Author: Ginette

There are several things that factor into my decision to join an affiliate program and market a product. One of those decisions is going with an in-house program or a network program.

Many merchants will have programs on multiple platforms: IE an in-house program running on IDev Affiliate or Post Affiliate Pro and a network based program running with PepperJam, LinkShare, ShareASale, or Commission Junction.

Advantages of in-house programs:

• The average in-house program will have higher commissions because they are not paying out the fees to networks
• The linking structure is direct to the merchant
• Direct relationship with the merchant
• Most are managed by an OPM or in-house employee
• 2 Tier earning opportunities
• Multiple payment options
• Lower minimum payouts
• Opportunities for exclusive deals and coupons

Advantages of Network Programs

• Standardized statistics and reporting on clicks, sales
• Statistics on the merchant in the network like average Earnings Per Click for affiliates as well as information on each banner’s performance.
• Access to feeds and instant shop building tools/widgets
• The merchant must keep a certain amount prepaid in escrow to ensure affiliates and network fees are paid.
• Alerts on low balance Merchants or suspensions
• Payments are consistent

Before making a decision on which platform to join, it is important you do two things:

1. Carefully read the affiliate agreement
2. Contact with the person in charge of the affiliate program.

Make sure all of these questions are answered:

• When do they make payments?
• What is the minimum Payout?
• How are payments made?
• How many customer return days (Tracking Cookie Life)?
• Are there any PPC or SEO restrictions?
• What is the refund policy?