Legal Question in Business Law in California

Hi,

I have a question for you. I'd like to start a business that would basically be a consulting business. I'd like to know what the internet/business law is for product consultation ... is it legal for me to send clients a list of links to the products I recommend for them? Do I need the permission of the product seller? I do not want the sellers to pay me for advertising their product. I want clients to pay me for my advice and expertise. Under what conditions would that business model be legal?

Thank you!


Asked on 3/17/10, 6:40 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

If you can get clients to pay you for your advice and expertise, God bless you. But this seems like an inferior business model, considering that so many companies offer affiliate-marketing arrangements in which the sellers pay you when the buyers click on specially constructed links.

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Answered on 3/22/10, 7:04 pm
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

There's nothing prohibitive in the relationship you mention. The sellers will bless your link referrals. Getting the clients to pay you for your advice and expertise is the tricky part. If you really have a solid business metric, and it works, perhaps you should consider an expansion vehicle in the future. Good luck.

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

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Answered on 3/23/10, 7:14 am


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