Voucher Code Sites!! OMG not to mention WTF!! Sorry Rant Needed!!

[befuddle]

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A merchant removed me from their programme at the weekend as I run a voucher code site and now the network's reporting doesn't show the commission that had been accrued. As that money amounts to the cost of a pint I'm wounded.

I followed the users journey path from hitting my site to clicking through to the merchant and the merchant's brand didn't come into the equation once. Basically I promote related merchant's and the customer saw their creative and clicked through.

To me this is a genuine sale, the only text that influenced the sale, was that what was printed on the creative.

The merchant has been removed but considering no unethical practises took place I believe the commission should stand.

Any thoughts or anyone want to buy me a pint?

[renegade]

I agree Ray, this is just one element of the added value both our sites offer to visitors. I'll buy you half a pint, cya later today hoopefully

[DannyW]

Any thoughts or anyone want to buy me a pint?

I'll buy you half a pint, cya later today hoopefully

I'll buy the other half you tight wad :laugh

[jrisby]

I was me. I honestly have no idea whether the site was on there when I bought it or I joined the program before code sites were excluded or I never noticed the exclusion (AF auto-approves affiliates so that's possible) or I joined to add the program to our other non-code sites or whether I added the code or not or someone else did it, etc, etc.

I'm not making excuses just admitting I'm human and I make mistakes but I'm also prepared to try and put things right. As John says I removed the site straight away and will remove any merchants that want to be removed on request.

Our site T&Cs of use make it clear the visitor is responsible for checking the validity of any codes and their eligibility to use them on the merchant site but I'm happy to send your customer (or you so you to credit them) a payment to make up for your/their loss.

It's certainly a minefield running a code site ATM and all I can say is I strive to adhere to all merchant T&Cs and when we make mistakes we will put them right ASAP.

Hi Joe,

There was no need to "reveal" yourself from my point of view!

I'm happy we sorted it out quickly and amicably (Joe is going to continue promoting us on his other non-voucher code sites) - I just wish all voucher site owners were as good to work with!

Thanks
John

[jrisby]

A merchant removed me from their programme at the weekend as I run a voucher code site and now the network's reporting doesn't show the commission that had been accrued. As that money amounts to the cost of a pint I'm wounded.

I followed the users journey path from hitting my site to clicking through to the merchant and the merchant's brand didn't come into the equation once. Basically I promote related merchant's and the customer saw their creative and clicked through.

To me this is a genuine sale, the only text that influenced the sale, was that what was printed on the creative.

The merchant has been removed but considering no unethical practises took place I believe the commission should stand.

Any thoughts or anyone want to buy me a pint?

Hi Befuddle, I've asked AF to look into this and will get back to you asap. John

[dougs]

I'll bring you another pint

Doug

[BASILF]

Ditto here.

I'm getting increasingly annoyed with people refering to voucher codes sites as a certain type of site. Not all voucher code sites are the same.

You won't find a forced click in sight on my site.

Your site is the same as the rest - you promise codes for a heap of merchants but don't deliver! The fact that there may be no code is shown on one line

[dougs]

Even if you do have codes are you still not stealing the sale from another affiliate?

Doug

[fizzbird]

Even if you do have codes are you still not stealing the sale from another affiliate?

A point often overlooked

[dougs]

We all know this is what happens:

1. A person searches and probably gets a cookie dropped from a review sites, a content site, a comparator.
2. They then decide to buy.
3. They may search for the brand name and get a brand bidder cookie on their box.
4. They then get to the payment page and see the words enter discount code
5. They then search google for "merchant discount codes"
6. With or withour codes being available they then get cookie stuffed for a vouhcer code site

No wonder voucher code sites have 10-50% conversion rates

So why not add codes to your "normal" site and use Promotions.co.uk | A Revolutionary Discount Code Website Solution!


Doug

[Frostie]

Even if you do have codes are you still not stealing the sale from another affiliate?

No because more often than not, the code is available to all merchants. If an affiliate can't be arsed adding codes to their site, then they have to be prepared for leakage to their competitors - it is not stealing! Same old argument - still waiting for something new

Is this now turning in to a Doug self promotion thread?

[dougs]

"No because more often than not, the code is available to all merchants. If an affiliate can't be arsed adding codes to their site, then they have to be prepared for leakage to their competitors"

Hugely valid point Chris, I came to the same conclusion, hence yes our offering. Even with us offering our stuff I think you will still be correct and most people wont be arsed to join up. So soon we will be giving all the codes to you and the other discount code sites, so you don't have to do anything....other than count your money.

Doug

[fizzbird]

If an affiliate can't be arsed adding codes to their site, then they have to be prepared for leakage to their competitors - it is not stealing!

But voucher code site owners say it's more than a full time job keeping on top of the constant updates required? This is much in evidence by the number of codes they have been unable to keep on top of

So someone running a number of content sites not only has to create content, they now have to spend 90% of their time updating codes as well?

[dougs]

Its my chance to plug our system again then

Doug

[fizzbird]

Its my chance to plug our system again then

Doug

You forgot the link