DENVER -- You've probably heard of Tupperware parties but there are plenty of other ways to make money at home.

Find the right work-at-home business and you'll find it's a good way to supplement your family's income, Consumer Champ Bill Clarke said. But before you get started, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Whether it's candles, cookware or jewelry almost anything you can imagine can be sold from home. Home-party businesses are more popular than ever.

Nancy Dietz started working for a home party business called Home Interiors nearly 30 years ago.

"I wanted to be home to raise my kids and have extra income doing that," said Dietz.

She sells things to decorate the home. It's a business where she sets her own hours.

"That's what is so exciting about the business. Whereever you are you can make it work for you," said Dietz.

Dietz was smart. She did her homework and picked a legitimate business in a field full of fast-buck operators.

If you want to do the same, business lawyers suggest that you pick a proven product and choose a company that sells real merchandise not just tapes or brochures.

Watch out for companies that only pay for recruiting new members and beware of companies that charge you thousands in upfront costs just to sign up as a saleswoman. These companies may require you to pay for expensive training or insist that you buy lots of costly products to start. Don't fall for it.

And don't fall for the get-rich-quick claims, experts say.

"You have to put a little effort out to get results back," said Dietz.

If you want to join the party, first host a party and see if it's something you'd like to do.

Then, become a sales consultant. That's where you earn a commission on the items you sell.

Finally, if you bring new people into the business, you can make a commission for their sales as well.

That's a big selling point for companies like Amway and Mary Kay. The big question is how confident are you that you can do it?

Additional Resources

Home Interiors 1-877-856-4393, $99
Creative Memories $370
Discovery Toys, $99
The Longaberger Company; $129-$399
Mary Kay ; $100 and up
The Pampered Chef, $90
PartyLite; $350 in home sales
Princess House; $25
Stanley Home Products $20
Tastefully Simple, $170
Tupperware, $35-$75
Silpada Designs; $199
Source: Family Circle Magazine.