An affiliate is somebody who promotes and redirects customers to a product or service in exchange for a monetary percentage. For example you promote widgets for business XYZ. Their product sells for $20. Each sale that is made from your marketing and promotion efforts earns you an agreed value of $5 per sale. You don't have to hold any stock or arrange delivery of the product just promote for XYZ.
The advantages of being an affiliate are enormous for the affiliate and the merchant. A merchant can substantially increase turnover through the efforts of an affiliate. In turn an affiliate can earn a tidy passive income by promoting a product or service.
Usually you become an affiliate utilising the technology of a third party - this is always free to setup with if you are an affiliate. These managers provide the merchant and affiliate with a secure way of maintaining transactions and paying affiliates. Both merchants and affiliates apply to these third parties so they can either sell or promote their products and services.
If you are considering becoming an affiliate or a merchant have a look our recommended affiliate/merchant third party managed system companies. On each one will provide further detail about how to use their service and obtain links on products and services as an affiliate. Click here to become an affiliate