When do you apply?

amcd78 · 26-10-04

Okay, you've got your site nearing completition in terms of content/design and its almost ready to launch. You've maybe got a couple of offline marketing events to coincide with the launch. When is the best time to apply to merchant affiliate programmes?

In order to leave enough time before launch, for merchants to review your application, does it matter whether the site is not 100% complete, or will this hamper your chances of being accepted? Will merchants take this into account, or is it inadvisable?

In an ideal world, it would be best to have the site complete before applying, then wait for acceptance from merchants before launching.... however, as Christmas rapidly approaches, it looks like time may become a problem.

Thanks of your help
Alastair

drivetowin · 26-10-04

Depends on which network you are planning to use - with Affiliate Future, Affiliate Window, CJ and Paid on Results most merchants are set to auto approve - i.e. you will be accepted on to their programmes anyway.

With Buy.at - drop Malcolm an email and let him see what you've got so far and I'm sure he'll sort things out for you.

With TD - as long as you've got the bulk of your site in place most merchants will approve you - some may reject you and some may put you 'under consideration' - in which case just wait although you may have to give them a nudge in a few weeks to have another look - its not been unknown for sites to remain 'under consideration' for over a year if the merchants is not encouraged 'digitus extractus'

amanda1 · 26-10-04

Just to let you know when I am looking at pending applications for our programme if a site is not up and running I usually don't accpet the affiliate. I usually send them an email asking to have them reapply once the site is working.

This is really just a security issue to make sure that all of our affiliate are legit and have a working site, etc.

However I would make a landing page explaining that the site will be up by a certain date, etc. and maybe then merchants would see this and understand that even though you are under construction, you will be running soon? I have in the past accepted applications from sites that had landing pages such as this and emailed them as well asking them to notify my once the site is running.

Hope this helps.

Amanda

Jamster · 26-10-04

Although I accept most sites into our program, if the site has no current content or a "under construction" page, I will generally put the site on hold until the content is functional.

In terms of when to apply, I will normally review and accept a site within 24 hours of application, unless it is the weekend. I am not sure what the normal time frame is for merchant acceptance, but I am sure that there is no need to apply too early if it is going to be detrimental to your chances of acceptance.

Graham@Buyagift · 26-10-04

Not all networks do this, but you can tailor the auto-responder email to your own needs. On TD I used to have the 'under consideration' email ask a little about the intentions of the site etc.

You will generally find that those who are seriously interested will email you with details at which point you can make a more informed decision.

Graham

amcd78 · 26-10-04

Thanks guys and girls for providing an insight from both an affiliate and a merchants point of view. Its been very helpful.

Cheers
Alastair