merchants moving

[whiskymac]

Just thought I would put this up, we have noticed that 'here' in the UK, some merchants seem to change from one affiliate program to another on a regular basis.
Some affiliates have been complaining about loosing out on commision during the change over. I think this is because they have a gap before removing them from their list.
This is only something I have heard complaints about in the UK, so I wondered if you folks in USA had any thoughts on this.

whiskymac.

Ps. always seem to be the same companys.

 

[Linda Buquet]

Hi whiskymac,

Here in the US we call it network hopping and yes it happens. I think there are so many affiliate programs here in the US though that most affiliates would not notice general patterns like a bunch of companies that always tend to network hop. Affiliate probably only notice it if it's a merchant they work with.

Moving an affiliate program is LOTS of work and you ALWAYs lose lots of affiliates. Plus if you move more than once you can get a bad reputation.
Affiliates don't like pulling and changing out links for obvious reasons.
So it makes no sense to me at all that merchants would keep moving around. It's really a bad move.

One thing I just wondered though is if this could be some form of shaving?
Do these companies seem like they could be a little unethical or are there other indications they don't really care very much about their affiliate partners??? (Don't mention any names)

Just curious because I've never thought of network hopping as a way to shave, but if companies are moving a lot I think it could possibly be a form of shaving or trying to get some free branding.

 

[whiskymac]

not sure

Hiya Linda,
Not sure if the companies are being unethical or as you say there are loads of programs they can join and maybe find that they others are more suited to them,I dont think I am experienced enough to pass a fair comment. I was just curios but will keep an eye .


Neurotic old scot.

whiskymac.

ps, Having a wee dram tonight ....woohoo.