Stealing Exclusive Codes

[Frostie]

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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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[KieronD]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[KirstyM]

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!).

[renegade]

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!

[SimonDance]

That's great.

Thanks for the heads up guys.

Si

[Frostie]

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

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.