How Kids Can Get Involved in Making Their OWN Money

Last year I saw an employment ad on Craigslist for an Independent Sales Representative.  I emailed my resume and contact information and was called back within a day.

The gentleman that called me explained that he had hundreds of boxes of African-American inspired greeting cards and was either looking for someone to sell them for him or purchase them at a wholesale price and sell them for themselves.

I immediately thought that this would be a great opportunity for my children (ages 11, 10, and 9) to make themselves some extra money.  He and I scheduled a time and place to meet and I purchased several boxes for $.77 per box.

Since there was so much going on last year we never had time to venture out and sell them so I put them in our storage in preparation for selling them this year (2011).

Well a few weeks ago I brought the cards out and told the kids that they could sell them door-to-door and keep whatever money they made.  I told them to offer them for $5 a box
(a $4.23 profit per box)and not to go any lower than $3 a box
(a $2.23 profit per box).

This morning while I was asleep my partner took the children to sell them.  I woke up to some very good news.  The children netted a whopping $17.25/hr. in profit.  Not bad at all considering the fact that they aren't seasoned sales people.

The kids are ready to get more inventory and have plans on going back out to sell later this afternoon.  I am so proud of them and I made a point of telling them that they made more money than the average adult.

Please share your story or any suggestions you have on our blog so that we can educate, encourage, and foster financial growth amongst one another. 

Thanks for reading :-)

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
What skills do you or your children have?  In what ways are you or your children making extra money?

In the Present Economy, How Are You Finding, Earning and Saving Money?

For the last several weeks my 17 year old nephew has been hell bent on getting a job.  I looked on my local Craigslist-Gigs Section and found someone in the same city as us that needed a hand with his lawn. 

My nephew emailed him and was told to contact him in a week.  Not only did this man live within a 5 minute drive from pur home but my nephew was paid a total of $30 for 2 and 1/2 hours of work ($12/hour).  Not bad for a first timer. 

I've noticed a need for lawn care in my sub-division as well.  Tomorrow we will scout the neighborhood to offer assistance with lawn care and to sell holiday cards.  I tell you more abou the holiday cards the next time. 

TODAY'S WAYS TO EARN FIND AND EARN MORE MONEY:
1) Start close to home.  Look around you and see if there is a need for services that you can provide.

In the Present Economy, How Are You Finding, Earning and Saving Money?