Online

[moonmagick]

Has anyone made any ventures into the online business world? It seems there are quite a few opportunities out there, but finding the one that suits you without getting scammed seems a bit daunting.

[taiarain]

I'm not sure if you'd qualify what I do as a foray into the e-commerce world. I operate a home-based business and use the internet as my 'storefront' as it were.

[randomthoughts1875]

You make a good point about there being a lot of scams out there. I do believe that if you really do your homework, there are some great opportunities out there. I wonder if the BBB website might have some helpful suggestions for you?

[SageMother]

Quote:

Originally Posted by moonmagick

Has anyone made any ventures into the online business world? It seems there are quite a few opportunities out there, but finding the one that suits you without getting scammed seems a bit daunting.

My experience has been that you are better off working on something of your own than buying in to someone else's grand ideas on how to have a business online. It is difficult, and rather scary, but you can take your time with each step. You only need to address those issues that pertain to your little niche.

[Calypso]

I work for several individuals and companies online doing freelance writing. The rules that I follow to avoid scams as much as possible are:

1) Never do a lot of work for a new client without seeing some cash. Learned my lesson after I wrote fifty articles for someone who didn't pay me. If it's a large assignment, I usually insist on getting paid something after the first five articles, half at the halfway mark, and the rest at the end of the project.

2) Never pay to work. The employer should pay you, not the other way around.

3) If it sounds to good to be true--it is!

There are legitimate business opportunities online. You just have to be patient and read the fine print carefully.

[katharina]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calypso

1) Never do a lot of work for a new client without seeing some cash. Learned my lesson after I wrote fifty articles for someone who didn't pay me. If it's a large assignment, I usually insist on getting paid something after the first five articles, half at the halfway mark, and the rest at the end of the project.

I haven't committed to any of those large projects because I'm afraid I'd
tire of it. I do one article at a time for print glossies, e-zines, or newspapers.
I think it's especially important to see some money for such large projects
that will be eating a lot of time.

You're *so* right about never paying to work anywhere. Oh, and also the
"too good to be true" thing.

[mamab]

I'm doing some freelance editing, but haven't received my first payment yet. Of course, they only pay once a month, and the month just ended, so I should receive payment any day.