For The Work-At-Home-Mom

ChaCha Guide

2008-08-13T17:44:00.003-04:00

Do you love to text on your phone? Do you have a few minutes a day to dedicate to texting? Well, I have the answer for you! ChaCha.com. Sign up to be a guide! What's a ChaCha guide? Well, what you essentially are is answering questions that are texted to ChaCha. It can be questions on anything and everything! You make $.20 per question answered and the more you do, the more you make. They say that pay averages between $4 to $10 an hour. Not bad for just sitting at your laptop at home for an hour a day. :-)

Shop For Free

2008-06-23T10:06:00.003-04:00

I have heard about people going shopping at CVS and the like and purchasing tons of stuff for next to nothing, all because they played this game called The Grocery Game. The Grocery Game, www.grocerygame.com, charges you a small fee to use their services. Well, I came across this site, A Full Cup, http://www.afullcup.com, and it's the same thing except for free and it's better! If you want to go grocery shopping for free, here you go! Tell them Bellasmommy sent you. :-)

Latest from Bzz

2008-06-04T17:00:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I haven't done a Bzz update in a while. Since my last update, I have received a SonicCare electric toothbrush, Glade Wisp Flameless Candle, a touchscreen universal remote control, Tropicana Pure juice and much more. If you haven't joined yet, you just have to! You are missing out!

BTW, my favorites that I have received thus far are the toothbrush (FANTASTIC!) and the flameless candle (better than regular candles!).

www.bzzagent.com

Totally Free Crap

2008-06-04T16:58:00.002-04:00

Love the name! This site has tons of freebies to pick from that are available on the net today. Check it out!

www.totallyfreecrap.com

eBay Alternatives At A Closer Glance

2008-02-19T09:47:00.007-05:00

I have been doing a little research as to what alternatives are out there for eBay sellers and buyers. I will be updating this post throughout the day with my findings.

Auction Sites

iOffer is the closest that I have found to eBay. I really like it. It's easy to list items, no fees unless something sells and even those fees are reasonable. You can use HTML in your listings no problem. You get a free iStore as long as you have 2 items or more. I really don't have anything negative to say at this point about iOffer. They are the second in line behind eBay with 2 million listings and growing. They also accept both Paypal AND Google Checkout which is a huge plus in my book. If I were to suggest any site to go to as an alternative to eBay, I would definitely start with iOffer.

Mommyauctions.com

What is eCrater.com?
eCrater.com is both a free web store builder and a free online marketplace. Sellers can easily create their own free online store in minutes. Buyers can easily browse and compare between thousands of products.Sellers receive free website hosting, a free subdomain and a powerful admin tool to manage their free online stores. All products are posted to the world's most famous product search engine as well.
Checking out their stats makes them a viable alternative, especially since it costs nothing to list, you are given your own link to your store (e.g., mine is http://bellagraysboutique.ecrater.com/) , you can sell basically anything and they even give you tools to help maximize exposure for your store and your listings. Fees are fairly minimal when items do sell.
Pros: Set your own pricing. Costs minimal. Exposure for site is growing.
Drawbacks: Not an auction site - only Buy It Now pricing. Obviously not as much exposure as eBay.

Bidville is pretty close to eBay as far as their offerings. Their prices are cheaper. No listing fees and minimal charges for enhancements like bold titles, highlighting and extra pictures. Although, several auction platforms do offer multiple pictures for free. You can also earn enhancement credits so these enhancements will end up not costing you anything. Final Success Fee (equivalent to the FVF @ feebay) is
$0.01-$25.00 : 5%
$25.01-$1000.00: $1.25 + 2.5% of amount over $25.00
Over $1000.00: $25.63 + 1% of amount over $1000.00

The actual appearance and layout of Bidville leaves something to be desired but the functionality is there and they are ranked the third in volume of listings behind eBay so there is something to be said for that.

For their list of FAQs, here is a link:

http://www.bidville.com/help/topics/index.asp?index=12

us.ebid.net

Payment Sites
checkout.google.com

Process transactions for free when you advertise with Google
Google Checkout is a fast, convenient checkout process that brings you more customers and allows them to buy from you with a single login -- and you can process their orders and charge their credit or debit cards for free.
Increase sales.Google Checkout users click on ads 10% more when the ad displays the Checkout badge and convert 40% more than shoppers that have not used Checkout in the past.
Process sales for free.Get free transaction processing when you use Google AdWords and pay no monthly, setup or gateway fees.
Protect yourself from fraud.Checkout's Payment Guarantee protects 98% of Checkout orders on average – when an order is guaranteed, you get paid even if it results in a chargeback.

Ebay Boycott and the Alternatives

2008-02-18T19:46:00.005-05:00

So, I am sure by now, you have heard all about the boycott of eBay. If not, here is a great video you should watch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23TomS5--nQ

eBay is trying to 'change its image' from a flea market to a high priced high volume marketplace. But what they have failed to realize is that the flea market is what made them and in the end, will end up breaking them as the mass exodus occurs.

