Advertisements promising that you'll make hundreds of dollars per week stuffing envelopes at home might sound exciting. However, most are scams, and the Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be skeptical of such claims. There is legitimate work from home stuffing envelopes, however -- you can find it locally with a little bit of creativity and some reasonable wage expectations.
Envelope Stuffing Scams
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The FTC warns that companies promising big bucks for stuffing envelopes aren't really offering employment. Respond to an ad, and you'll find that the company asks you to submit a fee to receive information about how you can get the work promised. If you give it your money, you'll receive a packet instructing you to sell the opportunity or other products to friends and family for a commission.
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If you're tempted to give it a try, contact your local Better Business Bureau first to see if the company has complaints. Realize that the likelihood that the ad is promoting a real work opportunity is slim.
If you've already given a company your money only to find that there's no work available, ask the company for a refund. If you can't reach a resolution, file a complaint with the FTC, your local postal inspector, the local Better Business Bureau or your state Attorney General's office.
Legitimate Work Stuffing Envelopes
Small local businesses often have work at home opportunities, which may include stuffing envelopes. Attorneys, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, insurance agents, accountants and other small business owners often send mailers as part of their marketing campaigns.
For example, an attorney might hire a local high school student to address and stuff envelopes for him as part of a marketing strategy that sends regular letters to potential clients. A personalized approach like one indicated by a hand-addressed and personalized envelope may lead to a higher response rate or a better perception of the business brand, which would make it worth the extra cost.
To find work stuffing envelopes, check your local job advertisements. If you can't find any opportunities listed, go out and find your own work. Check with small businesses and professionals just getting started in their field to see if they need assistance with marketing. Ask friends and family for referrals to possible business clients and come up with a professional pitch to explain your services.
Earning Potential for Stuffing Envelopes from Home
Expect to earn slightly above minimum wage for stuffing envelopes at home. Some employers pay per hour; others per envelope stuffed. Hand-addressing and other marketing services typically offer a slightly higher wage.
This work often is available only a few hours per week. If you find your own clients, you could potentially work full-time and set your own rates, but realize that you'll mainly be working with professionals on a tight budget. Full-time work could require numerous clients to be feasible.