I am considering developing a site that would provide a database of people with highly specialized skill sets matching them to people who are in need of their skills. As this deals with the agricultural renewables sector, and is national in scope, there is a possibility I could get a sponsor to help develop, build and maintain the site. However, I need to have an excellent plan for making the site pay for itself first.

My question is this: Is there a way to collect a referral fee from the service providers I list on my site when they are retained by someone who has discovered them via my site? Short of trust, how can anyone be held accountable?

I've considered having the people whom I list on the site sign a referral fee agreement. But then, how would I enforce it? And how would I collect the money? I'm trying to come up with a clean, sensible, efficient solution.

Ideas anyone?

There are many potential approaches. One would be a fee based site, say an annual membership of a few dollars. It could be for only those offering services.

In the same vein, you could have free basic entries. That would make it easier to get listings and make it easier for you to offer a more complete listing. Then sell expanded listings for service providers on an annual basis sort of like yellow page lists.

If applicable, you might have free service altogether but have ads from product suppliers. With users all in a specific area you have a target audience for advertisers that would be hard for them to reach otherwise.

You have to take into consideration all the factors that relate to your niche to determine the best course.

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Good Success!

Douglas County Master Gardeners
"We don't always get what we want, but we always get what we expect."

Thank you Master Gardener! You have just given me two brilliant ideas. I just sketched out the first layer of information which could be provided for free, and then the point where additional info would be charged for. I was even thinking of charging per word, like, ahem, classified advertising? Say, up to 45 words for x dollars, and so forth. Now, I have to consider how much to charge.

Plus, you are correct. I do believe I could find product suppliers to advertise.

This idea is beginning to gel.

I feel I have much to think about and research to do before jumping into this thing, and will be posting many questions as I go, I am sure. Keep an eye out for me!

Your feedback was invaluable.