So where should you go to sell during this boycott and beyond? Here is a great listing of different auction platforms to check out:
http://www.powersellersunite.com/auctionsitewatch.php

Many of the alternatives have free listings or extremely low cost listing fees.

Here are a list of several successful ones:

www.onlineauction.com
Use Promotional Code: 33385AAA

www.ecrater.com

www.wagglepop.com

http://www.bidville.com/register/?refer_nickname=bellagraysboutique&adsid=re052005

www.etsy.com - All Handmade Crafts

Baby Swags - PR for the WAHM

2008-02-09T16:12:00.000-05:00

I just stumbled across this website, www.babyswags.com. What a great opportunity for the WAHMs who create baby and toddler products and want to get their names out there! They have helped WAHMs get their products out into the celebrity marketplace.

Here's a little snippet about their services:

Baby Swags will help assist you in marketing your product or service by placing your products into the hands of celebrities, agents, producers, athletes, musicians and editors. Some of the services that we can provide to you are:

Finding the right form of media that best suits your business.
Placing your products into the hands of celebrities.
Help to promote your business by pitching your product to the right magazine editors that will put the spot light on your products.
Monitor Editorial Calendars
We can assist with your media kits.
We are willing to assist with writing projects such as product descriptions, press releases, editorials and more.
We can submit your press release to the largest online PR company called PRweb.
Following up on distributed press releases.
Tracking product reviews and interview opportunities.
Provide your company with services related to expo's and trade shows.
Provide gifting services for your next corporate event, charity event or celebrity event.
Provide Co-operative advertising packages for national publications.
Provide your company with product placements in celebrity gifting events and suites.
We also have on staff a wonderful graphic designer that can help in web design, logo design as well as preparing documents or catalogs for print.

We are full service and will do what we can to help you succeed. If there is a service that you would like, that is not listed, please feel free to contact us with your suggestions. If you would like more information on how we can help to place your products into our celebrity swag bags and baskets please feel free to contact us at 888-284-2170 or email us at info@babyswags.com.

Inbox Dollars

2007-12-26T09:40:00.000-05:00

Here is a new survey site that I found. It's pretty lucrative from what I hear. I just joined so I do not have any firsthand knowledge yet. I did get $5 deposited into my account automatically. I will update my progress as I go.

Top 100 Women Owned Businesses

2007-12-09T15:39:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share this Top 100 list of the very best Women Owned Businesses around. This list consists of some of the most creative, innovative and awe-inspiring women-owned businesses that I have come across. So when you get a moment, check it out!

http://bellagraysboutique.gotop100.com

Bzz Agent

2007-12-07T11:56:00.000-05:00

Have you joined BzzAgent yet? If not, you should! It's free and fantastic! I have received a Sonicare electric toothbrush (AWESOME!), Barilla Tortellini (SO YUMMY!) and much more!

You get to try products and services at no cost with samples, coupons and stuff like that. Then all you have to do is share my honest opinions with others, including some of the largest companies in the world. Want to learn more and sign up to join in the fun?

As a BzzAgent, you'll get to:
* Discover and try new products and services (for free!)
* Spread sincere word of mouth about them
* Have your opinions influence some of the biggest companies and brands around

If you'd like to receive the same benefits, become an Agent today.

Don't worry, BzzAgent respects its members' privacy and won't share
your personal information or spam you.

www.bzzagent.com

Disney Movie Rewards

2007-11-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

Have you joined Disney Movie Rewards yet? If not, go do it today! The program runs through February 2009. The program is free! Get rewarded for going to the movies and buying Disney DVDs.

Getting started is easy. Just collect the codes on eligible US Disney DVDs and select Disney Blu-ray Disc® releases. You may also earn points during the Collection Period by answering occasional, specially identified surveys and/or trivia questions at DisneyMovieRewards.com. We'll let you know if other methods of collecting points become available, so check the website for updates. Once you've collected enough points for your desired reward, you can redeem them at DisneyMovieRewards.com.

www.disneymovierewards.com

2007-11-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

Rudolph ran off and needs to be found before Christmas Eve.
He is hiding in EtsyMom shops.
When you purchase the item with Rudolph, you will receive a free gift. Prizes vary from shop to shop, see item description for prize details.
Santa can't leave the North Pole without him, please hurry!
Search for EtsyMomRudolph at Etsy.com

Thank you for shopping Handmade with EtsyMom!

Find more information about EtsyMom at EtsyMom.com and at EtsyMom.blogspot.com

Referral Freebies

2007-11-19T10:50:00.000-05:00

Earlier, I had posted about Project Payday. I am just giving an update on how well it works. I have made a good amount of money since starting it. Not only that, but I am on my way to earning an iPhone for free as well. It's an amazing community of people who trade referrals for these freebies.

