There is no dispute that affiliate programs are lucrative ways to make extra money whether you do it full time or part time. By all accounts you can make a very good living by affiliate marketing alone. However, don't be overzealous about some promises people make as there are alot of people who know the tricks of this business and try all avenues to lure you into selling thier products for a meager percentage of the sale. There are some merchants that view affiliates as a source for free traffic and promotion, basically for their own benefit.

Here are some things to consider when thinking of joining an affiliate program:

No Contact Information:

If the company hasn't put the contact information on the site after you sign up then don't consider joining the program. Supplying you with contact information after you submit your contact information is OK, in these situations they are using what is called a squeeze page and they are collecting information for their opt-in lists. Always look for a line item that says they will not sell your information. Your privacy is 100% Guaranteed! If you do not find any contact information once you sign up for the membership then this would be a sign they are hiding something. You never know, just keep this in mind!

Paying An Unusually High Commission:

Although you might be excited to come across an affiliate program that pays high commissions, you need to make sure that they are not just drawing you in with big numbers and then have not much to offer as far as help with promoting your new business. Make sure they offer ways to help you succeed. Why would anyone pay more on a commission than they would get for the sale? It's just not smart business, so beware.

Never Replies To Your Emails:

Even if they have the email address on their site and you send them an email and they never give a reply then you should cancel your membership with them and not pursue them as an affiliate. When the people who run the program do not have the time to send a reply to someone who is helping them and their business, then be sure they won't have any time to issue you a check.

This goes without saying that if you join an affiliate program and they do send you a check and the bank returns it - drop it like a hot potatoe!

A good place to start is to join a charter membership that offers an affiliate program and shows you exactly how to run your business and be successful online, these people really want you to succeed!