Network Sales and Party Planning in the UK - Earn Extra cash.

Direct selling and party planning have had a bad press in the past but if you do a little research, you can still make money at it. If you are the gregarious and outgoing type, organising and holding a party can be great fun as well as a source of income.

It can soak up a lot of time, usually in the evenings but for that reason, it can work well if you have a full-time job or childcare commitments in the day.

The commission levels and start up costs vary but these days the range of products sold directly to the end-user stretches far beyond cleaning products and storage containers.

It can be a good option if you are looking for an element of support and assistance in starting out on your own. Investment needed varies but is generally limited to buying initial stock or 'starter packs'.

Before you sign up to any agreement you should ensure that you fully understand exactly what the agreement covers.

In particular find out exactly what your investment will be both in money and time and get it in writing.

If you aren't sure don't sign and take independent and professional advice or contact your local trading standards or citizens advice bureau - a reputable company will not pressure you into signing up.

The business model for direct sales can often involve a two-pronged approach to earning. Firstly, you sell goods or services yourself and secondly you recruit others to do the same and earn a percentage of their sales.

Just take all the promises with a pinch of salt and don't expect to get rich quick. You can still make money with direct sales and MLM but for most of us, the amounts are in the rowing dinghy not the luxury yacht area! The uplines with the millionaire lifestyle have been in the business for years and to be honest, if you have the business acumen and drive to get to that level then you probably don't need MLM.

The Direct Selling Association Has a list of its UK members who all subscribe to a code of practice.

more ideas:

Ann Summers - Adult toys and clothing.

Tupperware - Storage and kitchenware.

Usborne Books - Children's Books and games.