There are many types of home-based businesses that can be lucrative, with the proper planning and dedication. Here are just a few ideas:

Errand Runner - you would perform various errands for others. You may do things like pick up dry cleaning, go to post office, grocery shopping, or a variety of other tasks. For payment, you may wish to set a flat fee for each service, or an hourly fee.

Yoga or Personal Fitness Trainer - this would be a great business for the fitness minded individual. Make sure to check laws to see if you need any certifications. You could offer individual instruction or small group.

Tutor - if you enjoy teaching, consider becoming a tutor. Decide what subjects you excel in so you aren't struggling with the material either! Hourly rates are charged for this, although you could bill other ways.

Transcriptionist - if you type quickly and accurately, you may want to consider transcription. Medical and Legal transcription are the most lucrative, but also require education and/or experience.

Photography - if you take great pictures, consider using you talent as a photographer. You could do weddings, big events, or just family portraits. When trying to get clients, be sure to have a portfolio of previous work. If you don't consider doing a few sessions for free to build up a great portfolio. You could request that your "free" clients refer friends to you as a payment.

Cleaning Service - this is a great home-based business for those that enjoy and take pride in cleaning. You can charge hourly or by task, or by household. Cleanings can be arranged around your family schedule and can be done 1-2 times per week.

The key to a successful home-based business is advertisement and keeping your current clientel happy. Set up posters, flyers, newspaper ads to get started. Then ask clients to pass your name along to others. You may have a full plate in no time.

NEW BUSINESSES ADDED!!!!

Personal Chef or Caterer - this one is perfect for a great cook. Check local laws, but this could be fun for anyone that loves to cook for others. Set yourself apart from the competition by offering different types of cuisine like vegetarian meals.

Wedding Planner - if you have an eye for detail and can handle the emotional outbursts of brides, this would be a great money maker. There are several online classes that offer certification in wedding planning if your state requires it, or you want a better handle on what wedding planners need.

Jewelry Making - if you enjoy making jewelry, consider selling it. There are places online that you can auction your products off, or approach a local business about selling your handmade items.

Candle Making - candles are big business right now. With proper techniques and unique offering, you can earn quite a bit making your own candles at home.

Seamstress - if you love sewing and make nice quality items, becoming a seamstress just might be for you. Many people are willing to pay for alterations, sewing of prom dresses, school uniforms and more. For this business you will need space to spread your work out.

Writer - there are lots of website willing to pay for writing articles, creating newsletter, reviewing products, and more. Pay ranges from a few dollars an article to several hundred or more. As you develop your skills and resume, your income will increase.

Pet sitting - did you know that a kennel can cost over $1000 a week? Consider keeping pets at your home and charge 1/2 that, and you will have clients eager to use your services. Of course you have to love animals and have a safe and secure area to make this work.

MORE ADDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Customer Service Rep - there are several companies that hire customer service reps to work from home. Most of them require high speed internet and a completely quiet environment. Most of these jobs consist of taking phone orders for various products, so upsells are huge. Pay depends on company and assignment, but many pay per minute on the phone (.14 to .75 per minute usually) others pay hourly. Great for someone the enjoys talking with others.

Mystery Shopper - this may not be a full time job, but it does provide extra cash if you live in a good area. Competition is high, so job pay is usually low - $8 per job but could be much higher. Job requires excellent attention to detail and quality reports on experience. With enough experience and high quality work, could get assignments that pay well ($75!) or get free things to try.

Gift Basket Maker - this is a fun business. If you are creative and a bargain shopper, then this could be a very lucrative business. With proper advertisement, great customer referrals, and hard work then this business could be a wonderful one. Problems could include having to pay for items for basket upfront, shipping of baskets, not charging enough or too much. With careful research these problems can be eliminated.