Today we’re tackling a question from a reader:
Dear Work at Home Woman,
Years ago, my aunt assembled Christmas crackers for money. I would love to supplement my income by doing the same sort of piecework or making toys at home. Is this still a legitimate way to make money from home?
Thanks, Tina
Are Assembly Jobs Legit?
Hi Tina,
My gut reaction to this question is no. But it’s been a long time since I’ve done any research on the topic, so I decided to dig in and see if there were any new opportunities out there.
Upon my initial search, I found numerous companies that allow you to assemble products at home and get paid. The items include chains, jewelry, charms, pins, hair bows, wrapping paper, bookmarks, crosses, dollhouse furniture, magnets, electronics, and circuit boards.
They all have a similar process in place. People who want to work from home pay these companies a fee (usually $50-$100) for an assembly starter kit, which includes supplies and directions on how to make the items. Once the assembly kit is received, the individual puts the pieces together and sends the assembled products back to the company, hopefully for a profit.
Sounds easy, right?
Well, from my research, I’d stay away from assembly job opportunities. Here’s why …
Impossible Expectations
In my research, the one thing that stood out was how difficult these products were to make, not to mention the hours expended aren’t worth the pay. One company boasts that it only takes five minutes to create an item, but upon further investigation, many people claimed it took 30 minutes or more to make one bracelet. While there is going to be a learning curve with any new endeavor — these types of opportunities negatively use up your time, money, and crafting supplies, leaving you with little to no profit.
One woman interviewed on the website I’ve Tried That purchased one of these kits, and here’s what she had to say:
“I ordered the Disciple’s Cross Kit several years ago and made the Crosses, and also ordered 1 pre-made Cross already made by them. You know how I know this company is a scam? When I submitted my 10 crosses to be inspected, I sent the ‘perfect’ Disciple Cross they made for inspection, and guess what – they rejected all of them (even the one they made) and said “you have potential”. You can never ever make ‘their’ crosses good enough … do not waste your money.”
There’s Not a Market for These Products
For the majority of these hand-crafted products, there’s not a viable market of people who want to purchase these items. Most of the products that I viewed lacked originality, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. In fact, in Tory Johnson’s book, Will Work From Home, she says:
“We’ve tried to find legitimate craft assembly work, but have always come up empty-handed. The ads promise that you’ll learn how to put together adorable little craft projects and then sell them for a profit. The catch: There’s no market for your wares. Nobody wants to buy them. And no company will pay you for them either, no matter how much they promise to do so.”
Poor Reviews
Whenever I research work-at-home companies, I perform a Google search, as well as check out reviews on sites like Glassdoor.com, WAHM.com, and the Better Business Bureau. These sites are unbiased and allow real consumer testimonials, so you can get the low down on what’s legit. And when I looked at these opportunities, the reviews were overwhelmingly negative. Even the Federal Trade Commission warns people to stay away from this scam, saying:
“You see an ad that says you can make money assembling crafts or other products at home for a company that has promised to buy them. You may have to invest hundreds of dollars for equipment or supplies — like a sewing or sign-making machine from the company, or materials to make items like aprons, baby shoes, or plastic signs. Then you spend many hours making the “product.” But after you’ve bought your supplies and done the work, the company doesn’t pay you — supposedly because your work isn’t “up to standard.” Unfortunately, no work ever is, and you’re left with equipment and supplies, but no income.”
How Can I Work From Home Crafting?
So, back to your original question, can you make money with assembly jobs? I wouldn’t get involved with these opportunities. There are too many red flags and not a substantial market for these sorts of products. If you’re interested in making money by crafting items from home, consider these options.
1. Start a Crafting Blog
If you’re a DIYer, then consider starting your own craft blog where you highlight different crafts and projects. Bloggers in the craft industry can earn money from affiliate marketing, ad networks, direct advertising, e-book sales, brand sponsorships, and more. Starting a blog is easy and affordable; if you’re interested in becoming a blogger, check out our step-by-step tutorial to get started.
2. Sell Crafts Online
If you enjoy spending your time making arts and crafts, consider making them and selling them online. There are lots of different options to choose from, but the best-known online market for handmade items is Etsy. With Etsy, you can get started for as little as $0.20 (plus the cost of your crafting supplies). When you do make a sale, you’ll pay a small transaction and payment processing fee. One woman that’s found success on Etsy is Melanie from Simply Made Pretty. She sells one-of-a-kind greeting cards and talks about how to be successful on the platform in this interview.
3. Join a Direct Sales Opportunity
If you prefer an opportunity with a little more direction, consider joining an arts and crafts direct selling opportunity. With a direct sales opportunity, you pay a small start-up fee, and you’re equipped with all the tools you need to start a craft business from home, including training and support. If this sounds appealing, here are some companies to check out.
Conclusion
While craft assembly jobs are NOT legit opportunities, there are many ways for you to work from home using your crafting skills. Check out one of the options above, or see this list for even more craft opportunities that you can do from home.
Good luck!
Have you purchased a work-at-home assembly kit? What was the outcome? Drop us a note; we’d love to hear from you!
