Next are changing!

[confuscius]

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We are probably all wondering what is coming next from Next whereas in reality Next are just being a bit previous. I am looking forward to the next Next thread and answers to the previous Next threads.

[Frostie]

Who's Next?

Hero I see what you are saying, and yes AM is like anything else in this world. Do a good job and very little is said, do a bad job and everything hits the fan. I have never spoken to my ISP to say "Thanks for providing a good service" but the minute I have a problem then I will phone them up and kick off.

I think the problem here is the wording that is being used such as WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN, FRESH START etc. There are then comments that simply confuse... "This change in networks does signify change in the way in which we will be communicating with affiliates."

How? How does moving from one network to another change how they communicate with affiliates? Will it be for the better when people here were happy with the communication from old agency & network?

I have nothing against waiting to see things improve, but to use AWin as what appears to be a scapegoat for Next's own short comings is uncalled for.

[kevforth]

Surely in the interests of a new start and a clean slate Next can at least say that they will announce the NEW programmes and NEW commisions on this forum on Friday morning as opposed to people haveing to log in and apply to find out the NEW programme details.

There certainly seems to be a level of interest on the forum so it would seem to be a good idea.

Doing it that way will mean that more affiliates get to see and hear about the NEW programme and NEW commisions.

Hopefully it will not be a similar tale to The Emperors NEW Clothes.

[KieronD]

we're always complaining that not enough merchants show up here - but when they do, we shoot them down....
Let's be fair - merchants/agencies make mistakes - are they not allowed to try to rectify them, EVER?

I have to say Hero I agree with you 100%.

First of all it was Next's business decision to move networks/agencies, what gives us affiliates a right to demand why? Sure Affiliate Window are great and so are MVi but there could have been 1001 reasons why Next decided to move their business. And none of it could have had anything to do with how "good" our perception is of these two companies. Next quite rightly shouldn't give out their reasons for making a business decision like this on a public forum.

I feel that Next and i-Level have stepped up to the plate by introducing themselves in this thread and opening a line of communication. So why must we be so quick to shoot them down? At least they are talking with us, unlike so many merchants, Toys R Us for example.

Now I know that Next have upset a lot of affiliates by their recent commission cuts etc. and quite rightly too. As an affiliate I don't currently promote Next as I don't think their current commission structure is in line with the market. Its as simple as that. But lets give them a chance to put things right before we shoot them down shall we?

Who knows, if by Friday they announce a really compelling commission structure then we'll all be happy. If they don't, then don't put their links up. It should remain a business decision and nothing more.

[drivetowin]

Kieron

With all due respect mate Next and i-Level have not introduced themselves on this thread - they have posted before when they have had good news to say and kept ominously quiet and let AWin take the flak when there was bad news - some would call that having their cake and eating it.

Personally I'm not that bothered which network they are with - what I am bothered by is the attitude of 'let's sweep all the old muck under the carpet and pretend everything is fine and dandy' - we've had it before and it doesn't wash. I fully agree with you that it is their perogative which network and agency to use, no issue with that, but common courtesy would have been to resolve their current issues before jumping ship.

Even in this thread it is noticeable that they have employed 'selective deafness' when formulating their replies.

[sgpratley]

Kieron & Hero, two of the last people in the industry I'd want to shoot down, but come on.

Setting out new cannon fodder doesn't count as opening up communication.

Jonny & Fiona aren't the ones calling the shots about the top level decisions here and no-one is having a pop at their efforts to open up communication in a situation they didn't create. That would just be shooting the messenger. They're doing what they can in a bad situation.

Noone from Next, i-level or the 2 networks running the campaign has come up with any reason why this move benefits affiliates. Until that happens I can't see the reputation of this campaign improving.

[Hero]

Noone from Next, i-level or the 2 networks running the campaign has come up with any reason why this move benefits affiliates. Until that happens I can't see the reputation of this campaign improving.

My point exactly - you don't know what they have in mind, so give them the benefit of the doubt. Come Friday, if you see the same things, then unleash the dogs, you'll have every right to do so.

they have posted before when they have had good news to say and kept ominously quiet and let AWin take the flak when there was bad news - some would call that having their cake and eating it.

It's called being a merchant

[ian-d]

It's called being a merchant

Don't agree with that, the majority of merchants involved in affiliate schemes are good at communication no matter whether its good or bad news. Its important they show a professional attitude throughout, which unfortunatly 'to date' Next have not proven.

I hope for change come friday, otherwise I and no doubt many others will drop them in favour of alternative merchants.

[fionah]

Kieron

With all due respect mate Next and i-Level have not introduced themselves on this thread - they have posted before when they have had good news to say and kept ominously quiet and let AWin take the flak when there was bad news - some would call that having their cake and eating it.

Guys, I know that when it comes to a public forum it’s all too easy to get caught up with disputes which can go round and round in circles and not have a constructive outcome. Therefore we prefer to deal with concerns on a one on one basis. It’s easier to cut through the clutter of comments and get something resolved. Without trying to be on the defensive I have contributed to threads both positive and negative in the past.

When it comes to email communication, although usually sent by the network, what is said is a combined effort between the network, i-level & next. My details are available on the networks and I have sent emails directly regarding the program. So to be fair, my contact details are available and I’m always on hand to answer any queries and concerns you may have.

[Hero]

the majority of merchants involved in affiliate schemes are good at communication no matter whether its good or bad news.

I think you may be the lucky affiliate working with all the good merchants out there

[ian-d]

I must be

[Roz Fenwick]

To further Jonny's post, buy.at would like to take this opportunity to welcome Next to the network and highlight some of the benefits of working on the programme with us in 2008.

Next offer commissions on all sales with NO clawbacks, affiliates will receive payment on both directories and orders through the retail programme and benefit from unlimited referrals within the cookie period. There is also a dedicated buy.at Account Manager and up to date promotional and seasonal creative, banners and email creative available.

As highlighted, we aim to launch the programme this Friday, 1st February to give affiliates time to migrate your links before the closures of the existing programmes. To make the most of the generous incentives make sure you update your links as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the programme do not hesitate to get in touch.

I will re-post to confirm once we have gone live.

Many thanks,

[foxtucker]

Jonny

...and while you're at it maybe explain the criteria on which the new networks were chosen (that's not to say there is anything wrong with the networks you have chosen but to my mind and many other affiliates, Affiliate Window have done an excellent job for you in their management of the account and so there replacement appears to be an attempt to brush affiliate concerns under the carpet rather than address those concerns head on).

Not at all convinced that ANY merchant should be expected to comment on/justify/explain why they have moved to another aff network.

[FeFiFoFum]

Hi everyone,

Just to follow-up on this post we're very pleased to be adding Next to our growing list of clients and are looking forward to working on the program in 2008. There are some exciting developments with Next and we feel our Pan European network can help best leverage those opportunities.

As with all our program’s we are committed to providing exceptional levels of service to affiliates and creating a mutually beneficial relationship. We will be reviewing applications first thing tomorrow and will be on hand to answer any questions. We will also maintain and promote open lines of communication with the agency/client which is important to us as a network.

Ricki Jones (rjones@affili.net) will be Account Managing Next along with Katie (kdingley@affili.net) but any member of the team will be able to help out or at least point you in the right direction. The main office number is 0207 400 0300 and all contact details are here.

Thanks. Pete

[smingle]

One of the concerns for me personally is, AW validate and pay commisions fortnightly, buy.at take 2 months to pay out, so the commisions you make in Feb will not be paid to you until the end of april, which is shocking !

In fact I will make a thread about networks who pay 2 months in arrears now