Dumping Amazon
Dumping Amazon
And not just because I'm frightened of the piranhas,
Or any of the other predators that inhabit the Amazon space.
First up, I'm not in any way talking about Amazon KDF, which provides me with monthly pocket money. as described in https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/phil1944/blog/500-while-slee... and https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/phil1944/blog/another-700-wh...
Somewhat to my surprise, yesterday I received an eCommerce order through a neglected website for an expensive pair of bike shoes,
And when I went into the website to place the order on the vendor, I realized that the site was overcomplicated by having two disparate sections, one for direct supplier orders and one for Amazon affiliates. How confusing! I beliieve I'm losing prospects because I'm diluting my message.
Why have I got an Amazon affiliates section?
The products are more expensive and the commissions are pitiful.
Originally, I must have thought that people trusted Amazon enough to pay the addititonal premium.
I don't believe that any more and will focus on bringing high-quality, direct product to their attention.
It's a matter of managing the customer's delivery expectation.
And simplifying my eCommerce websites by dumping Amazon.
Looking forward to hearing other's experience.
Recent Comments
62
The trouble I'm having with Amazon at the moment, is definitely not worth it. But I'm having trouble with most of my affiliates links (trying to find them) and the amount that say no, I know I need to get my website up to scratch, that will hopefully help.
Really enjoyed your article, pleased it's not just me.
Take care
Sandy
A lot of vendors so No by default, Sandy. Your best bet is a) get your website looking good and b) approach the vendor by email, explain what a great affiliate you'd be for them and give them the link to your website.
Thank you Phil that's great advice, I never thought about emailing them. Also, really need to start getting traffic to my site, which is going to be my next step.
Some vendors can't be bothered personally handling automatic requests so they automatically disapprove them, dealing only with those who contact them direct with a good proposal and website.
Good for you!
Ive noticed from my softball website, that many items now use Avertlink, Sharasale and a couple others, rather than independently offering an affiliate program.
My suggestion is to check with the brands first, then make a list of them and any affiliated marketplace they are using to keep track.
One thing ive noticed is that most companies will share their affiliation, which you would think is a priority. Some may not, as I have found, and that may have been accidental. I cant imagine a company to throw away any revenue by not providing the appropriate information if using a marketplace.
Rudy
Phil, I never signed up for Amazon Associates because at the time I joined WA is when the commissions got cut, and then they keep adding more rules and complications. I am glad I did not follow through with that. I hope that by you simplifying your ecommerce with other vendors rather than Amazon will be more rewarding for yourself commission wise and for your customers.
I've never been a fan of Amazon as a consumer or as a marketer Phil.
The pittance they pay in commissions and the ever increasing restrictions they introduce for affiliate marketers mean they are just not worth the hassle in my opinion.
There are a lot of much better affiliate programs out there if we search for them.. wise decision my friend!
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Good morning Phil,
Thank you for your blog post, they are always appreciated.
I know where you are coming from, I have never focused on Amazon and have made very little with the Amazon affiliate program.
I also lost faith when Amazon reduced their commissions at the start of Covid, when they knew that affiliates could do with the money. The lockdowns were great for Amazon, they should also look after their affiliates. Having said this, I really don't promote the Amazon affiliate program as I believe there are much better programs out there.
Have a great day.
Roy
The "much better" affiliate programs than Amazon? That would be, like, all of them.
Thank you, Phil, that's quite funny, but unfortunately probably true! I guess Amazon has changed massively since it first opened its affiliate program?!
Have a great day.
Roy