what to expect?

**gems** · 14-07-06

Hi everyone
I'm just about to join an affiliate network and was wondering what to expect about the interest from affiliates, the immediate growth, the amount of orders etc. Obviously this will depend on a number of factors but if anyone could guide me roughly it would be appreciated!
Thanks.
Gemma

**moogie** · 14-07-06

Hi Gemma

This is a very generic question, What is your retail area? It will be easier to tell you what to expect before launching an affiliate program if we knew this.

**morleymouse** · 14-07-06

Expect for someone to be bidding on your brand within minutes of launching

If you want to have a quick chat about any of the networks Gemma just drop me a PM, and as above could do with knowing the site, retail area etc etc

Good luck with it all!

**LateRooms.com** · 14-07-06

Can depend entirely on the product and the season. Apply pressure on the network to give you coverage from the off though, helps. Sometimes it takes off quickly, sometimes it can take time to build up a following, good luck

**gems** · 17-07-06

ha ha, I thought it all might be too general! Looks like I will have to wait and see!!

The retail sector would be books (great value bestselling books!), the site is www.thebookpeople.co.uk

Morelymouse, I didn't think affiliates were meant to be bidding on our brand names....or do they just now pay much attention?..or not care!! Is it the same with all the affiliates on any network?

Thanks.
Gemma

**pricethat** · 17-07-06

Wow, i never saw so many colours and **** happening all on one page. There is a lot of work gone into that site but i think you will find that paying less and having a cleaner amazon style simple display would be better for your own marketing and affiliates than that over filled technicolour dreamcoat

**gems** · 17-07-06

lol, I know!! We are planning to re-design!

**morleymouse** · 17-07-06

Originally Posted by gems

Morelymouse, I didn't think affiliates were meant to be bidding on our brand names....or do they just now pay much attention?..or not care!! Is it the same with all the affiliates on any network?

Make sure you make it clear, you may choose to work with some affiliates closely to bid on your brand, again your choice.

Its not all affiliates at all, some are marketing geniuses! But sometimes they get a little tempted by a quick sprint on the brand, weekends, evenings etc. Probably just worth making sure everythings clear hwen you set up, take to the network you choose about it and see what they think about it all.

**pricethat** · 17-07-06

Originally Posted by morleymouse

But sometimes they get a little tempted by a quick sprint on the brand, weekends, evenings etc.

That is a nice way of referring to what basically is just cheating scum that are effectively just stealing from the merchant....

**Jacqui** · 17-07-06

I have used The Book People quite a few times and they are good - great value & delivery. I'll be looking to sign up.

The site is similar to the style of their catalogues by the way!

**Frostie** · 17-07-06

Originally Posted by pricethat

That is a nice way of referring to what basically is just cheating scum that are effectively just stealing from the merchant....

Not if the company doesn't insist on Brand Name being excluded. If it is stipulated in the T&C's then yes, the answer in my book would be to knee cap the affiliate that is breaking the rules. If nothing is mentioned in the T&C's then it's just another area for affiliate to generate some income surely?

Better than PPC'ing a brand name and directing them to a competitor which I know has happened in the past!

**Darren M** · 17-07-06

Is it actually worth doing PPC on books, as an affiliate that is?

The commission level for a single book must be pennies??

**pricethat** · 17-07-06

Originally Posted by Frostie

Not if the company doesn't insist on Brand Name being excluded. If it is stipulated in the T&C's then yes, the answer in my book would be to knee cap the affiliate that is breaking the rules. If nothing is mentioned in the T&C's then it's just another area for affiliate to generate some income surely?

Better than PPC'ing a brand name and directing them to a competitor which I know has happened in the past!

Not this old chestnut, just because someone does not put it in their terms does not mean that it is right or valid. How far affiliates go for self justification is unreal sometimes.

Yes perhaps if people are using the brand to send traffic to competitors then there "might" be a need. But spinning off that long yarn of "oh you need us because we protect you" is absolute rubbish.

It is nothing short of lazy cheating tricks that affiliates will do to register a sales without much work. How would your local pizza shop react if you stood outside their doorway and sending your customers to the shop down the road just because someone forgot to put a sign in the paper saying no idiots freeloading please? I expect you would be hurt or at very least arrested as a public nuisance, i do not see the difference personally.

If a merchant has a need for it they will ask, just because someone does not leave a sign in the shop window saying you are not allowed to steal our sweets does not mean it is ok to go helping yourself.

**3wdl** · 17-07-06

Originally Posted by pricethat

Not this old chestnut, just because someone does not put it in their terms does not mean that it is right or valid. How far affiliates go for self justification is unreal sometimes.

Sorry - but that is not always the case.

There are many occasions when brand name bidding is acceptable from a merchants perspective.

Occasionally it may be that the merchant has not put restrictions into the terms but usually that's not the case.