Most home business opportunities are scams. Let us help you sort through the muck.

The proliferation of home-based business opportunities on the web is due to several factors. The idea of working from home, of being one’s own boss, has always held a tremendous appeal to many folks frustrated by traditional work. Given today’s grim economy, more and more people are looking to supplement or even to replace incomes.

Over the next few months, we are going to run a series of short articles on the pitfalls of home business opportunities in the hopes of shedding light on a confusing subject.

1.Never invest in a business with products you would not really be using if you weren’t in the business

This tiny piece of advice seems so obvious and yet all too often people fall prey to business models that emphasize the recruitment of distributors over the marketing of top quality, useful products that real people really want to buy.

2. In today’s economy, steer clear of companies hawking non-essential or luxury items.

In recessionary times, people tighten their belts and look to cut expenses. Stick to businesses that manufacture products customers can’t live without so that they will come back again and again.

Although there are wonderful companies out there promoting everything from cosmetics to clothing to air purifies to pots and pans — the smart choice today would be a home business based on high quality, exclusive products that you personally would continue to buy even if you won the lottery, retired to the beach, and never had to work again a day in your life.

Think about it!