Does anyone read 'notes to merchant' when applying to programs

**aotagain** · 17-10-11

There's a little note box when applying to merchants. If we have a site that is not listed, or if its not apparent how the site would suit the merchant, we put a little note in the little note box, so that the merchant can read it.

But does anyone read it ?

Only I've recently had repeat 'site doesn't fit merchant brand' rejections, which I am 100% positive are either automatic or because the note has not been read.

Or perhaps they are just plain rude and ignorant and don't want to do business in the future, whatever site we come up with, which I'm sure they don't want.

If its AW not reading the notes, should I phone the merchant and let them know that their brand is not being promoted very well ;-)

**rich7111** · 17-10-11

Some merchants do, Barnardo's read my message when I applied and replied a custom message to me, so maybe it's been missed by the merchant?

**Sam Surry** · 17-10-11

Hi aotagain,

If you can drop me a PM or e-mail with the merchant's details, I'd be happy to contact them in order to raise awareness of the 'notes' system we operate. Although the functionality is highly visible within a merchant account, it is also fairly new and it may just be that the merchant has not realised the importance/relevance of the notes affiliates provide.

Kind Regards,

Sam

**aotagain** · 17-10-11

Hi Sam,
Its being dealt with now thanks. Just a bit frustrating - hence the post.

Have the merchants got a "we're not sure why you are applying, please clarify" button ?

That would probably put off affs. that aren't serious and doesn't kind of insult those that are serious, with a "your site doesn't fit" email ? Then at least there's a dialogue.

**Sam Surry** · 17-10-11

I'm pleased to hear your initial issue is being resolved.

Merchants are unable to reject affiliate applications without giving a reason; they are supplied with a dropdown box of options including 'Site does not compliment merchant brand' or 'Merchant doesn't work with this affiliate type'. Alternatively, the merchant can choose 'Other' and then they are given a free text box within which they must specify their reason for rejection.

I am more than happy to put forward a feature request for an extra option in the dropdown menu that says 'Please clarify your reason for application' if you think this would be a useful addition?

Sam

**Sykes_Cottages** · 17-10-11

Although I have find the "auto-accept" process works well for me, I always read the comments and follow them up with a personal email. To me its important to start the relationship off with learning as much about each other as possible.

David

**Jeff** · 17-10-11

Originally Posted by Sam Surry

'Site does not compliment merchant brand'

As a pedant it annoys me when I see that. It should be 'complement'.

I am more than happy to put forward a feature request for an extra option in the dropdown menu that says 'Please clarify your reason for application' if you think this would be a useful addition?

I think that would be useful.

While we're on the subject of feature requests, in the transaction report I would like to be able to click on the referring url to take me to that page. At the moment clicking on it just takes me to the top of the page I'm on.

**Sam Surry** · 18-10-11

Originally Posted by Jeff

As a pedant it annoys me when I see that. It should be 'complement'.

Good spot! I can have that updated in our system today.

Originally Posted by Jeff

in the transaction report I would like to be able to click on the referring url to take me to that page. At the moment clicking on it just takes me to the top of the page I'm on.

I will speak to our Product Team today about both the feature improvements you have raised. In the meantime, if you have any other suggestions or questions, please feel free to drop me a line.

Sam