I have a successful website, I want to run an online store. How?

Question

I run one of the largest "how to" drywall sites ion the Internet. I would like to sell drywall related tools, books, etc.. out of my store. How do I go about this? Where do I get the products?
Do I have to actually have the merchandise , box, ship or is there a way to just be the middle man?
Anybody have any idea's to get me going?...Mike

Answer 1

The easiest way would be to apply for an affiliate program where you sell other companies' products and books and you get a commission everytime you refer a sale to them without you ever handling the inventory.

Take for instance Amazon .com - you can apply to their affiliate program to start selling books on construction or home decor. They also have Home and Decor section as well as Tools and Automotive. With Amazon, they allow affiliates to create a storefront where you select the items and post it in your website. Commissions are not high - only 8% at most - but it is easy work and you don't have any overheads in terms of storing the items. Apply to Amazon at http://affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/associates/join

Also check Commission Junction http://www.cj.com and Linkshare http://www.linkshare.com which manages various affiliate programs