* Settlement fees. Does company charge to cut you a check each pay period, or to wire transfer your funds to you?

* How much is reserve? A 'reserve' is amount held back from each pay check as a "slush fund" against future refunds, returns, or chargebacks. What percentage do they hold as a reserve, and for how long? It's commonly 10%, 10%, held for 6 months before being released back to you.

* Pay frequency. Most pay either every two weeks, or once a month.

* Reliability. Talk to others who have used service to see if they've had any problems. If your order processor is 'down', your customers can't buy!

* Restrictions and limitations. For example, is there a minimum monthly sales quota you must reach? Is there a maximum product price you can set? Does company restrict what type of content you can sell? Do they handle only tangible or intangible products?

* Customer service. Does company respond promptly and helpfully when you contact them?

* 'Extras'. For example, are there reporting or tracking capabilities? Free use of a shopping cart?

Finally, here's a short reference list of several third- party processing companies:

* Clickbank, http://clickbank.com/ * GloBill, http://globill.com/ * Digibuy, http://digibuy.com/ * Revecom, http://revecom.com/ * iBill, http://ibill.com/ * 2Checkout.com, http://2checkout.com/ * Verotel, http://verotel.com/ * CCNow, http://ccnow.com/

As you can see, there are many options, so don't let a tight budget prevent you from taking orders online! Third- party processors are both convenient and affordable -- even for startup businesses.

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Benchmarking helps you stay on track without comparisons. This is where you can create goals or optimum wants that may be on outer edge of possibilities or a goal that is far bigger than you think is attainable. Going into new territory can unlock your potential and increase your development. When goals or optimum results are achieved, you can acknowledge success and learn to be satisfied. Again, put it in writing; goals, results and acknowledgement.

Rules require exceptions, so even if you follow above and create a strong foundation, you must be prepared for chaos. Chaos can aid in your personal and business development if you have eliminated all toxic people or commitments from your life.

Chaos can then become opportunity to progress rapidly into new territory. You can be architect of your own life.

Build a strong foundation and you can always remodel.