So you want to start a business at home but want to make sure that your ROI is something to be proud of? After all, what's the point of going into business when you can't earn a decent income for all your efforts? It's not about being greedy it's about being practical and taking advantage of opportunities that are currently available. Here are some lucrative home-based businesses you can start full-time or part-time:

Marketing and promotions

To really turn this exciting venture into a lucrative home business, you will have to work with medium- and large-sized companies. You could try doing marketing for more small clients but you'll find that the earnings you generate won't make up for the sheer amount of time and effort you'll be providing, not to mention the resources you'll be using.

Don't be afraid about approaching big clients. If you think they'll ignore you for the big players, think again. iD29 is an agency specializing in creative promotions and marketing that snagged the marketing campaign for Harry Potter & the Deathly Hollows for the U.S. What's significant about this was that iD29's two owners only had four employees when they were chosen for this campaign.

If you have the experience, creative edge, equipment, contacts and guts, this is one home-based business opportunity that you should not miss out on.

MLM

Much has been said about MLM and there have been some not-so-flattering reports but it remains as one of the strongest and most lucrative home-based businesses around. This is the best choice for you if you have experienced multilevel marketing before and you have the right contacts. Having a strong network is always a plus for this type of business.

If you start an MLM company of your own, this business can indeed prove to be very lucrative. If you don't want the extra hard work and monitoring on your part, join a program yourself. You earn money two ways in this business: by selling products for a profit and through commissions brought in by your downlines.

Security and alarm systems

Another lucrative home-based business opportunity you might want to consider is selling security technology. These days, anything from good old fashioned double locks to highly advanced electronic lock and sensor systems are in high demand. You could also expand your product line and offer personal security products, medical, automobile and even child alert products. Sell to a wide market residences, businesses and even schools.

To start, you'll need to have some background knowledge about your merchandise. Do your research or undergo training. Many crime-fighting organizations offer training for free or for a small cost.

Spa products

There's plenty of competition here but if you've got a high quality line of products, can meet client deadlines and produce enough to fill orders, this home-based business can pay well. Provided you have the skills and training to create bath and body products, you should be able to come up with merchandise that will fit client needs.

To make money from this type of business, you could do two things: a) produce products and market them under your own brand, or b) offer your products to salons and spas and market them using your clients' brand name. You merely have to supply the merchandise. Provided you close deals with plenty of clients or a few big ones, you'll find that this is a very lucrative business you can do at home.