Should a merchant sign up to numerous affiliate networks?

I agree that 2 networks is really enough...

In my personal and professional opinion the case for multiple networks will depend on a few factors. Example where the product or service can be shipped to other countries.

In this particular instance, for the sake of finding new affiliates and again depending in what sector you operate, for example lets say fashion… rule of thumb, by the nature of what affiliates do, if they have signed up to one network, chances are they have signed up to them all where other fashion merchants have their affiliate program. There is a huge myth that by signing up with multiple networks you are going to get more affiliates, its not so much about the number of affiliates but quality. The buck stops with the merchant, if you have a good converting website and fair affiliate program in terms of commission structure, cookies and communication (basic requirement), affiliates will gravitate towards you anyway. My advice is be proactive and go source for affiliates. There are no short cuts :0)

I confess to using two networks and for the simple reason of not putting all my eggs in one basket. I think about the what ifs… what if one network has software failure, what if one network changes their terms and conditions and my clients cant comply, what if one network changes all their linking methods or embraces spyware. Never have I ever chosen more then one network based on the reasoning that I may be able to get more affiliates. Which is why, I no longer am keen to launch an affiliate program without some one driving the affiliate management side of things. Its just my perspective. There can of course be occasions where by the nature of your business, for example if it were the  finance sector, where having multiple networks may be necessary as there are finance specific based affiliate networks, for example Online Media Group or smart quotes, but even under these circumstances I would still only choose two networks. One finance related and one mainstream.

The other disadvantage of having multiple networks, you have to repeat various processes and tasks multiplied by the number of networks you have joined.

On 17:05:14 7 September 2006 sarahbacon wrote:

 

Please can you give me some advice - I'm a merchant and I currently work with 3 affiliate networks. Is their a valid reason why I should not sign up with numerous networks, in order to increase affiliate lead generation ? I get the message that this seems to be frowned upon, however I never get a straight answer why. Please can someone shed some light on the matter.

Thanks in advance