Usborne Books at Home - Usborne Activities

After having my second child and returning to work part time, I started considering a way of spending more time at home with my children while still earning enough to keep the household ticking over. Now I've found a way, Usborne Books at Home.

The initial outlay of £38 (£19 if you join before the end of January) was very good value. In the initial pack you get sent over £100 worth of books and stationary. You get assigned a mentor/team leader (mine has been fantastic and very supportive).

There are several ways to earn money with the scheme. The first is to hold book parties (a bit like Body Shop at home or Ann Summers - but without the having to hit targets). From these parties you earn 24% commission from the value of the sales. If the party generates over £80 then the host of the party is entitled to 10% of the value of sales in free books. There are targets you can aim for which can give you a "Flying Start" (more books and stationary free).

The second method is to hold book sales at local schools and nurseries. From these you earn 20% commission from the total value of the sales. The school also benefits by earning up to 60% of the value of sales to sepend on free books for the school.

The books are primarily for children from birth to 16 years old, and follows the National Curriculum from Reception through to Key Stage 4 (KS4 - GCSE's). Although my husband is a fan of their True Stories books.

The website has some great suggestions for holding book parties at home, or asking schools to hold book sales. It's a great way to earn a little spare cash, and raise money for your children's school.

Don't be fooled this is definitely not a get rich quick scheme, you will need to put in some effort. I enjoy the work and I'm selling a product I believe in and I love the fact that with these quality books can benefit childrens literacy.