Everyone asks this question before joining a affiliate program. There are plethoras of program in affiliate network to choose form. You can choose any program that suites your need, talent and knowledge. You can also find many similar programs in one single niche. But the question rises how to chose the best program in the crowd of all those get rich quick programs.

There are few basic points you should be clear about joining an affiliate program. Ask yourself these questions and you will find which one is the best to join:

Will the program cost you anything?
Most affiliate programs today are free of cost. Most of the successful programs don’t charge you anything to join them. So, why settle with program that asks you upfront payment before you can promote them. Affiliate programs make money when affiliates promote their produce. Any program that asks you money to let you join it either don’t have the perfect business model or is looking a slight chance to make quick money by scamming affiliates. So, it’s better to always be far from these look so good programs.

When do they pay commission checks?
This is very important to know that when a program sends you the check for you payment. Some program send payment monthly, some weekly or some even have system that pays you as soon as you make a sale. Most programs have a minimum threshold before they send payments. Try to find out if program has some issues with sending payment in its previous transactions. You can ask other affiliates who have been working in it if they had any problem with receiving payment. This wills ascertain that you get your hard earned money in time.

What kinds of stats are available for affiliates?
As an affiliate marketer you would certainly want to know your progress. It is very important to find out how much sales you are making and through which means. Ask the affiliate program what all statistic they provide to there affiliates. Some program provides detailed information on stats while some only give limited information. In any case you should at least be able to check the amount of sales and your previous history with an affiliate program.

Who is your retailer?
Before starting to promote any product, you should first check who your retailer is and what is his background with the product.  Find as much information possible about the product.  You won’t be happy promoting a product that does not provide quality service to its clients. So, it’s good to get as much info possible about the product.

These are few questions you need to ask before you start in with your affiliate marketing. They will certainly help you in longer period of time.