NO-EXPERIENCE GOLD MINES

15 enterprises complete with inventory and training so you can start today.

Looking for a business to start but you’re concerned that you don’t have any rock-solid experience you can bank on to successfully launch a new venture? Don’t fret. There are plenty of “business opportunity” packages out there that you can purchase and start a business in a flash. They come complete with training manuals, guides and often a video or DVD. Some provide training at the company headquarters. They include tips on marketing and advertising and some even help you generate customers directly from their headquarters by routing leads to you. If you’ve longed to start a particular type of business but held back because you were fearful of not having the proper training or skill, you’ll breathe easier after taking a look at these 15 enterprises you can start with little or absolutely no experience. This roundup contains something for every interest and budget:

REAL2REEL
People love photos. They also love personalized gifts that feature photos. Wouldn’t it be fun to start a business offering these fun novelty items? It’s already here! Real2Reel is a Photo Gift System that you can start right away. There is no technical expertise required. You’ll receive training and customer service support.

For almost 30 years, CASI has been a leader in the personalized photo gift industry, taking advantage of the positive market trends and tremendous growth potential of photo gifts. Well known for their cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art equipment, financial strength and stability, CASI introduced computer portrait photography to the world in 1977 and hasn’t stopped since!

CASI owners are successful men and women from all walks of life. Some have previous photography or computer experience, while others have none at all.

According to CASI: “Our fully integrated Real2Reel Photo turnkey business packages are designed for the consummate investor that would like to start his or her business on a full-time or part-time basis, either as an absentee owner or working owner ready to build a substantial business.

“Most of the sale transactions the business performs will deliver three to six times cost of goods. In some instances it may even be higher depending on the market demographic and marketplace. With CASI’s comprehensive business package, you and a guest, spouse or partner will receive extensive training at our 50,000 square-foot corporate training facilities in New York.”

We love mobile businesses and Real2Reel mobile operator allows you to have fun while making money at special events such as weddings, bat/bar-mitzvahs, birthdays, state fairs, rodeos, concerts, family reunions, trade shows, fundraising, churches, youth organizations, gift shops, to name but a few.

CASI says that all of their “turnkey business programs have an abundance of supplies: custom frames, film and accessories to achieve substantial liquid-capital back. We’ll even assist you in local advertising placement through our advertising agency for your 30-second TV commercial and more!” There are three different Real2Reel Systems that range in price from $12,995 to $18,995.

For information, visit www.r2rpi.com or contact R2R Photos, Inc. in Mount Vernon, New York. The phone is 800-457-2274 or 914-668-2100. The fax is 914-668-2080.

LE GOURMET GIFT BASKETS
Regular readers of SBO know we are fans of Cynthia McKay, a true human dynamo. Ms. McKay launched Le Gourmet Gift Basket as a home-based business in 1992 and now generates annual sales in the millions.

The company helps entrepreneurs establish and run their own gift basket business and has a startup package for $3,500. This package includes all of the necessary business, marketing, tax, legal and management advice. There are many Le Gourmet Gift Basket entrepreneurs who make more than $150,000 a year with their gift basket businesses.

McKay is a former attorney who launched this business after her husband received a sports-themed gift basket. “Simply put, it was terrible and I realized someone had just spent $65 for a product that just wasn’t worth it,” said McKay.

The rest is history. This ace has been widely recognized for her efforts in empowering individuals to run their own small businesses.

The company has a great book available called “The Business of Gift Baskets: A Guide To Survival” and you can order it from their website. It’s $19.95 (plus $5.00 shipping and handling in the Continental U.S. Shipping charges are higher for Canada, Hawaii and Alaska. This will show as an additional $4.00 under local tax).

Visit the website at www.legift.com to learn more or contact the headquarters at 723 Anderson Street, Castle Rock, CO, 80104. Phone: 800-93-GIFT-6/303-623-0500 or Fax: 303-623-0559.

STONE TO FOAM
Stone to Foam, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a business opportunity for those who are interested in a home-based business with a protected territory in the home enhancement market. The company has been in business since August 2003 and has expanded to a nationwide network of 50 dealers.

The company develops and markets a full line of decorative concrete home enhancement products and high R-value foam insulation products through authorized dealers nationwide. All products are formulated exclusively for Stone to Foam with the goal of giving our dealers a competitive edge in the booming home enhancement industry.

“Our exciting line of polymeric flooring products for walkways, patios, foyers, kitchens—almost any concrete-based surface, inside or out—includes Condralite® (a decorative concrete overlay that can be finished to create the look of granite, brick, tile or a host of other natural products), Quartz Stone® (a fine mineral stone decorative flooring system with colorful aggregates embedded in a polymer base) and Corazzo® (a polymer chip flooring system for garages and basements).

The “foam” in Stone to Foam is a line of spray foam insulation products for open stud or retrofit installations to improve insulation in garages and basements.

