Its associates' programme operates a similar system to Ingram's proposed one with a smaller commission of 8%, but no up-front fee.

ECONOMIST: On-line retailing

From 2013, they will have to charge an up-front fee for advice instead, as part of moves towards greater price transparency in banking services.

BBC: RBS logo

Analyst Keith Benjamin figures online mall CUC NetMarket's model -- where customers pay an up-front fee to receive bigger discounts on all subsequent book purchases -- might prove more profitable.

FORBES: Does Amazon.com really matter?

However, pension providers will be able to charge an additional up-front fee if clients want personalised advice but the government insisted that the 1% charge should be enough to cover basic advice.

BBC: Small firms exempt from stakeholder pension

Qteros and Praj will ask for an up-front licensing fee and then a percentage of the cash flow, a kind of royalty, from the ongoing operation.

FORBES: Soros-backed Biofuels Company Qteros Partners With Indian Ethanol Plant Builder

Local firms have tried various methods, ranging from cash up-front and pre-paid tokens to fee-for-service or leasing.

ECONOMIST: A survey of Energy

Successful advisors typically have the fee discussion with clients up-front, at the beginning of the conversation, as they describe their value-added proposition and unique perspective on the business.

FORBES: If You Don't Know Your Own Value - Who Will?