Site with lots of traffic looking for outbound affiliates

[theferret]

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Hi Dumb Newbie question. We have a website with thousands of members and unique visitors, but have never attempted any affilate marketing. Some idiot questions if anyone can help:

1. Does it cost anything to join a network such as Affiliate Window if you are just outbound?
2. If the answer is yes and no as there any free networks worth considering as being reliable? To start we don't know if our members will be interested.
3. Is it always true that you earn a better commission if you can have a direct relationship with the merchant or varies?
4. Is it the case that if you do have a direct relationship you are dependent on them being honest whereas a network gives you independent tracking?

Thanks Mike

[khalidwa]

1. No, some have a small signup fee

2. Most networks are free

3. Yes

[babrees]

Hi Dumb Newbie question. We have a website with thousands of members and unique visitors, but have never attempted any affilate marketing. Some idiot questions if anyone can help:

1. Does it cost anything to join a network such as Affiliate Window if you are just outbound?
2. If the answer is yes and no as there any free networks worth considering as being reliable? To start we don't know if our members will be interested.
3. Is it always true that you earn a better commission if you can have a direct relationship with the merchant or varies?
4. Is it the case that if you do have a direct relationship you are dependent on them being honest whereas a network gives you independent tracking?

Thanks Mike

1. Most are free but some may have a small sign up fee. With Affiliate Window there is a signup fee but it is paid back to you with your first commission, so if you are serious it doesn't cost you anything.

2. Affiliate Window are my favourite (free as you get the signup charge back), I also like Paid on Results and Webgains. I also do a bit through TradeDoubler but I don't like their interface so much. Same with Commission Junction, don't like their interface so don't use them

3. Generally, yes - I am guessing you mean if the merchant has their own affiliate program not through a network

4. I never go with independent merchants. Tried it before and found them terrible. Maybe I just didn't try the right ones!