Economy: More moms getting side jobs

Tough times call for Tupperware?

It’s one of the many direct sales industries now seeing more interest as stay-at-home moms and working women look for side jobs to help boost the family check book.

The DOWs ups and downs, failing banks, foreclosures in full swing.

“I started getting afraid of what was happening. I said I have to do something to help our family. I have the extra time,“ said Tupperware consultant Marie Keith.

Former dot commer Marie Keith turned to Tupperware.

She first sold the time tested products after 9-11 when she was laid off, so successful, she earned a minivan for her family.

Now that times are tough again the mother of three knew exactly where to turn.

“There are so many things I want my kids to do. Soccer and brownies and dance and swimming and that all costs lots of extra money and right now the economy is so bad that you know, money is tighter than it was before so I looked back into Tupperware and said, ‘yep, I’m ready,‘“ said Keith.

Women all over are turning to direct sales to bring in extra cash, from jewelry to cookware to candles.

They host parties and demonstrate their products and even recruit others to sell.

Heather Nash and her husband bought their Vallejo home last year and got clobbered this year.

“We purchased it for $500,000 and now it is only worth $200,000,“ said Nash.

So this mother of two began selling for gold canyon, a line of candles, home products, and body care.

“If you’re a stay-at-home mom or even if you have a job this is still something you can do whenever you want to be your own boss,“ Nash said.

Both women say the flexibility of working from home and being with their children attracted them to these jobs.

And the extra income makes a big difference.

“I’m happy bringing in a few hundred dollars a month and I can tell my husband I am helping out,“ Nash said.

“I’m a stay-at-home-mom and a Tupperware lady and I am proud of it,“ said Keith.

Proud and paying the bills one party at a time.

All direct sales companies work slightly differently so be sure you read the contract and know what you are signing up for.

Some have no up-front fees but others do and sometimes there are penalties for quitting.