First of all, great forum you have here. This is a wonderful resource.
I'm looking for insight on two areas (1) Software for merchants setting up an affiliate program; and (2) Info about the cost structure of major affiliate programs, such as CJ.com, linkshare.com and similiar other programs.
A little background about me. I'm looking to start an affiliate program. I'm new to a lot of this and trying to figure out how to set it up. I would like to do some fairly advanced things in the future such as datafeeds that affiliates can use to promote my products. I'd also like to set something up like Amazons eshops. But that is way in the future, just wanted the reader to understand that i'm looking for programs that involve more that simple links and banners. On to my immediate areas of interest.
(1) Software for merchants setting up an affiliate program.
I contacted the people at myaffiliateprogram.com to get started. They seem solid, but their prices are high. They want $2,500 for the software license plus 30% of my affiliate payouts or $500 a month (whichever is greater). Sounds like they want the best of both worlds to me -- they get paid nicely if I flop and get a nice chunk of equity if I take off.
My goal here is to make money, not to get the most sales or clicks. Paying out an extra 30% to my software tracking provider would seem to eat away at margins. There proposal seems a little more understandable if the Kilimbo.com network (owned by same company) was the only affiliate program that interested me. At least there they are adding the service of finding people to market for me.
There's a lot of software out there and the prices range from around $100 to the structure I described under myaffiliateprogram.com So I'm looking for some guidance on which tracking company to sign up with. Do certain tracking companies have connection with networks such as CJ.com, linkshare.com, etc.? Do certain networks require you to either use their software or select from approved tracking software? Which tracking services have the best value?
(2) Info about the cost structure of major affiliate programs, such as CJ.com
What do companies like CJ.com, linkshare.com and others charge to be listed in their program? Is it an upfront cost, monthly service fee, percentage of affiliate payouts, or a blend? Are small-timers able to negotiate the price structure. I'd appreciate hard numbers if anyone would mind sharing.
Thanks for all your help everyone,
Chris
I'm looking for insight on two areas (1) Software for merchants setting up an affiliate program; and (2) Info about the cost structure of major affiliate programs, such as CJ.com, linkshare.com and similiar other programs.
A little background about me. I'm looking to start an affiliate program. I'm new to a lot of this and trying to figure out how to set it up. I would like to do some fairly advanced things in the future such as datafeeds that affiliates can use to promote my products. I'd also like to set something up like Amazons eshops. But that is way in the future, just wanted the reader to understand that i'm looking for programs that involve more that simple links and banners. On to my immediate areas of interest.
(1) Software for merchants setting up an affiliate program.
I contacted the people at myaffiliateprogram.com to get started. They seem solid, but their prices are high. They want $2,500 for the software license plus 30% of my affiliate payouts or $500 a month (whichever is greater). Sounds like they want the best of both worlds to me -- they get paid nicely if I flop and get a nice chunk of equity if I take off.
My goal here is to make money, not to get the most sales or clicks. Paying out an extra 30% to my software tracking provider would seem to eat away at margins. There proposal seems a little more understandable if the Kilimbo.com network (owned by same company) was the only affiliate program that interested me. At least there they are adding the service of finding people to market for me.
There's a lot of software out there and the prices range from around $100 to the structure I described under myaffiliateprogram.com So I'm looking for some guidance on which tracking company to sign up with. Do certain tracking companies have connection with networks such as CJ.com, linkshare.com, etc.? Do certain networks require you to either use their software or select from approved tracking software? Which tracking services have the best value?
(2) Info about the cost structure of major affiliate programs, such as CJ.com
What do companies like CJ.com, linkshare.com and others charge to be listed in their program? Is it an upfront cost, monthly service fee, percentage of affiliate payouts, or a blend? Are small-timers able to negotiate the price structure. I'd appreciate hard numbers if anyone would mind sharing.
Thanks for all your help everyone,
Chris