Merchants Using Network Tracking

[Rich]

Tweet

P.S. No one is saying that merchants can't use ppc services or do it themselves. Just don't overwrite the cookie with an affiliate link.

I don't quite get your point. If they are paying for the ppc click then the affiliate is no longer due the commission so it makes no difference if the cookie is over written.

Or are you thinking: -
1. Visitor goes via affiliate link and leaves.
2. Visitor goes via merchant ppc and leaves.
3. Visitor types address into address bar and makes a purchase.
4. Affiliate gets the commission.

I don't think thats fair, but can't think of why else you want to affiliate cookie to stay in place.

[Qui Gon Jinn]

Reiterating & clarification of some points made made by our selves & others.

In the simplest principle last cookie win - granted - happier it going to an affiliate no matter whom.

KBudden

The bigger issue is are networks using affiliate data (intellectual property) to their own advantage when managing the ppc campaigns for their merchants."

Totally agree with that quote....And don't believe for a moment when a network says they don't.

There is an unclear message of whether it's the the network or a licenced affiliate or merchant bidding on restricted terms...or even on generic terms for that matter. If the merchant.. then the merchant should make this absoulutely clear to affiliates with their affiliate ID, not from the network but from the merchant.

Rich -

On the other hand, merchants using network links on terms that are not allowed to be used by that merchant just makes things unclear, and probably opens the merchant to other affiliates thinking - 'there is one affiliate getting away with brand bidding so I'll give it a go'.

Policing direct to merchant brand bidding is about the easiest task possible for the networks, so there is no reason that this shouldn't be a clear cut area. Also, I'm sure a network could set up an alternative url format to differenciate when links are used for network managed PPC"

Clear differentiation is the simplest solution as you rightly point out...The merchant has responsibility to make this clear.

And when a network discourages direct communication between affiliates & merchants in their T&C's are you going to believe the network on whatever they say. I think the days of "Trusted Third Party Solution" should simply be rephrased "Third Party Solution". As the more we go on the more we dig up.

Someone mentioned last reference - Let's take this too the extreme & suppress affiliates altogther, if an affiliate cookie is in place and there was some way for the merchant to ascertain if the the last visit came thru natural search, should the sale be valid. If it diminishes (not eradicates) the effect of cookies.

The distrust of a network as you don't know "refering to campaign pirates thread" whether it's affiliates or the network competing in the same arena. It's so easy for network to masquerade or appear as na affiliate and claim 130% (inc 30% override).

Loquax -

A restrictive practice is one, which is employed to limit competition, and prevent rival firms from competing on equal terms, reducing the benefits resulting from competition in the market to consumers."

Ultimately though what i don't understand (again as an outsider to PPC) is why some of you guys put up with what is thrown at you. You're spending money to earn the network money - take away your spend from them and they won't earn. When you realise you're in control then perhaps there may be less cloak/dagger situations with everyone knowing the rules and abiding by them."

Your right Jason.... impo i don't think affiliate marketing is as much fun as what it was a year ago. We are gradually noticing a trend in a small number of cartels arising involving cloak & dagger style tactics with a bit of back stabbing in the back to boot.....especially in the ppc arena....with a number of cliques developing too.....all of which is unhealthy for the industry....

Now all this could simply be the signs of a developing industry starting to reach maturity, albeit prematurely. Where there was once gentlemenly conduct all round, this is slowly being eroded away & partly becoming a facade. What was once a relatively self regulated industry, maybe needs some regulation.

You cannot beleive everying your told, sometimes people believe what they want to hear & don't see either long term or the the bigger picture.