Merchant Contact Details

[Qui Gon Jinn]

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Since "some" networks don't publish or don't permit direct contact or communication between merchants & affiliates. We are maybe intending to create a directory of contact details as part of one of the many aims of creating a more transparent marketplace. Because we are an adovate that direct communication can lead to better managed programs without all the chinese whispers & corporate blurb that is lost in translation.

An extension of this would maybe having a directory of affiliate sites, where merchants can source affiliates in suitable sector & open dialogue with them if need be.

It would only be open to those who actually contributed details, rather than anyone looking for an easy ride, with login details required.

So an affiliate who submitted 20 contact details can have access or a merchant that is forthcoming with their contact details can access a range of affiliates.

Probably a naff idea in hindsight.. but just feel the message does get lost. Ideally I would like it connnected with the A4UForum if Matt permits it.

But other ways it could be worked is a mutual opt in basis, where one approaches the other?

[Spreader]

Hi Paul,

Yep - I agree and think this is a great idea (it's actually something I've been pushing for with my networks to be honest).

Not only would this aid transparency and help to improve communication (coz it is sometimes pretty difficult to find out some affiliates contact details when you need to get hold of them!), but I also feel it would make for a better workplace.

For example, if there was a list of affiliates who promote gifts, then it would be beneficial for me to know who they all are so I can contact them to see if we can work together. It would be mutually beneficial.

You are right though - it would have to be contributors only.

Cheers,


Zak.

[deadgoodundies]

God yes, what a good idea.
Im certainly 100% for it, I like to have a good close relationship with my affiliates (as I do with our customers - hey and wipe that image from your mind thats not what i meant )
As a merchant it can be quite frustrating not being able to contact an affiliate directly as sometimes if an affiliate has forgotten to take down a certain time limited promotion and you have to ask the aff network to contact them when all it would take is a quick email from myself to send a personal reminder.
And again I might be running a special promotion that would only be of use to a limited number of affiliates so i don't want to send out a general email to everyone.

[drivetowin]

Sounds like a really useful idea - it is really frustrating when you want to discuss a particular promotion idea with a merchant and it takes half a day just to track down their contact details (if you can get them at all).

Its about time networks saw the light and let merchants and affiliates TALK to one another - if as a network you're confident that the service you provide ADDS VALUE to the relationship (and if you're not confident why are you doing it) - then what have you got to fear?

To be fair though, I've found some affiliate marketing agencies to be even more difficult to work with - as they are themselves a third party to the merchant they dont have the say to make quick decisions on promotions - and are usually ultra reluctant to let you speak to the merchant directly.

I think the idea of merchants being able to approach us directly is good too - I currently have one programme which is working very well for me and for the merchant as a result of the merchant seeing one of my posts here on the forum and contacting me directly.

[morleymouse]

its a good idea, I can see why networks dont allow it though to an extrent, just the whole private deal / independant program thing and merchants doing what they can to get affiliates off the network and onto private deals to save their override.

next bit based on my experience with CJ so far working at sim4travel.com

with regards to contact, yes of course its needed and its just as hard for a merchant to get hold of an affiliate! I can send an email via the network, but from what ive seen network emails are rarely read and not as any sort of priority. Sometimes I get shown an email address but this seems to be one in 20 so then it gets to the case where your looking on affiliate sites to find and email address which you then have to hope is active.

as an affiliate...

its great getting emails from merchants especially as an individual as im more inclined to do something that way. the general network newsletters saying whats hot or new are okay but I admit I only read them if I cant find anything better and then I just look through at the banners unless I see a merchant I promote doing something special, and then I think well why didnt they tell me about that themselves last week.


in short, yeah sounds good and id be up for it.

[LxDirect James]

Hi

Anyone affiliated with Lxdirect (or not for that matter) can reach me at
James.wrightson@littlewoods.co.uk or call 0151 235 1371

Cheers

James

[pistol101]

The other side of the argument!!

Merchants would get pitched from sales people, be it other networks, hosting companies, ad sales...the list goes on.

We also don't want merchants buried with requests on how to put banners up, or where's my money which networks can sort out much more easily.

You also get the merchants who only have 1 or 2 hours a week to spend on their programmes.

There are affiliates who really should never be allowed to talk to merchants

Is an hour really that important in a long term relationship?

I'm sure where you can see i'm going that some affiliates should be allowed access to merchants.