Originally published on January 23, 2014. Content was updated on October 31, 2019.
Totally agree, Holly. Having a blog is one of the best we can do as internet marketers and it can eventually make for a decent 9-5 replacement!
Hi, I am looking for part time WAH job. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Summer,
Take a look at this post, it has some great part-time positions:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/virtual-part-time-jobs/
Good luck with your job hunt!
Need a job
Hi Gina,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
i have a very involved question to ask you. could you please send me your email? my email is [email protected]
It’s holly (at) the work at home woman.com
Hi Holly,
I hope you don’t mind me saying this. There is an ad at the top right of your page saying 100 an hour work. It seems a lot. Just thought I’d let you know because that’s the kind of claim that, potentially, leads people to bad experiences. I could be wrong, just in case, a nasty false ad slipped through your notice.
All the best Holly.
Thanks for your concern!
Yes, that ad is for a business opportunity called Chloe + Isabel. Their reps can earn up to $100 per/hour per home shopping party. It’s a legit business opportunity. If you’d like to find out more, I interviewed one of their reps a while back: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/chloe-isabel-merchandiser-opportunity/
hi um I tried to fin right job as work at home but it s not easy for me yo find because I am deaf mom and I stay home o take care of my daughter Nia. i want to help my husband to pay off the debts, can you help me? thanks.
Hi Elsa,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
Are there really honest companies out there so you can work from home I know there must be some companies out there that need help can you help find it for me or getting information that would be good to use and trustworthy thanks John
Hi John,
Yes, there are actually a lot of legit companies that hire remote workers.
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
I’m curious why American Diversified Publications, Inc. just rudely hung up on me while asking them important questions before deciding to purchase they’re copy of Work From Home Directory? They could have easily called me back if it was an accident. Guess they have something to hide..
Hi Crystal,
I’m not familiar with them or their publication. What sort of work are you looking for?
Well done post on assembly opportunities. My wife stays home and is looking for something to bring in some income that’s crafty. She loves sewing and is very detailed. Thanks for the honest opinion its spot on to what we have researched.
Thanks for the kudos, Robert. Has your wife checked out Craftsy or Sew Fun Studios? One of those may be up her alley.
Hello Robert,
I work completely from home but it has taken me years to learn the skills needed. One of my Online Marketing sites reviews and helps people make money online. I am not doing any self promotion here and from your current situation it sounds like my site may not be of help but not that long ago I got an email asking a very similar question and I did find a very suitable platform for your Wife!
If she is Arty in anyway then I would definitely recommend Etsy.com…think Amazon or Ebay but for people who can create their own unique items!
I actually just looked on there now and there are people making a ton of money selling homemade mugs, trinkets and even Jewellery (I am talking having sold over 10,000 units).
I would recommend your Wife to have a look, set up an account and then learn how to drive some traffic, perhaps by using Facebook Ads – they are very targeted!
Anyway hope that helps a bit! People say it is so hard to make money online…some say impossible but I know from experience by really applying yourself you can follow a trustworthy course or training and get there in no time!
One last thing…why does your Wife not start a blog on whatever she is good at…you don’t need to monetise it right away but if she makes one new post every day then before you know it she can start promoting her own things or promoting as an affiliate!
I really wish you the best!
Regards
Marc
Your site and insight has been very helpful ! Thank you!
Glad you’re finding the information useful, Amy. What type of job are you looking for?
I was just ripped off by American Diversified Publications, Inc website is www .easywork-greatpay .com they thieves. Who am I [email protected]
I’m sorry to hear that, Aldric. Thanks for sharing your experience so others can learn from it.
Thats tough. I hate to see that happen to anyone. All the money and effort spent. Horrible. Sorry to hear it.
Is there a site that needs HELP NOW without paying any money
I need money bad and I’m disable and can’t go out in the world to look for a job
I sit all day doing nothing at all because I have no money no job no life pleasecan you direct me in the right direction
Hi Jean,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/earn-income-2016/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
If you have more specific questions, let me know, I’ll be happy to help.
I started working for usertesting.com. You can google user testing jobs and a bunch should pop up. It’s not a get rich fast type of thing. But it does pay up to 10$ – 3$ per test. The downside is you have to wait for them to email you the jobs and then it’s first come, first serve, and you may not qualify for all the ones they send you a few times a month.
I also started my own business it’s a 15$ start-up fee working for Avon. I sell from home and put my catalogs up in some stores and Dr’s offices it doesn’t always sell frequently but its something for a bit of cash when people do buy :) http://www.youravon.com/mlent contact me if you wanna get more info on becoming a rep.
Hi. Yes. I currently in the process of building a website. I got two free when I signed up and now in the middle of adding content to later monetize. Its Affiliate Marketing. No sign up free and training given. IF interested then look me up on YouTube as Healing Meditation Portal. I won’t leave a link here as I don’t like to spam other peoples good work.
Good post by the way, thank you.
I’m housewife i wont easy work like toys or jewelry making at home for get money . thanks
Assembly kit work is a scam!