"The Amazon Associates program was the first online affiliate program of its kind when it launched in 1996. Today, it is among the largest and most successful online affiliate programs, with over 1,000,000 members world-wide. If you are a Web site owner, Amazon seller, or Web developer, you can start earning money today and earn up to 8.5% in referral fees."

During your time surfing the internet, you are more than likely to have purchased a product from Amazon. If so, you would have been custom to quick, efficient and thorough customer support backed by some of the lowest prices on the internet. Amazon began life as an online book store, though it soon diversified it's product range to include CD's, DVD's, software, electronics and even furniture.

Through Amazon Associates, you can now refer your visitors to these great products and services, earning up to 8.5% commission on every sale you generate.

As a member of Amazon's associate program, you can refer to any product from their entire catalogue. An user friendly interface called associates central gives you quick access to your earnings and reports, performance tips, amazon associates discussion boards, and the product catalogue.

When you select a product from the catalogue, associates central will generate the html for you to place in your website in the form of a simple I-Frame. These act as a "window" onto a specific product at amazon's website, meaning the product information, picture or prices never need to be stored on your server.

This has two distinct advantages.

• The prices of the products you sell are current and up to date.

• Displaying Amazon's product on your site does not require you to upload any images or content onto your server.

Getting started with Amazon associates couldn't be easier. Choose Join Now at the amazon associates home page, and spend five minutes filling out a registration form. In addition your general details, you are asked to choose your preferred payment method. There are three to choose from.

• Direct bank deposit requires that you earn $10 before you are paid initially, and carries no handling or processing fee.

• Standard check requires that you earn $100 before you are paid initially, and carries an $8 handling fee.

• Amazon vouchers requires that you earn $10 before you are paid initially, however this option locks your money with amazon.

The choice here isn't a difficult one, the direct bank deposit being the most economic and efficient solution. Amazon also offer two commission plans, which is also another no-brainer decision.

• Classic - Fixed flat rate of 4% commission on every sale

• Performance - Commission percentage of 4% that increments to 8.5% commission, according to number of sales generated.

When you apply for an amazon associates account, you will be required to submit the URL of your website. Amazon then inspects your site to ascertain whether it meets their standards, and soon after sends you an email confirming your acceptance.

Amazon requires that your site does not violate intellectual property rights, or promote sexually explicit materials, violence, illegal activities, or discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.

Good luck with your own Amazon Associates business!