Discount Codes - What's the Etiquette?

[getvisible]

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There must be an etiquette for running a discount code site ne pas?

I know MVC has been (split)-roasted lately for allegedly taking other people's unique codes ...

... but are you "aloud" to use codes you see on other discount code sites (some of them belong to mates)?

I can see if it says "exclusive" to stay away from it because obviously they've negotiated it.

And obviously if you see the code "cantbarsed", "ukoffer" or "coldsnail" then you also stay away.

But what happens if you find a code for a merchant you have on your site on another site and you can't tell its exclusive? What do you do then?

Can someone jot down the (previously) unwritten rules of running a discount code site? i.e. I don't want to pish off my mates!

[purple]

I think if it has not been announced by the merchany directly via the networks or to your personally you should not list it, if unsure check with network / merchant?

Not sure what the "big guns" in the discount code world do.

[philhancox]

I've only just started with my discount site but atm I'm sticking to codes that are posted here, in newsletters etc and that's more than enough to be getting on with primarily. I did consider what you're thinking ie using codes that don't appear to be exclusive then I decided against it. As soon as the site grows bigger I'll start requesting codes directly, I think that's what the "big guns" do; e.g Discount codes and special offers wanted (see comment 3 from Kieron)

[Bud]

Apparently, if you're selling loads of stuff you can nick all you like ....

(Some) Networks and Merchants appear to be very happy with that.

You'll probably be awarded prizes as well

(and, No - I don't)

[hpops]

Lee - do whatever you want mate, networks love it! Seriously, exclusives, pop-unders, forced clicks, cookie stuffs, hell, through some adware in and some unauthorised brand name bidding. Discount sites are immune from etiquette!
While you're at it, steal some candy from a baby and push over an old lady and nick her purse, just make sure you give a third of the candy and a third of the old birds cash to a network and they'll smooth it over with the pigs!

(Note - heavy sarcasm and undue cynicism applied - it is getting better - best point of call is network account managers - "can you give me a list of all your merchants with discount codes, expiry dates etc" , ask us agencies as well - don't want to spam you but if you fancy a look at our merchants current offers let us know)

[KieronD]

From a personal point of view I never even look at my competitors discount code site for codes. Instead I rely 100% on obtaining discount codes from contacts at networks/agencies/foums and merchants themselves. That way I can hand on heart say that I have never used an "unauthorised" discount code, either by mistake or on purpose.

[Hero]

As soon as the site grows bigger I'll start requesting codes directly, I think that's what the "big guns" do; e.g Discount codes and special offers wanted (see comment 3 from Kieron)

You don't have to be a "big gun" to request codes, just showcase to the merchant that you can deliver the results to warant you the exclusive code. Kieron, like many other affiliates, started off by listing the generic codes & offers available from our merchants. There are plenty of affiliates who were not what you would call big, but we got them exclusive deals once we had some background on their visitors and their performance.

Lee, to answer your question, treat vouchers as any other content on a fellow affiliate's website - you wouldn't use their content, so why use their codes. What I would advise is, if you see a merchant that you are interested in providing a code on another site, get in touch with the merchant or network and ask if it's exclusive and, if so, whether you could have one too
So, what sectors interest you?

[loquax]

We only use codes that are made available to us via network emails or exclusives ... imo, that's the right way to do it... if you don't do it that way then it's up to you - just say "a member of staff probably nicked it" if you're caught and absolve yourself of all responsibility whilst being happy you never got penalised for taking the p*** whilst using iframes and cookie cutting.

Jason

[Elaine]

editted due to half a bottle of red wine

tried that on my scales this morning - but it didn't work

[mallyord]

its a shame voucher codes couldn't be tracked to a particular website then no one would copy them!

[hpops]

Lee, to answer your question, treat vouchers as any other content on a fellow affiliate's website - you wouldn't use their content, so why use their codes.

Perfect advice distilled.

[Barry]

Up till now, I only use vouchers that are sent to me or I have asked or arranged.

Though unless any net 'etiquette' appears this year I have the scripting to do otherwise.

Ta

[99MWD99]

A bit off topic...sorry..

I have alot admiration for those webmasters running discount codes sites.

You wouldn't believe amount of emails I get a day from merchants/networks wanting me to promote codes and offers etc, I'm sure it's twice as much for those with half decent voucher sites.

Changing codes, offers etc must be done on an almost daily basis and I know I couldn't do it. as it would drive me crackers.

And then to check if someone else is nicking your codes....wow, as Roy Castle use to sing...."Dedication...."

[renegade]

And obviously if you see the code "cantbarsed", "ukoffer" or "coldsnail" then you also stay away.

Hi Lee, another competitor, just what I need, come on in the water is erm... effin HOT ATM!
You've got the basics, steer clear of exclusives, watch yourself and prepare for some late nights!

[Elaine]

Well you can all breathe easier 'cos I'm not about to jump in the water. It really does look like never ending hard work.

At the moment it doesn't appear that I'm losing many prospective customers to voucher/discount sites, but with one eye to the future I will be introducing a system to enable me to offer those that apply to my existing merchants - when I can be arsed