“Stone to Foam is committed to expanding our dealer network by providing the best products, equipment, training and support in the home enhancement business.”

Equipment, training, etc., includes a:

16’ tandem axle custom-built Stone to Foam trailer
Exterior-grade graphics featuring the dealer’s name
Storage cabinets
Workbench
220 volt/100 amp power
Tool kit
OSHA-approved fire cabinet
Wet/dry vac
Infrared heater
4-5 HP compressor
Texture Gun
Cobra Multi-Prep concrete
prep machine
Optional:
E-20 heater
Plural component sprayer for foam
Fresh air respirator
Mix motor, transfer kit and pump

The training program consists of one week on site for basic training (dealers, new staff, etc. are welcome to return for refreshers as needed); 3-day advanced techniques training available periodically throughout the year; technical support by phone, online or in person as needed; professional sales training and marketing assistance.

The custom-built Stone to Foam trailer, as described above, with technical training (unlimited, including advanced techniques and new products training), sales training and technical support requires an investment of $48,900.

According to Stone to Foam: “We are able to offer a variety of creative leasing products so that a dealer can get started for as little as $2,000 on a 60-month lease-to-own program. The leasing products are very flexible so that dealers can adjust their monthly payments to coordinate with the business cycle (less paid during slower months.)”

Company contact information: Business Development is available toll free at 866-663-6566 or visit www.stonetofoam.com. The company headquarters is at 23100 Miles Road, Cleveland, OH 44128.

CLAIM TEK
Opportunities in medical billing services abound. The 60 million-plus baby boomers are aging. This discriminating group of buyers demand excellent health care.

There are more than 1500 health care plans; it is easy for doctors and their staffs to become overwhelmed with paperwork. According to ClaimTek: “The amount of documentation generated in a single day by an average physician is staggering! To make matters worse, when a doctor has a full-time staff, the errors rise. Industry reports state that 37 percent of an average full-time staff makes errors that cause payments to be delayed for up to 90 days.

“If you could offer doctors a reliable medical billing service that would put money in their pockets faster, wouldn’t they love you for it? Of course they would. And you can do it with our one-of-a-kind electronic medical billing software system—voted best by professionals,” says ClaimTek.

If you’ve thought of starting a medical billing service, you might want to contact ClaimTek. ClaimTek offers a comprehensive and unique electronic medical billing business opportunity.

According to the company: “Our program includes several viable and related services that allow you to become a one-stop shopping solution for medical and dental practices! You are able to generate several revenue streams from the same client.”

The program includes:

Electronic Billing - Traditional and Remote Methods
Advanced Practice Management
Well-Care Services
Creative Collection Solutions
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
Digital Scanning & Archiving of Medical Records
Remote Data Backup & Recovery Services (RBS)
Commission-Based Membership with a National Medical Office Supply Store

“Our programs include state-of-the-art software, extensive personal training, dazzling marketing tools and on-going support,” says ClaimTek.

BEST PERSONALIZED BOOKS
Jack and Wendy Kalisher started their own business making personalized books with their computer. The Kalishers’ business is now a $10 million a year enterprise. Today their company helps put entrepreneurs in business doing the same thing. If you are looking for a flexible venture and want to work at home or get out and set up shop at a local fair or mall, consider this fun and very popular business.

We watched with glee as a personalized book vendor took in about $1,000 a day at an upstate mall kiosk during the holiday season. Buyers were lined up ready to purchase books for their kids, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

The Kalishers have the business down to a science and supply everything you need to get started.

For more info, contact Best Personalized Books at 800-275-7770 or call 972-250-1000. The fax number is 972-930-1010.

FUN INFLATABLES
They are hot moneymakers. You buy them and rent them to people having parties and events. You can also set them up at fairs and carnivals and charge to let kids jump and play on them.

Ninja Jump, Inc. was founded in 1993 in Los Angeles, California, by its principals, who were in the sporting goods manufacturing business for over 40 years. Due to the enormous popularity of inflatables, they now manufacture these play structures exclusively.

“We are known as an industry leader that offers the widest variety of original and imaginative designs. Our 35,000 square-foot manufacturing facility is equipped with computerized and automated precision cutters, hot air welders, advanced sewing machines, wide format digital printers and protective coating sealers to guarantee that you get superior graphics and designs on your inflatables. We are also the official licensee of Universal Studios Jurassic Park, 20th Century Fox’s Ice Age and The Simpsons and Disney Characters like Disney Princess, Winnie The Pooh, Toy Story, Mickey, Power Rangers among a lot of other characters from Disney. Recent additions to this wonderful line of Licensed Inflatables come from Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks and DIC Entertainment.”

Check their website at www.ninjajump.com for information and pricing. The phone number is 800-888-8148.
Another company to contact for additional information is Inflatable 2000, Inc. They’ve been in business for more than 15 years and have inflatable jumpers starting at less than $1,500. For more information, visit their website at: www.jumperbiz.com or phone 888-463-5848.

