Unless you are a special case, then you can expect there will be no free rides when it comes to setting up and operating your own home business. Any product that you think is worth the time to sell to friends, relatives, and others will cost you something to get started with.
Honestly, that's the way it should be. See, it's human nature, I think, to place more value on the things we purchase than on the things we get for free. Therefore, if we have to step up and provide some money to get a business started, we have a vested interest to see to it that it succeeds. Anything that's handed to us for free just doesn't have that kind of incentive behind it.
You should be careful, of course, that you aren't getting into something that costs a lot with little or no chance of success. If a business takes more money to operate in the first year, with little return, then you might as well stay at your job. At least there, you know you'll get a paycheck. You can't live off nothing.
Study whatever business you are interested in. Look it up on the internet to find reviews. You want to know the good, the bad, and the ugly about something you plan to connect your good name to. It's unlikely that you'll get a clear view from whatever website sponsors the business. After all, they are intending to also make money from it so they won't give you totally honest reviews. Find forums where people are discussing home business plans to see if they really are solid plans or just schemes.
See if they are listed in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. If there's something shady about the deal, run away as quickly as you can! A real business opportunity will be glad to share their BBB rating with you.
If the company always has a "but first", this may indicate it's not what you need to be involved with. You should be able to learn everything about the business without investing a dime first. That way, you can make an informed decision. Any company that wants money first, then gives information later is up to something no good.
