(A pauper's guide to getting started...)

Hi there, folks!

Yesterday, we looked at the need to create some “seed money” when considering the idea of starting up any online business. Affiliate marketeers are often sold on the notion of having “no product to design or create”,“no stock”, “no website of your own” and thus no overheads.

In reality, it soon becomes clear that to effectively promote products online, any successful affiliate will end up dipping a hand in their pocket quite early on. Perhaps to purchase a domain name (those Clickbank “hoplinks” can be a hard sell on their own) or for article subscriptions, or paying for those much sought after “clicks” on Google Adwords.

Indeed to the uninitiated, just understanding the above sentence may even require investing real world cash into some or other “money-making” scheme, advertised on the basis of letting you flip your boss the finger after just a week or two of promoting the latest ebook.

Selling your unwanted items on eBay gives you a start at least. However, getting the best price for your “stuff” and keeping your little pot of gold separate from your beer money and focused squarely on wealth creation requires just a little attention to detail. To a newbie seller, listing your items without getting stung for price, or screwed on the package and posting can be cause for concern.

We'll look at getting top dollar for your listed items tomorrow. For now, let us consider method(s) of payment........

Some might disagree here, but I strongly recommend using Paypal as your preferred method of payment, every time. This keeps all your payments in one single account. It will help you to keep your profits in one place, which is a separate account, removed from your day to day cash flow.

Remember, this money is for business and NOT for spending!

Also, it is very satisfying to see your Paypal balance rising as more and more of your unwanted stuff suddenly becomes someone else's must have item. You will see, as you make each sale, how you seem almost to be making money out of absolutely nothing. There is a certain buzz to this. “Hey, I'm in business here!”

If you don't already have a Paypal account, sign up at www.paypal.com.

Check that your verified email address is the same on both your eBay and your Paypal accounts. This way, funds paid to you from eBay sales will always end up in the right account.

Do make sure that you apply for the Paypal prepaid Visa card. This will be a useful and time-saving tool when it comes to finally putting your freshly made wonga to work. Not every online retailer, or service provider will accept Paypal as a payment option. However, everyone accepts Visa. The card itself is Pre-pay, so you can only spend money that is already in your account, i.e. your sales profits. Having the card will give your new found capital instant purchasing power.

Also, when considering the need for online tuition and mentoring (any newbie affiliate will need learning resources) such as Mack Michael's outstanding investment “club” Maverick Money Makers, your Paypal account will be a ready resource.

In my next article, we'll look at the nitty gritty of listing your items to get “best price”.

Till then,

Happy hunting!

Gavin.