BEVINCO
Restaurant and bar owners are always telling us that liquor is a trouble spot among employees. Liquor is the item that is most likely to be ripped off.

Bevinco to the rescue. This franchise has developed and grown into the world’s leading liquor inventory control service. Bevinco has 2,000 clients in more than 20 countries.

This is a home-based business and you’ll receive all of the necessary training and follow-up support. Bevinco is a top-rated franchise. Visit their website at: www.bevinco.com or call the company at 888-BEVINCO to request more information.

PAINT BULL
Regular readers of this magazine know that we have always been very keen on businesses in the automotive aftermarket. Paint Bull offers a complete package that is $0 down to qualified candidates.

The company was formed in 1989 to service auto dealers repairing those annoying dings and stone chips. Scuffed bumpers, dents, interior burns, rips, windshields and more are all a part of what Paint Bull does. They supply all equipment and materials and offer sales and business training.

For more on their program, visit them at www.paintbull.com or call 800-800-5725.

CUSTOM ENGRAVING WITH SCM
You’ve probably thought that personalized custom engraving was a niche reserved for talented creative artists and craftsmen. But thanks to the SCM engraving system you can produce elaborately engraved custom designs that match the skills of the finest engravers. According to SCM, if you can trace, you can use their engraving system.

A product of extensive research and development, the SCM system incorporates technological innovations into a portable engraving system.

Your customers will want personal engraving for decorative purposes and to protect their valuables with logos, initials and names.

The company provides all of the necessary training. To learn more, visit their website at www.scmsysteminc.com or call the Menomonee Falls, WI headquarters: 800-755-0261/262-252-3989.

Etchlike—A Touch of Class On Glass—is another company that will instruct you on how to start your own business offering etching on glass. Again, you don’t have to be an artist to perform this service for your customers. For more information on Etchlike, visit www.etchlike.com or call the Mulberry, FL headquarters at 863-647-3930.

MIRAGE PUTTING GREENS
Golf is still ranked as one of the fastest growing sports in this country and you can cash in by starting your own business installing low-maintenance synthetic putting greens.

Mirage Putting Greens of Scottsdale, Arizona, has been in the business since 1998 and says there is absolutely no experience needed to launch this business on a part-time or full-time basis. The startup ranges from $9,995 to $50,000 depending on your size and scope. All of the training is included.

No mowing, watering, fertilizing or seeding required. In other words, no hassle. If you want to get in on the $24 million golf market that spends $5.5 billion a year, contact Mirage for information. Their website is: www.miragegreens.com and the phone number is 480-563-1412.

SPA CAPSULE
Get in on the health trend with your own Spa Capsule. This is a water jet massage, but your customers don’t have to undress or get wet. The Spa Capsule consists of 28 computer-controlled water jets that simulate a personal fingertip massage.

Perfect for malls, corporations, hotels, resorts, trade shows, tanning salons, airports, beauty salons and so on. Visit them at www.spacapsule.com or call 877-262-2771.

HYGIENITECH
The media has been full of stories recently on how hotels are competing by improving their beds—this includes the sanitation and hygiene of these items that are used by thousands of people a year.

Hygienitech Mattress Cleaning and San-itizing Professionals to the rescue. Hygieni-tech has developed a system to kill dust mites in homes and businesses throughout the U.S. To learn how you can get started, visit their website at www.hygienitech.com or call the Delray Beach, Florida, headquarters at 888-999-9030.

LAWN DOCTOR
If you love to be outdoors, why not start a business that will put you there every day. You can start your own landscape empire by tying in with experts. Lawn Doctor is a recognized leader in the field and can help you launch your own lawn care enterprise. They have a proven system of doing business that they can teach you and provide support along the way. For more information on how to get started, visit www.lawndoctor.com or call 800-4-LAWN-DR (800-452-9637).

NATIONAL DETAIL
Auto detailing is still a big business opportunity. You can start your own mobile cleaning and polishing service that you take directly to your customer for $1,295 - $10,000. Many detailing entrepreneurs make about $1,500. Set your own agenda, hours and pace.

National Detail Systems has been in business for a long time and can teach you how to detail not only cars, but boats, recreational vehicles, aircraft and more. For your free information package, visit them at www.nationaldetail.com or call 800-356-9485 or fax 805-482-9709.

EDGING AND CURB SERVICE
Americans are spending more time at home and love to make their homes and backyards pleasant. You can help them with the fine points by offering a curbing or edging service. This is a booming business that you can learn and make $1,000 a day.

For more information, contact Kwik Kerb at www.kwikkerb.com or call them at 866-459-4553.
Another company that can help you get started in this business is Lil’ Bubba Curb Machines. Call 800-314-9984 for info on how to get started with their program.

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