-
27-09-07 #1
Stealing Exclusive Codes
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!
-
27-09-07 #2
Moderator
- Join Date
- Aug 2003
- Location
- sheffield - Worldwide Skiver
- Posts
- 3,314
- Thanks
- 12
- Thanked 69 Times in 33 Posts
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
-
27-09-07 #3
Registered User
- Join Date
- Jan 2005
- Location
- Leeds, UK
- Posts
- 1,054
- Thanks
- 79
- Thanked 51 Times in 37 Posts
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.ShopCodes: Please Email Exclusive Codes to: befuddle [@] gmail.com | Phone: Please don't. Please email.
-
27-09-07 #4
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,Kevin Edwards, Strategy Director
Tel: +44 (20) 7553 0354
kevin.edwards@affiliatewindow.com
http://www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Edwards
-
27-09-07 #5
Moderator
- Join Date
- Aug 2003
- Location
- Richmond North Yorkshire
- Posts
- 2,535
- Thanks
- 174
- Thanked 118 Times in 82 Posts
Keith ~ My Blog general ramblings. Internet Marketing Blogs UK all the blogs together in one place (pm for inclusion)
-
27-09-07 #6
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.
ContentNow.co.uk - Content Writing and Link Building services | Read my blog here | Follow me on Twitter
-
27-09-07 #7
Typing with both fingers.
- Join Date
- Aug 2003
- Location
- Allt Y Coed Farm, North Pembrokeshire
- Posts
- 3,834
- Thanks
- 215
- Thanked 143 Times in 108 Posts
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
-
27-09-07 #8
Registered User
- Join Date
- Mar 2006
- Posts
- 444
- Thanks
- 0
- Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
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
-
27-09-07 #9
Jedi Master
- Join Date
- Dec 2005
- Location
- Northallerton, North Yorkshire
- Posts
- 1,252
- Thanks
- 66
- Thanked 74 Times in 54 Posts
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!!
Andrew Clapham - Fashion Blogger & Fashion Discount Codes.
-
27-09-07 #10
Registered User
- Join Date
- Mar 2006
- Posts
- 444
- Thanks
- 0
- Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Which merchants are receptive to your contacting them for codes? or is it on the basis that you bring it X amount of business?
-
27-09-07 #11
Registered User
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
- Posts
- 1,998
- Thanks
- 0
- Thanked 19 Times in 19 Posts
No, normally its just a case of emailing the merchant and asking for an exclusive code, and they are usually quite obliging.How do affiliate get exclusive codes.. is it based on traffic levels and "super" affiliates?
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!
-
27-09-07 #12
Super Moderator
- Join Date
- Nov 2004
- Location
- On World Tour!
- Posts
- 1,330
- Thanks
- 44
- Thanked 37 Times in 28 Posts
Yep. That's right. I used to provide exclusive codes to anyone who asked for them when I was managing programmes.
Most communicative merchants will provide this to affiliates, although some will look for volume or a reduced commission level (which is fair enough - it sends your conversions way, way up!).Please Read My Affiliate Marketing Blog.
& consider joining The Affiliate Lending Team - help entrepreneurs in 3rd world countries - all the cool affiliates are doing it 
-
27-09-07 #13
Andrew made the point that we're often taking a drop in commission to get exclusive codes so to find them on other sites is well out of order.
As Shane pointed out the way forward is for networks to work with the code sites to track the exclusive codes and allocate the sale to the relevant affiliate and they would also know exactly which other sites are abusing the codes.
From my experience some networks are better than others at working with code sites but it's fair to say they're all now aware we need "special handling" and some are taking positive steps to work with us and help educate merchants so hats off to them.
Other networks with their hands over their ears and heads in the sand please take note!Joe's CantBarsed Blog | Discount Codes
-
27-09-07 #14
Registered User
- Join Date
- Mar 2006
- Posts
- 444
- Thanks
- 0
- Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
That's great.
Thanks for the heads up guys.
Si
-
30-09-07 #15
Royal pain it is!
I am sure there are times when somehow the odd code manages to find its way on to all of our sites, and its something I expect over time. As you say, a quick email usually does the trick.
Sadly this time round, and email, a forum message (they are members of this forum) and still nothing. Any other ideas before I name and shame? I will take K's advice and speak to the networks next I think.
Kevin - thanks for the heads up from AWin side. I don't think any are AWin, still going through them all.
LinkBacks (?)
-
27-10-07, 04:25 PM
Thread Information
Users Browsing this Thread
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Similar Threads
-
Fuming with ediets
By lakrasia in forum DGM AffiliatesReplies: 41Last Post: 14-07-05, 01:59 PM


LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote

Bookmarks