One of our most recent endeavors was looking into ways to make extra money to subsidize our SCUBA trips. There are so many places we have yet to visit! Unfortunately, SCUBA can be an expensive endeavor. We decided to research ways we could use the world wide web to assist us. The journey started in February, 2008. After much searching we stumbled across a software package for an Amazon affiliate store called Associate-O-Matic. The cool thing about Amazon is they have an affiliate program where anyone can earn up to 10% for every sale generated through their web site using this Associate-O-Matic Software. Associate-O-Matic offers a free version of this software which is not as flexible as the full version. We opted to invest in the full version. The cost is not bad. It is $99 for the first year and $20 per year thereafter. Essentially this is pretty much a lease. This full version does include unlimited email support and forum access. If you start a business, all related expenses are tax deductible. Also of note, Associate-O-Matic allows you to create unlimited stores without additional purchases.
Getting started was amazingly easy. This was the path we followed to creating our first successful store.
1. We registered with the Amazon affiliate program here.
2. We then purchased our first domain called finforyourself.com from GoDaddy. since they were inexpensive.
3. We purchased a hosting package from GoDaddy.
4. We uploaded the Associate-O-Matic software to GoDaddy and configured our first Amazon Affiliate store called Fin For YourSelf.
We really like our store. We posted the store link in the Associate-O-Matic forum and asked the members to critique it. Several members provided great feedback. We received very helpful information on how to improve the aesthetics of our site to potentially attract more customers.
The beauty of it is that we do not have to worry about many of the things a typical store would. As with most retail stores you are required to have inventory, order processing and fulfillment systems. With this software, and being an affiliate of Amazon, you don’t require any of this.
No programming experience is required to use the Associate-O-Matic software. The installation procedures are easy to follow and can be found on their web site.
We have gone on to create several other Amazon Affiliate stores with this software. These stores are:
* Fin For Your Self - US Scuba Store
* Your Sports Support - United States Sports Store
* Your Sports Support - United Kingdom Sports Store
* Christian Books - Christian Book Store
* This Way Baby - United States Baby Store
* This Way Baby - United Kingdom Baby Store
Even now, we continue to brainstorm for new store ideas. Future articles will discuss another affiliate program which offers services similar to Amazon. Until then, thanks for the read, and safe diving.
