need a car to carry your books and depending where you live you need to travel to most preschools/toddler groups( as you usually only have 1 or 2 close by). I travel up to 15 miles from my home.

Do you advertise?
Only locally, I find it self advertises through recommendations.

How did you hear about the job?
I read the SPROUTS magazine for parents of pre-schoolers and read an excellent article earlier this year advertising for sales agents and applied.

Do you get support/training?
I feel you need very little training for this job. Before you start, you are talked through how to do a book party and paperwork, then a chance to ask as many questions as you wish, which are answered. I feel, personally, I can ring Pat at Poppy's Books at any time for advice she gives me full support all the time.

Are there any downsides to the role?
Not that I can think of, It's the perfect job for me!

Would you recommend this opportunity to other Mums?
If you love reading books to your children. Want a job you love which fits in with school and family life. Work when you want to, as much or as little as you have time for. This is the perfect job for you!