CRAFTS

It doesn’t matter if you’re into woodworking, sewing, painting, pottery, or creating handmade paper. More than ever, people enjoy giving that one-of-a-kind special gift. You can sell your wares via Net, at holiday bazaars or craft shows, or even consignment style. Once you become known for your crafts, word-of-mouth will keep you very busy.

RUBBER STAMPING

One idea is to create your own line of holiday cards with rubber stamps. Melissa Duquette has found this to be a profitable business. She explains, “The card season is upon us and everyone will soon be searching for perfect holiday card to send to family and friends. This is your opportunity to break out into business and create unique hand-stamped holiday cards. Or why not offer a class teaching this great hobby? Rubber stamping can be worked into so many different businesses.” I’ve been to a rubber-stamping party where we were able to create our own cards. I had a great time hanging out with my friends and making my own unique cards. If you are into rubber stamping, seriously consider having a rubber stamping card party. You would supply everything needed, and could charge either a flat fee or charge per card made.

T-SHIRTS

Kim Moya runs a T-shirt business and finds this a way to make extra cash during holidays. She says you can create inexpensive holiday sweatshirts, and long- and short-sleeved T-shirts. And she doesn’t stop at T-shirts, but also includes tote bags, felt and cloth ornaments, advent and traditional calendars, aprons and many other items that you can purchase wholesale and sell at retail prices!

FLEECE BLANKETS

I don’t know about you, but I love fleece blankets. I was really excited when I found out I could make these awesome “Snuggly” blankets without having to sew a stitch. Cinda Louden has been making these types of blankets for a while now and explains, “These blankets are made out of Polar Fleece material. They are soft, warm, cozy, durable, and wonderfully ‘Snuggly.’ There's no sewing or needlework involved; all you do is cut and tie. Making Snugglies is a great way to start and create a business, make a little extra cash, or just make them for gifts. It's all up to you!”

SANTA LETTERS

Tamaira Sandifer, owner of Fun Mail For Kids, has been creating Santa Letters for a while now. “I thought, what child wouldn't like to get a letter in mail full of goodies just for them from Santa Claus. Once I informed family and friends about starting Fun Mail For Kids, letters practically sold themselves. Last year brought in approximately 680 requests, which is pretty phenomenal since I don't do much advertising.” Tamaira says that running this type of business is fun because it allows her to do something she really enjoys. “So it doesn't really seem like work,” she says.

ONLINE AUCTIONS

1) Free Domain Names: If you want your own domain name like http://www.sallysshop.com, you may expect to pay anywhere from $10.00 to $30.00 a year to own it. Back when Network Solutions was only game in town, they charged $70.00 for first two year period. Now that others are allowed to sell domain names, pricing has become quite competitive. Some of cheaper ones are:

http://www.onestop.net $11.00 per year http://www.joker.com $12.00 per year http://www.dotster.com $15.00 per year

But what if I told you that you get your domain absolutely FREE? That's right! Free. I have found a few sites that will register your domain at no charge. The catch with most of them is that they set themselves up as administrator, but will transfer ownership of domain to you after a set period of time or for a very small fee. Check:

http://www.namezero.com http://www.domainzero.com http://www.namedemo.com

2) Free Web Hosting: If you've been thinking of launching a website but don't want to pay $20 to $40.00 a month typically charged for hosting it, you don't have to. With a little research, you'll find plenty of places that will host your site free.

Before you get too excited let me tell you drawback: Most free hosts place a banner at top of your pages for giving you this courtesy. But believe it or not, I have found web hosts that won't charge you a dime and won't force you to display those pesky banners. Some of them also will take banners away for a small yearly fee which is nothing compared to paying a host monthly.

Some of best ones are:

http://www.netfirms.com Requires banners, but you can remove them for $60.00 a year.

http://www.crosswinds.net Free hosting, no banners required http://www.doteasy.com/ Free Domain Hosting, no banners

If you sell product and need a shopping cart, check some of these:

http://www.gta-tech.com http://www.freemerchant.com http://www.bigstep.com

3) Product or Service to Sell: Let's face it -- if you don't have something to sell on your website, it won't earn you any money. The best-selling items online seem to be information products and software, because they can be paid for and downloaded immediately. If you sell a product, you need to factor in shipping expenses -- both local and international.

If you don't have your own product to sell, no problem. Many Internet companies will be happy to have you sign up and start selling their products for them. They get increased sales and you get a commission on everything you sell. Online these are called "affiliate" or "associate programs." While most are free to join, you should resist temptation to sign up with too many. Stick with one common theme when deciding on what to sell. In other words, don't resell software and dog biscuits on same website (unless your site is targeted to veterinarians and software deals with patient records). You need consistency, so pick a theme and stick with it.

To find associate programs to join check out:

http://www.associateprogams.com Over 2,000 to pick from http://www.associate-it.com Huge directory of programs http://www.referit.com Many to choose from

4) Fax Number: Don't buy a fax machine; now you can get your own virtual fax number totally free. These online companies will give you your own fax number that will send your faxes directly to your email inbox ("e-faxing"). If you travel a lot and need to receive faxes from office this service is a godsend. Easy to sign up.....and use.

http://www.efax.com http://www.onebox.com http://www.faxwave.com/

5) Logo: If you're going to have an online business, you really should come up with a logo. A logo will help to brand your company online. After awhile, folks will come to associate your logo with your products and services. At least, that's main idea. So what if you can't even draw a stick figure? There are plenty of online sites where you can design your logo or absolutely free: