Starters get 24-28 per cent commission on sales, plus the chance to earn bonuses. And commission can increase to 39 per cent.

But not all business opportunities are the same. Kim Fletcher, a business adviser from Business Link Kent, says: 'There are some good companies, but watch out for signs of pyramid selling, where the business's main motive is to recruit others rather than sell products. This is illegal.' If the business involves direct sales to the public, check if the company is legal and a member of the Direct Selling Association (DSA). And check the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Trading Schemes Guide which explains contract rights.

The most a company can bill you for in the first seven days is Pounds 200, and you have the right to cancel the contract at any time in the first 14 days.

Kim Fletcher warns: 'Some business opportunities look very easy, but I suspect that many people do not make the money that the advertisements promise because they are not able to work the hours necessary to do it, so check you have enough time.

'Consider doing a Business Link business start-up course so you know what questions to ask before you part with any cash.'

FOR more information visit the DSA at www.dsa.org.uk and the DTI at www.dti.gov.uk

BELINDA MITCHELL, 54, is a self-employed sales manager for Weekenders, a womenswear company, running a team of 230 women who sell clothes from home.

'I started 15 years ago because I wanted to earn a bit of pocket money,' says Mrs Mitchell, who lives near Winchester in Hampshire. 'You invest in a basic pack of clothing samples and put on presentations to women who can order from the company through you.

'It's fun, you meet new people, and you get the clothes at a discount from the retail price.' Mrs Mitchell later started to recruit others and is now one of the most senior Weekenders managers, earning Pounds 40,000 a year.