Affiliate marketing is essentially the concept whereby large retail companies offer individuals or smaller companies the chance to make sales commissions by selling their products on the individual's websites or blogs. In theory, it is an excellent idea, but as in all aspects of particularly Web commerce, the genuine and potentially profit generating affiliate companies are outnumbered at least ninety-nine to one by the sharks and the outright fakes.
So how do we evaluate the prospects of becoming engaged in online affiliateships? The first and most important step is to know the company that you are contemplating becoming an affiliate for, know that they are reputable and know precisely the terms of your agreement with them regarding how much you will be paid, when you will be paid and any exclusions which may apply.
It may sound so basic but people are scammed by unscrupulous affiliate marketing companies every second, of every minute , of every hour, of every day. They are essentially conned by outrageous claims on the company's website, glowing "testimonials" and such as pictures of beautiful houses, fancy cars and tropical beaches. Any company making such promises or even suggesting that you may acquire such riches as an affiliate of theirs should be avoided at all costs. No reputable company will make you such ill advised promises.
Equally, we should take nothing to do with any company which asks us for any form of payment to become one of their affiliates. It will be likely that such a company only earns its money from such up front payments and that you will see nothing in return for your outlay.
I have been involved in affiliate marketing for a couple of years now and would have to say that while I can see the potential of it, I haven't made sufficient money in all that time to grant me so much as a very basic meal. I am well aware of the "potential" of becoming an affiliate of companies whose reputation and scrupulous honesty is beyond reproach - such as Amazon and eBay - but I just can't seem to make any money from them, despite endless hours invested in associated endeavours.
I have read stories of people who have made some serious money from reputable companies such as Amazon and eBay but - most significantly! - I have never actually encountered any such person in my many and varied meets with people in a similar line of business to myself. Every single person whom I have encountered has spoken only of how frustrating it is that they cannot seem to get the system to work on their behalf.
In conclusion, I would suggest that affiliate marketing to the Internet entrepreneur is about as much use as square wheels on his car and although - as mentioned in this article - there are some reputable companies, trying to make money in such a way will only lead to disappointment, frustration and disillusionment.