August, a slow month for retail?

[theitgirl]

Hi,

Since my real affiliate success only started in last 2 months I don't have anything to compare results with so I thought I'd ask the question instead.

How do you affiliates who run retail/general product websites fair in August?

Do people spend less as they're saving money to spend on holiday, or is it generally the same?

I've noticed a slow down over the last two weeks and couldn't decide whether it was the school holidays or a recession that was affecting it. I'm thinking it's probably got more to do with the school holiday season but wanted to get your thoughts too.

Thanks

Helen

[aaclapham]

Its hard to generalise about retail as it is so huge.

Yes, its school holidays, factory fortnight, loads on holiday, kids bored on the pc's and clicking away on everyone's ads

However there is always sales to be found. Off the top of my head - attraction tickets to theme parks, Trampolines, swimming pools if the sun goes out, and all the holiday purchases ready to go abroad.

Just keep researching and don't panic

[tbp]

The last couple of days have been horrendous for me, I`ve been doing really well recently but just had 2 days without a single commission

[theitgirl]

At least it's not just me

Had a horrific moment last week when I realised that the code Google adds to my AdWords links was causing problems with my site and as a result the links were going to a blank page

Thankfully I've fixed this issue and sales have started to increase a result, still a wonderful waste of money though!

Sigh

[justhomdotcom]

I know this aimed at affiliates but I thought i'd throw in my 2 pence here as this is a merchants view (and a honest merchant who doesn't say things just to try and big up his company but will say the truth even if it was bad).

If you were saying the same thing last year then I would of said yes August seems to slow down because from our point of view (mens fashion) Most people have already bought their holiday swimwear, kids are off school so parents spend more time with them rather than on their pc's etc. etc.

But this year I really can't believe how good it has been with very little (if at all) all slow down. Normally after a summer sale , sales plummet as everyone has had their fill and are then waiting for the next season stuff to come into stock.
We started our sale in July and usually you get about a 7 day hit of really good sales and then interest wains and sales go back to normal BUT this year it just kept on going and going and is still going.

I don't know if it's because we have the right mix of products now or what but things are really looking good for us at the moment (might even be able to afford that VW eos i've had my eye on).

So yes im sure in some sectors there is a slow down but I guess if you pick and choose then you will find one which just keeps going and going (like us )

[jackfrost]

Home Improvement may well benefit from the credit crunch as the number of houses sold gradually reduces and the cost of mortgages increases.

At Brilliant Media in Leeds we manage the Safestyle UK (Safestyle double glazing windows and doors - FREE quote | Buy One Get One Free) affiliate program and have found the current 'BUY ONE GET ONE FREE' offer on all windows and doors driving significant volume through the affiliate channel throughout July and into August (which is usually when the demand for energy saving double glazing reduces, e.g. height of 'summer', kids break-up, people go abroad etc).

If the above is of interest please send me a private message on A4U or alternatively an Email or give me a call.

PS. Don't be put off by the freephone number on Safestyle's website, this will be removed for all affiliate traffic.

Rgds
Andrew Crowther
Brilliant Media
0113 3940000

[ian-d]

As a merchant too, the industry I'm in typically would see a slow down in July and August, but for the past few years have not found this to be the case. I've just had my best month to date, and that was in July.

I do think on the whole though, taking an average of all retail sectors you may find a slow down, resulting in a downturn of affiliate based commissions, but it doesn't last long, September soon gets ppl back into spending mode for christmas/winter!

[Riddys]

My two electronic sites have seen a massive downturn in the last two months. Sales are just 10% of the same period last year. Looks like my competitors are experiencing the same as the ppc competition has dwindled.

Fortunately I have quite a few other sites doing reasonably well.

But the old saying about putting a bit by during the good times looks good advice.

[matthew03]

I only started to get sales in Feb/March of this year so had no results to base sales on.

I found the end of June terrible and this pulled down June as a month to about 60% of May sales/commissions.

I was really worried about July and August but July was by far my best month. No logic. A bad weekend (quite normal with me) but today has been good so we will wait and see.

Set a target of £300 a month in commissions for this first site and July was around £700 with £600 being about normal so I am not moaning.

Just trying to build more.

Tony

[findlite]

Its been a relatively slow month on the airport parking front (well here anyway) but thats more to do with website issues and im looking forward to a decent month this month now iv my house in order.

As for Stay Bright windows.............. "Im Out" (In a Duncan Bannatyne voice) How embarasing to have to tell people I sell double glazing

[Indigo]

You know the one, you buy one you get one free...



Argh, most annoying advert on TV.