Books

Investment required: £38 membership fee (includes catalogues, stationary and stock)

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

Contact details: www.usbornebooksathome.co.uk or search for a local contact

Car required: Not necessarily - although will be handy for transporting stock

Earning Potential: Can be anything from a pocket-money earner to a full-time wage depending on how much time you wish to invest in working

Best suited to: Any Mum

Name: Jos

Location: Streatham Hill

Family: Felix (3) Maddie (18 months)

How often do you work?
I run about 2 events a week - whether that is a party at someone's house, showing the books at playgroup or having a stall at a School fete. It depends on the time of the year really - in the run up to Christmas I'll be trying to pack in lots more!

How does the job fit around your family life?
Its great - usually if I am going to a playgroup or something in the day I take Maddie with me. If its an event at the weekend then my husband looks after her, so it works out really well. I try not to do too many evening events like evening parties as I don't want to give up my time with my husband

How much time do you commit?
It will depend on what I am doing - going along to playgroup is normally at the most a couple of hours, a School fete or something like that might be a whole morning or afternoon. Parties I usually plan to stay no longer than about an hour and a half

Where do you carry out your work?
Everywhere! I always keep a little selection of books under my buggy.

How much space do you have?
I keep a box of samples in the garage, but I carry a small collection with me in the buggy. My books don't take up much space at all - its suprising

Do you need a car?
I wouldn't say its one hundred percent necessary when you start the business, but it really helps when you want to take your box of books to an event. Also, carrying other bits and bobs like a display cloth and accessories you want to make the display look extra special

Do you advertise?
I tend to try not to pay for any advertising as I don't think I need it. Word of mouth and me telling people about the books is the best advertising

How did you hear about the job?
A Mum at playgroup used to sell the books, then she moved house and I decided I would have a go!

Do you get support/training?
There are training days and yes you do get lots of head office support. There are fantastic incentive schemes within the company for trips and rewards

Are there any downsides to the role?
No

Would you recommend this opportunity to other Mums?
I love it as it fits round Felix and Maddie wonderfully and I find it really easy to sell the product as I love the books so much myself!