Should We Ignore Voucher Code Cookies?

[getvisible]

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We are currently developing a service to include 'voucher code ads' on affiliates websites which will be relevant to the page content. (using the icodes database)

Lee

I've just shot my load (do I give myself a yellow card?)

I've been crying out for something like this for ages!

If you need a beta tester let me know!

[Leeky]

I've just shot my load (do I give myself a yellow card?)

I've been crying out for something like this for ages!

If you need a beta tester let me know!

lol, sounds like you quite like it then :-)

We initially decided to do it to use on pagerank10, but thought it may also be useful to other affiliates also.

Its in pretty early stages yet, but as soon as we get something usuable you are more than welcome to test it out.

Lee

[dougs]

On our list now

Doug

[Leeky]

On our list now

Doug

Im honoured mate :-), I love competition now (previously I hated it lol), but its done us nothing but good recently.

Lee

[mattg]

How about people who have a content site also list discount codes on the page...not a hard task....maybe we could build one????

Doug

Absolutely (we do, I'm sure many do).

And how about merchants/networks refuse to deal with sites that deceive customers & drop cookies while pretending to have a code when they don't. Just say no, how hard can it be?

Then we have a level playing field, and we can get back to business.

Affiliates will be incentivised to build sites that help customers and add brand value rather than racing to be the biggest cookie stuffer in the park.

Who wins?

The merchant wins big.

I think that brings us back to where we started.

[loquax]

We are currently developing a service to include 'voucher code ads' on affiliates website

I'm more self-controlled than Getvis in the load department, but yeah that sounds a good idea...

Jason

[dougs]

Cheers Lee

It's been on the list a while, but you did beat us too it. And you have done a good job

We will be doing things differently that fits in with how our business works, but should have something to show at A4U.

Doug

[Stakker]

I can't wait till there is something done about the voucher code monster..

I am not sure there is going to be a solution that everyone agrees with, but as Matthew suggests, a more holistic/long term strategy needs to be considered.

In a recent thread about this subject I have said how motivation can be affected when planning new content sites....

If your cookie is going to be overwritten (a large percentage of the time), by voucher code sites (during the actual checkout process, not before) then over time more people are going to drop content only sites and start creating voucher codes sites?? If you can't beat them join them right?

It is easy to suggest that the content sites should offer up to date vouchers on the same page/site but this is a huge amount of work in it's own right and takes the content site owner's eye of the ball, especially if it's a reasonable sized site. We have already heard on this thread how much time it takes the owners of code sites to keep them up to date.

So looking ahead, it is feasible to imagine tonnes more voucher code sites and less pure content sites. If this happens, then merchants may wonder what happened to the traffic that the content sites used to send. This paradoxically might caused a drop in visits to the actual voucher code sites?

Who knows.... I'm just thinking aloud.

I have noticed a big drop in commission from my content sites in the last few years and I am sure this is down to voucher sites.

This timed cookie idea, which I had a little while ago, may not feasible but it does seem fairer (from a content site owner's point of view). We do need many more ideas though... people that own voucher sites are probably not going to like to see a change to the current law of the jungle.

It would great to see if stats show that voucher sites have increased sales/profits, and it would be great to have forced clicks banned, even if there is a valid code.

: )

[Hero]

I have noticed a big drop in commission from my content sites in the last few years and I am sure this is down to voucher sites.

It's easy to speculate, but difficult to pinpoint
They might have gone to the other "monster" called cashback sites
They might have gone to other content sites with more relevant content
Who says they were rightfully yours to keep, year in, year out?

Playing devil's advocate, don't shoot down

[DavidCartlidge]

Who says they were rightfully yours to keep, year in, year out?

Not year in, year out - but at least for the time when your cookie has been in place for 99% of the time before purchase

[Stakker]

Sure, it's just a feeling I have.

The rise of the voucher code sites coincided with a drop in my commission, but yes it could have been any number of reasons. I have slowly increased clicks to the merchant but havent seen a relative rise in commission - again there are lots of reason why this could have happened, as I say, just a feeling

Cheers Hero

Edit- should have said rise of voucher codes sites AND cashback sites

[mattg]

It's easy to speculate, but difficult to pinpoint

This is one of the difficulties of the affiliate model, basically we're firing blind because once a visitor is referred we have no idea what they subsequently do (and how we may have been able to help them do it better).

But that's off topic for this thread I guess.

[Leeky]

I've just shot my load (do I give myself a yellow card?)

I've been crying out for something like this for ages!

If you need a beta tester let me know!

We will have something for you to test on your own sites at the end of today, ill not post anymore about them on this thread as its not relevant to thread topic.

Lee

[befuddle]

The rise of the voucher code sites coincided with a drop in my commission

Interestingly, the more codes I added to my content 2 years ago coincided with a rise in my commissions ... so I went off and bought a better domain to boost it further.

[Qui Gon Jinn]

Voucher codes really do seem to be for a rough time at the moment, and in most instances, barring the obvious, I cant see the reason why.

Is it much difference from using the word "sale" and replacing "voucher code" or "discount code" with this. Shoppers go crazy during sales because they either buy items they wouldn't have previously purchased or waiting for the right moment to buy.

Thus voucher codes in one instance can be the mechansism of flipping the customer from comtemplating to definitly deciding to purchase.

Where networks are in a fortunate position, is analysing how soon cookies are overwritten, but that is assuming the customer clicked on a link on a non vc/dc site preceding the vc/dc site with a presell in the first place. (please note I have deliberately not used the word content and replaced with vc/dc, content is down to individual & user perception)

Perhaps non vc/dc sites shouldn't reveal too much information, but maybe a button saying "click for more info" or better still don't reveal the price but instead have "click to visit merchant website & see the latest price".

I am just trying to put a slightly different slant on it, and not taking sides. It's certainly a different kettle of kipper.