Computer Software Sales As a Home Business Opportunity

A Home Business Article Contributed by Sharon Hill

Nearly Everyone Needs Software, Making It a Great Home Business Opportunity

Just about every household in the U.S. and Europe has at least one personal computer - many, like yourself, may be using them for their own home business opportunity. Software is essential. All generations, with the possible exception of the 60+ folks, are more familiar and probably more comfortable with learning and working by PC than any other method. They need affordable, quality software. They're also used to immediacy and, busy folks, they'd love the chance to order from their home.

That's where your home business opportunity comes in. You sell them inexpensive software that they can order either from your site or in response to your direct mail catalog or order form.

What Software Do You Sell As a Home Business Opportunity?

That's entirely up to you. There really is no one type of software more marketable than another. Everyone needs software. You might supply entertainment or sports software - games and music maybe. Or personal how-to or self-help software. You might specialize in business-related software. Or not specialize at all, offering a little of each. That's entirely up to you.

You might want to try testing the market with some of each, keeping careful records, gauging where your best home business opportunity is; that is, which software market will bear the higher price, and go with that. Business related software will undoubtedly sell at a higher price more successfully than children's games, for instance.

Where Do You Get the Software to Sell for Your Home Business Opportunity?

You need software publishers, easily found in computer-related magazines. Spend a few hours in Barnes & Noble or your local library and you'll probably leave with a lengthy list. Contact these publishers, advising them that you'd like to be a reseller of their software, and ask what discount they would offer you, and their terms. You need to know if you pay up front or if they'll extend you credit, and if there is a return policy should someone change her or his mind or find a software flaw.

Ask these publishers if they have promotional material such as ad slicks that they provide to resellers. They may even offer some guidance on the best places for your advertising dollar.

Now you start advertising and marketing. You may still decide to use snail mail for your orders, renting or buying a list. You could also rent or buy an e-mail list but a word of caution on this. Don't spam! It doesn't pay. You'd be far better off joining newsgroups and ezines, studying the conversations for awhile and then gently suggesting after a few conversations that you have software to solve whatever problem the group is discussing. You may even try participating with a booth at flea markets, crafts shows, and trade shows.

Keep careful records. You'll need good contact management software that allows you to keep extensive records on every customer. Make sure you get their e-mail address and date of birth. It takes little effort to send a birthday greeting and can earn you big returns. The great thing about selling software is that no one ever runs out. Your customers, if treated well, will return again and again. This is one home business opportunity that never has to end!