Mr & Mrs Smith Affiliate Program launches on LinkShare

Greavsie · 11-12-07

Welcome to the Mr & Mrs Smith Affiliate Program

LinkShare UK are very pleased to announce the launch of Mr & Mrs Smith on the LinkShare UK network.

About Mr & Mrs Smith
Mr & Mrs Smith is the ultimate collection of stylish boutique hotels, hand-picked from across the world. Boutique hotel and luxury hotel directory - Mr and Mrs Smith

Rated 5th in top 50 travel websites' The Independent February 2007

Founded in 2003, Mr & Mrs Smith is the definitive guide to the most inspirational places to stay, from boutique hideaways, luxurious spa retreats or secret city havens.
As well as publishing four acclaimed and original hotel guidebooks, Mr & Mrs Smith also offers a complete online booking service for the most stylish boutique hotels in the world.

‘Voted one of the top three travel websites’ Grazia, May 2007

Mr & Mrs Smith provides a selective and sophisticated alternative to run-of-the-mill hotel recommendations, with opportunities to earn considerable commission from hotel bookings.

In addition to being a well-respected and trusted guide with new hotel collections launching every month, Mr & Mrs Smith has excellent brand value and is synonymous with the highest quality service.

Program Benefits:

Return Days: 30
Average Order Value: ₤300
Commission Structure:

Hotel Bookings:
under £180: £5 flat fee
£181 to £300: £9 flat fee
£301: £11 flat fee
Hotel Booking Special Arrangements: £12 flat fee

Book Sales: £3 flat fee
CD Sales: £2 flat fee

Memberships:
BlackSmith Membership: £2
SilverSmith Membership: £15
GoldSmith Membership: £50

To join the Mr & Mrs Smith Program:
Existing LinkShare Affiliates - Login and apply
New LinkShare Affiliates - Join up today, if you need any help please email support
Please feel free to give us a shout with any queries: MrandMrsSmith@linkshare.com

trevHCS · 11-12-07

Are they doing it flat fee because they don't get a % from the hotel, or because they don't know about people like Superbreak, Active, Alpharooms etc?

I went through with an example taking a hotel I wouldn't classify as that spectacular - Hipping Hall - and in April the rooms are around £245. If it's per booking, that means we're getting £9 for that booking which is very roughly 3.7%.

If someone stayed there say 5 nights, that's £1225 which we'd get £11 for. My maths works that out around 0.85%...!

Unless my maths is wonky, that really doesn't sound good - even at 3% which is half what most hotel affiliates begin with. They might need to have a bit of a sitdown on this one as pottentially they've got a really good niche product, but a combination of very limited inventory and ultra low %'s makes it not so hot.

Plus I'm guessing people have to be a member of their service to book? At least going by their web site forms.

Trev

Greavsie · 11-12-07

Hi Trev

A good point. I am pretty positive that you get paid the flat fee on every night. Therefore based on your example, you would recieve £45 for that booking (5 x £9). I'll confirm tmw when the client is back in the office.

The books and membership would still be worthy of promotion on your websites in the interim hopefully.

Andy

trevHCS · 11-12-07

Right, that's sounding a bit better and could be worthwhile as a niche market. Books might also work you never know.

Trev

Greavsie · 12-12-07

Hi Trev

Mr & Mrs Smith has based the commission structure on their booking trends over the years. Essentially the majority of bookings are for a max of 2 days, hence the offer.

However, if you and other affiliates feel you can drive regular more long term bookings e.g. 3-10 days. Then please do get in touch and we can arrange a structure for you, which rewards these activities.

Greavsie
E: agreaves@linkshare.com
T: 020 7031 0954

trevHCS · 12-12-07

I'll pass it on, but I'm always a bit nervous of people offering flat fees for this kindof thing as for example if they normally do 1 night bookings, then paying 4% even would cost them the same. It would however give more incentive for people to try for the longer booking markets.

To be honest I'm seriously worried that if they won't pay even 3 - 4% then they're heart isn't properly in this or it's being run by a bunch of accountants who have no clue about affiliate marketting. I like the product and the idea, but they're worrying me quite a lot especially the idea that 6 months down the line they might pull it.

One comment on their site is that it doesn't really seem to make clear how you get a membership from the booking forms, but the impression I got is that you needed to be a member to book (no "not a member" option in the dropdown).

We'll see - I might be completely wrong and we'll make a fortune out of them....maybe.

Trev

Greavsie · 12-12-07

Hi Trev

Thanks for the feedback, it's all duly noted. One thing you don't have to worry about is them disappearing in 6 months from Affiliate space. They are committed to growth intnlly, hotels, books and membership.

I'd be happy to work out a program for you on the coming months based on a few trials. So definitely keep in touch.

Irrespective of whether you choose to work with Mr & Mrs Smith, LinkShare have a number of travel merchants in the UK and US, who you could potentially work with depending on your demographic (i noticed you have some US traffic, take advantage of the .com). Carlson/Radisson, Kayak, Sidestep, Orbitz, Hotwire, Delta Airlines, Regent Intnl. Plus loads more, including Car Hire firms like Thrifty and Enterprise.

The UK is also about to launch 2 airlines, so you'll be spoilt for choice soon.