Comments on: How NOT to Motivate Affiliates, Pt. 3

By: maria gudelis

maria gudelis — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:41:06 +0000

Oh Damn It Nicole! I just gotta get you on one of my webinars to share this RANT because we all have DOOZY’s to share…and it would be the FUNNIEST webinar of the YEAR!!!

By: Stephanie Watson

Stephanie Watson — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:37:07 +0000

Oh yikes, this would make me mad. I have a few affiliate programs that only pay twice a year and that bugs me enough. I think I should get paid within 30 to 45 days with no minimums and no tricks!

Consequently I’m tired of most affiliate programs and only promote them if they pay out once a month or 45 days to track returns, and pay me even if it’s only .40 cents, no minimums, and no tricks.

By: Jen Knox

Jen Knox — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:06:38 +0000

I was (well, I still am) a faithful affiliate for a certain company and was shocked to see that after I did a ton of promotion with my affiliate link (and was making some good sales) that the company had, splashed across it’s front page, a coupon code that completely cancelled out any other code used that was tied to an affiliate. Plus, the code was for a discount that was nearly double what any of we affiliate could offer. So basically, I was working my butt off to send them traffic and once my prospect arrived, they saw this BETTER code that if used would cut me out of the transaction completely!

I complained to the company and they seemed somewhat sympathetic, but saw absolutely no conflict of interest in cutting out the people who sent them the traffic. They haven’t pulled that stunt in awhile, but it was awful. I had JUST done a huge blitz and all of it went to them instead. I forgave, but didn’t forget!

What they *should* have done was honor that code for anyone and tied it to who drove the traffic. But they said their “system” was set up to give weight to coupon codes over referring links.

By: Loretta

Loretta — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 06:15:18 +0000

Wow, that is … awful. I can’t even think of anything else to say other than awful!

By: Lynette Chandler

Lynette Chandler — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:20:52 +0000

About a year ago I did a decent campaign for a Pay-Per-Lead program. Naturally, I wanted to rinse/repeat and take it further.

Then I learned that they continued to market to the leads they rejected (hence I didn’t get paid for sending them a supposedly bum lead). Continuing to market to them didn’t get me as mad as what came next. IF that bum lead turns out to be good on subsequent offers, I didn’t get paid either. Hmm… who’s to say they aren’t purposely rejecting leads so they could avoid paying me?

Since then I don’t do much for them anymore. Thanks but no thanks.

By: Jerry Purvis

Jerry Purvis — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:52:47 +0000

As always, great information, Nicole. I was reading something by Jimmy D. Brown the other day, and he suggested hiring an affiliate manager to take care of your programs. What is all that about? How do you find a good one? Is it expensive, especially for a beginner?

Keep up the great work!
Jerry

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:53:25 +0000

In reply to Walter Gavurnik.

Unfortunately, Walt, I don’t think they’ll ever get it. They look at affiliates as an expense rather than the amazing assets that they are.

I wonder if the problem is that the profit/loss statements show affiliates as a expense. Hmmm… you got me thinking. 🙂

Thanks!!!
N

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:49:52 +0000

In reply to Stephanie Fish ~Buckeye V.A..

I just honestly can’t imagine doing that to my affiliates.

Affiliates are out there busting their butts, sending me, the vendor lots of leads. What do I (in this instance) do? I swoop in and void their commission because I sent out a coupon that made the leads buy? No… no… noooooooooo.

A smart product seller will send the coupons TO their affiliates and let their affiliates help spread the word — and have both parties profit.

Thanks for commenting! 🙂

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:46:09 +0000

In reply to Angie. Amen, sister!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:41:40 +0000

In reply to Satu.

The free report thing makes me crazy especially when they have a “You can make money with this report by adding your links. Click here to rebrand it” blurb at the beginning.

I mean, really?! You’re bypassing your existing loyal affiliates to recruit more? Why not pay attention to the ones you have before stomping over us to get fresh ones.

Grrrrr… I’d better stop before I get to “How to Screw Over your Affiliates, pt 4”. lol.