Fashion

Investment required: £172 - this is for a starter presentation pack containing 7 styles, a wrap, full swatch pack and stationery. There are other entry options at different higher price ranges. You will also need to buy a clothes rail to display outfits on

Average number hours a week: This will depend on how many contacts you can build up and how much time you can devote

Contact details: uk.weekenders.com or search for a local contact

Car required: It will make it much easier to grow the business and to transport your clothes samples and rail

Potential earnings: On joining you purchase items at a 25% discount. You pay yourself immediately once your customer has placed her order - then you send the order, minus the 25% discounted cost to Head Office

Best suited to: Mums with access to a good network of older women who are likely to suit the clothes (their own Mothers, Aunts etc). The business is grown by word of mouth, so if you don't have contacts to begin with it might be difficult to start. Also, you would need access to childcare when you attend appointments as you wouldn't be able to take your children with you. Most appointments would be during the evening

Name: Laura

Location: London

Family: 3 Children - youngest is 12

How often do you work?
It depends on the time of the year - the run up to Christmas is very busy as this is when we are promoting the new Autumn/Winter collection, then January will be quiet. This is repeated for the Spring/Summer collection in March with July and August being less busy

How does the job fit around your family life?
Really well - I attend appointments during the evening and use the daytime when my children are at School to keep up with all my administration. I make telephone calls (I spend a lot of time talking to Customers on the phone!), sending out catalogues with personalised post-it notes with suggestions for clothes and ordering.

How much time do you commit?
I have been working for Weekenders for 12 years and have varied my commitment over the years. Currently I work 6 hours a week roughly.

Where do you carry out your work?
In my customers homes or in my own home. Some ladies really love the idea of seeing the clothes in my home, some love the fact that Weekenders comes to them like a personal shopping service!

How much space do you have?
I keep my clothes rails and stationery in my dining room - it doesn't take up a lot of space

Do you need a car?
I drive, but it is not essential to the job

Do you advertise?
No - the best way to grow the business is through word of mouth. Nothing is stronger than a personal recommendation of a friend to a friend!

How did you hear about the job?
Through a friend.

Do you get support/training?
Yes, the head office is in Milton Keynes and they do fantastic training days up there. Also Managers offer personal support to all of their Fashion Coordinators.

Are there any downsides to the role?
None that I have found!

Would you recommend this opportunity to other Mums?
Yes definitely! I LOVE it! I am passionate about the clothes, and really love going to see all of my customers. I sometimes joke if I won the lottery I would still carry on doing Weekenders!