Hey guys,

I did post a similar question in another forum section. Anyway, I thought this area might be better to discuss it.

I'm looking at starting an affiliate marketing agency/service. Sales and marketing is covered, I know we will make good money right from the start.

To give you a bit of background, I run a a successful info and community website. We have a large database and receive solid traffic. Through my time running the site I have played with affiliate marketing and it obviously works well to bring in money for us. The agencies we work with often charge large fees and take a nice commission on each sale - something that's bothered us and especially the stores we deal with.

Through our work in affiliate marketing and partnerships with online stores and other websites, it occurred to me that I could start my own agency (with help) and I could easily bring in a lot of clients from day 1. I know a lot of big industry websites and big stores who would come on board with us straight away. I have the sales and marketing side of it covered no problem.

The issue is I have no idea about what needs to be developed or what man-power or funds need to be available. Again this is something I could probably get funding for but I need to know what I'm dealing with.

What needs to be developed in regard to software and how much management would it require? Would it be possible to automate everything once we have developed the platform?

Any thoughts/feedback is appreciated. Thanks in advance.