Selling Affiliate Programs to Merchants
I decided to take the initiative today to approach an affiliate program administrator to find out more about setting up affiliate programs for merchants I'd like to send my readers to.
What started this was my frustration at the lack of affiliate programs in my niche, kitesurfing.
I've been sending some readers to Ebay and Amazon, but that's pants!
24hr cookie and lousy commission rates.
I have been approaching merchants from day one but really only asking if they have a program.
But now I'm taking it a stage further and I'll be selling them the idea, along with how to do it and the costs. I might even get paid an affiliate commission for it...now there's a thought!
The ironic thing is that most of these merchants are also selling on Ebay and Amazon, and paying fees there. So it will cost them less to pay me than for the same sale on either of those platforms.
I'm sure there are other members here with experience in this and it would be great to hear from you.
No doubt there's a software package or plug-in that facilitates a merchant setting up their own affiliate program, and I'd love to know more about that too.
Anyway, I'll update this post when I know more.
Surfs up!
Adrian
Recent Comments
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Ugh, you seriously don't want them to work with a plug-in affiliate program. There are so many drawbacks.
If they want to start an affiliate program on a top network without spending a fortune, ShareASale is definitely the way to go. Yeah, I work for them, but honestly, after 20 years in the industry, there's no better deal for smaller niche programs.
Let me know if you want me to get you some information on that. There's even a referral commission if you're interested.
Hi Jeannine,
Happy Thanksgiving!
After a bit of research I'd reached the same conclusion.
I'll definitely be interested in looking at the deal with ShareASale.
I'll pm you later today if thats okay, but appreciate it's a holiday in the US so don't go out of your way to get back to me today.
Many thanks
Adrian
Well, I'm a cynical old bird... I kinda doubt that very many people will go for it. Hope I'm wrong!
Hi Rosana,
I suppose it depends on what size of merchant you target. I've had a number of online kitesurfing gear retailers express an interest so far.
They're all looking at ways to generate more sales in the current environment. I guess it'll depend a lot on the upfront costs, if any.
But I'll post the results.
Good thinking outside the box Adrian, thanks for sharing this idea,be interested to hear how it progresses :)
Tracy
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Adrian, Whenever you are paving a new way you have less competition! Excellent endeavor and I look forward to monitoring your progress. Rupert.
Thanks Rupert,
I have a couple of options open with affiliate networks, one through our very own JeannineC with ShareASale, which pays us introduction fees, and another with a UK based network which is waiving upfront costs for the merchant for intros from me, but charges them a slightly higher transaction charge and no intro fee for me.
I'll post an update with any progress.