Stealing Exclusive Codes

Frostie · 27-09-07

I have just noticed a website that is simply copying all discount codes from my site and adding it to theirs. I have no issue with standard codes, but ones that are issued to me exclusively? Bang out of order!

They have a big EXCLUSIVE image next to them, and are even MY company name!

Any ideas apart from resort to violence?

It is no coincidence that EVERY single one is listed, so it is definately not a case of an occasional visitor wrongly submitting a code, its a case of visit, grab and use!

Shane · 27-09-07

why not band together and persuade merchants/networks to allocate the commission to the person the code was given to rather than to the affiliate link that sends the user who uses the code

would make codes useless (ok no revenue earning anyway) for sites that nick unique ones

maybe it's something that can be coded at the network side.. ie code "freebie1" is allocated to aff id 2949 regardless of cookie set ? .. can't be brain surgery can it

can't see how that would annoy non discount code affiliates, at end of the day they'd lose the sale anyway to a cookie being set when user accesses most codes in the first place,

can't see how that would upset other genuine discount sites as they would be in the same boat and it would protect their codes ... in fact basically it would only upset the affs that nick exclusive discount codes methinks

surely code tied to aff id is easiest route

befuddle · 27-09-07

Exclusive codes are generally not handed out on a plate. I personally have to spend a couple of days per month negotiating new codes or extensions to existing ones.
I do that work as these codes add value.
So I too don't like seeing these codes being propagated around.
Some networks will contact the other affiliate for you to kindly ask for the codes to be removed.

KevinEdwards · 27-09-07

Hi,

If any of the exclusive codes relate specifically to Awin then let the relevant account managers know.

We have tracking in place for exclusive codes so we can ensure the affiliate promoting them is the one rewarded for any sales.

Thanks,

Keith · 27-09-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinEdwards

We have tracking in place for exclusive codes so we can ensure the affiliate promoting them is the one rewarded for any sales.

That is good to know

UKOffer · 27-09-07

Have you spoke to ther merchants/networks involved mate? They should very easily be able to get in touch with the rogue affiliate and bin him.

Barry · 27-09-07

Yep its a real pain the the royal backside Frostie isn't it. Just run a google search for 'dvcouk' and see how many sites have my codes on board.

To be honest I normally drop the sites an email and they get removed - that is apart from a small number of voucher sites which never answer to my emails.

Ta

SimonDance · 27-09-07

How do affiliate get exclusive codes.. is it based on traffic levels and "super" affiliates?

Good idea to link the individual affiliate id to the code.. surely this will quash the issue

aaclapham · 27-09-07

Sometimes you have to take a drop in commission to get an exclusive discount code - and if someone else is using it for traffic and getting the full commission it is well out of order!!

SimonDance · 27-09-07

Which merchants are receptive to your contacting them for codes? or is it on the basis that you bring it X amount of business?

tbp · 27-09-07

Quote:

How do affiliate get exclusive codes.. is it based on traffic levels and "super" affiliates?

No, normally its just a case of emailing the merchant and asking for an exclusive code, and they are usually quite obliging.

I`m in no way a super affiliate or anything like that, and i`ve been granted a number of exclusive codes from merchants.

If you don't ask, you don't get!