If you would like to learn more, just go to

Just In Time For The Holidays - Get A Free Video Game!

2007-11-18T15:50:00.000-05:00

goozex.com

Goozex is a leading peer-to-multi-peer trading platform for video games. It connects users across the country and allows them to trade video games for points, and then use the points to request other video games from other users.

On Goozex you preserve the value of your games by trading for Goozex Points. You only pay $1 per game when you receive it. And we gurantee each trade!

Sign up now and get 100 points which will get you a free video game! I got a free computer video game doing this. Costs nothing to join and don't have to do anything else.

Freebies - WOW!

2007-11-07T09:50:00.000-05:00

I had no idea that there was a whole 'industry' out there for all of those Freebies sites you always see advertised. "Get an iPod for free", "Earn an iPhone for Free!", etc, etc. But they actually do work! There are forums out there where people trade referrals and even pay for referrals.

There are several Freebie forums out there.

A few that I have found and used are:

http://www.freelunchroom.com
http://www.freebiesociety.com
http://www.referralswapper.com

My favorite though is Free Lunchroom. The people there are sooo helpful and really great! I'm just floored that there is a whole community out there that does this and that it works! But it does! I have Paypal deposits to prove it.

Just thought I would pass this along to all of you WAHMs. With the holidays coming up, we could all use a few extra $$$. :-)

Etsy

2007-11-06T15:11:00.000-05:00

Are you a crafty WAHM? Are you a Mom who loves to buy handcrafted, unique items? Tired of FEEBay? Well, you have got to go check out www.etsy.com. It is fantastic! Tons and tons of listings of handcrafted, one of a kind items from jewelry to childrens clothing and accessories and more!
The holidays are coming and what wouldn't be better than giving unique, one of a kind gifts to those who you love!

Check ETSY out today!

Project Payday

2007-11-05T12:50:00.001-05:00

So, a friend of mine told me about this program where she is getting paid pretty good money for basically doing nothing. I thought it was too good to be true but I found out that it really does work.

Unlike all of the ridiculous "Make $1,000 a day" ads you see all over the Net, Project Payday is the real deal.
* It's super easy and anyone can do it
* You can be up and running in under an hour
* Training Videos walk you through everything
* You can get started today at ZERO COST to you
You won't "get rich" but 1,000s of people have proven it's a realistic extra income system for the "Average Joe".

MyPoints

2007-11-05T12:44:00.000-05:00

Ok, so if you haven't joined MyPoints yet, you have to! I have been a member since they started and I can't tell you how many gift cards and free items that I have earned just by clicking on emails. Seriously! I never spent a dime!

Click here to join today!

Bzz Agent

2007-10-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

What is a BzzAgent, exactly?

Agents are everyday consumers who believe in honest word of mouth. In other words, they like to:

Discover and check out new products, services, books and other cool stuff
Share their honest opinions with people they know
Have their input and feedback taken seriously by companies and brands
Build social capital by being in the know and always having something to talk about

www.bzzagent.com

I visit this site daily. You get to try out so many different products and all you have to do is just help spread the word about the product! It's a fantastic site!

WANTED - WAHM Businesses To Review!

2007-08-14T19:55:00.000-04:00

Do you own a WAHM business? Send me an email to erica@bellagraysboutique.com requesting your site to be reviewed on our blog!

Virtual Assistants

2007-08-14T13:52:00.000-04:00

Here are some sources that I have found for becoming a Virtual Assistant:

http://www.teamdoubleclick.com/

http://www.virtualassistantjobs.com/

These posts will be updated as more information is found.

Make Some Money Doing Legitimate Online Surveys

2007-08-14T13:30:00.000-04:00

So I have compiled a whole list of legitimate online surveys. It's so hard to figure out what works and what doesn't. You may not get rich from this but wouldn't it be nice to make an extra few hundred bucks a month!? :-) And you shouldn't have to spend a dime to take surveys. Companies out there are constantly looking for input to help steer their products and advertising in the right direction. So they are looking for you!

This section will be updated regularly. Look for the NEW! icon next to any new additions.

Here are the companies that I have used:

Mysurvey

SurveySavvy

http://www.opinionoutpost.com/

www.cashcrate.com/ NEW!

http://www.clearvoicesurveys.com/

http://www.buzzback.com/

http://www.clarionresearch.com/

http://www.consumerlink.com/

http://www.globalopinionpanels.com/

http://www.consumerviews.com/

http://www.consumer-logic.com/

EPOLL.COM

www.focusfwdonline.com NEW!

NEW!

hits4pay.com

Morvo.net

Ovago.net

Restaurantpoll.com

NEW!

http://www.survey.com/

http://www.your2cents.com/

Yoursay.com