Steve @ THM
Wannabie Member
First - No rules broken and thanks for leaving out links etc
This is something that I know a lot about - I co own an affiliate network and run my own successful online marketing company. I also own this site.
Thanks for letting me post here and get some feedback
A few things I'd like to know -
I agree, 72 hours would not be fair. I think something like 30 days would be fair. It would also allow to the affiliate to earn more if the customer returns within this time period.
- How long would a cookie last for? Most people are quite savvy and compare products etc so anything less than 72 hours really is a con to the affiliate
Most likely it will be a 30 day payout. Any less would require more man power and the monthly payout is nice and regular. I do believe we can let the affiliate cash out any time he likes with paypal though.
- How often will you pay out? 7, 14, 30 days?
Paypal seems easiest to integrate and make automatic, it's also supported by the plugin we are looking at. BACS could be another option although it would require us to actually sit down and do it, cheques are shit.
- How will you pay out? Paypal, BACS, Cheques?
Something we need to look at! I can't answer that just yet. We very rarely get a refund but we certainly don't want to be giving out 5% of something we didn't get money for.
- What about refunds etc - How do you balance that out? I know a lot of affiliate network keep a 'fee' for 90 days to cover that.
It's a downside of the cookie method but other companies find a way to stop it/monitor it. I may have to ask for your expertise on this aspect of it.
- How will you prevent cookie stuffing etc? I've known a lot of affiliate campaigns who have been robbed blind because of it
If they buy twice in the 30 day cookie period no problem, but if they are sent to us by another affiliate 3 months down the line I think the 2nd affiliate deserves the commission. As long as its the same rules for everyone it will all work out fairly.
- What about repeat customers? Do/Will you pay out twice if they've brought under two different sales?
Great questions, my answers are in red.