There are several companies on web today who offer excellent affiliate programs. However, if you think you just have to sign up to become an affiliate and sit back waiting for checks to start rolling in, it’s just not gonna happen. You CAN make good money as an affiliate but it will take some effort and time on your part. The following tips may make that effort a little easier, and time a little shorter.

1.Make sure that company you sign up with has some sort of “training” site, or tips for selling their product, AND someone in your upline you can contact if you need some help. You don’t want a company that just turns you loose with no direction or help.

2.Look at their commission tiers. Do you have room for advancement? Will you make a commission from affiliates you refer? Can you earn residual income? You definitely want to be compensated for your hard work by moving up in ranks, and residual income is crucial to continued checks each month.

3.Do they offer gateway websites? In other words, do they offer a ready-made website with your unique affiliate ID# that you can promote, or do you need to have your own website. Either way is fine, it just may be easier for a beginner to have a gateway website to promote first.

1) Start up cost should be minimal. Start up cost in direct selling and network marketing companies are usually modest and mainly to cover cost of sales kit. What is their start up cost? What comes in kit?

2) Some companies require a monthly purchase. Is there a monthly minimum purchase requirement and if so, how much is monthly investment?

3) Most companies submit local state sales tax, however, there are a few that do not. Will I be required to submit my own state sales tax?

4) Check with each company regarding their return policy. This will be vital to your business. Can I return unwanted or damaged products and if so, what is return policy?

5) Do you have a "buy-back" policy? Some companies offer to "buy-back" unsold marketable products purchased within 12 months prior, should you decide to quit business for 90% of price you originally paid. Do they offer a "buy-back" policy?

6) Some companies require Independent Representatives to pay for portions of Hostess gifts, etc. You should know upfront whether part of your commission earned will go to cover these cost. This will reduce actual amount of commissions earned. Am I required to cover part of Hostess Gifts or pay admin fees, etc.?

7) It is always smart to compare catalog and supplies cost as they vary by company. What do your catalogs and paperwork cost?

8) Customer shipping charges are important to your business and can vary greatly from company to company. What are customer shipping charges?

9)It is customary for companies to have a monthly or quarterly sales requirement to stay active and/or receive overrides. What is monthly/quarterly requirements?