Asking for larger affiliate % from site?

have you done it?

[gmac17]

Have you ever contacted someone with an affiliate program and said something along the lines of "I know I can sell your product, but instead of 7% I'd like 12%"?

I'm about to do that myself and I'm curious what the response has been.

[growingdigital]

It's a good idea if you are a proven performer. However, if you ask for a raise without sales to back it up you might as well not even ask.

[wellzy]

I agree. If you show you can sell the products they are more likely to up your commission percentage.

I just went through this with a merchant. I proved I could sell and be one of their top affiliates, then asked for a 'raise'. They were quick to increase my %

wellzy

[Vegas21]

It is also important to have a competitors affiliate program who there is at least the threat of you switching to. If you have no other option, why would they give you more money?

[rbarker]

If you have no other option, why would they give you more money?

Because good producers are hard to find. Always ask for a higher payout "after" you've proven yourself. I've never been told no.

[fclark]

try this: become a top performer and then approach the merchant -- but offer something in return, such as more prominent links or ad placement. Works.

[sandor]

if you're sending lots of conversions and especially if they've noted you in the past (via email or whatever) as a top performer, simply switch your campaigns to their competition and don't bother to say anything to them.

believe me, they'll notice that your traffic is gone and drop you a line and the bargaining table will then be open :)

[jcoronella]

I always give my current program notice that I have found a higher payout. I'd rather give them a chance to raise the payout before going through the trouble of switching links. Even the big networks will budge if you are a top aff for a particular program.

[archie goodwin]

We do this quite often, most often with advertisers we already have relationships with.

Since we pay for most of our traffic we're usually able to make the case that we can generate more traffic and conversions if we are recieving a better rate. It always sounds better if you can make it seem like most of the extra money is going to be invested back into promoting their program rather than directly into your pocket. : )

If you've proven yourself in the past, or have a lot of traffic I imagine you'll find it a lot easier to negotiate. Good luck!

AG

[webmastertexas]

What a coincidence. I was wondering about this topic myself. In the last two months or so my aff earnings have skyrocketed, and conversion rate has improved by something like 500%. I was wondering if I should approach them, but I haven't found any other online aff in our field that offers more than what is the current highest, which is 10%. But even though I think I'm doing gangbusters for them, I can't be sure, because I can't find out who is their top affiliate and who isn't. So I guess I'm in a bit of a predicament.

[vanderbolt]

webmastertexas, if you had such significant increases in sales, then you should definitly approach them. The trick is to be humble and pleasant, explaining your increased cost in marketing. Don't forget to suggest the possibility of even greater increases in future sales.

Best way to do this is by meeting them face to face, even if you have to travel. Traveling to their offices, in itself shows how serious and dedicated you are in marketing their product. It also makes it difficult for them to send you empty handed when you traveled a big distance to meet them.

Good luck

[jcoronella]

possibility of even greater increases in future sales.

Yup, that's a great tactic. Tell them they could get twice as many leads if they just increase the payout to offset rising PPC costs etc. As a bonus, it's usually true. ;)

[webmastertexas]

Best way to do this is by meeting them face to face, even if you have to travel.

Two problems with this: one) I don't have an aggressive personality; email works because I don't have to face them mano-a-mano. 2) They're an Asian affiliate, and while they have an office in San Francisco, that's still half a country away to get to.

But it's only been two months, so I'll wait until the end of the year. If our conversion rate continues to pick up -- and I see no reason why it shuoldn't -- then I'll ask for a higher commission rate via email.

[rbarker]

But it's only been two months, so I'll wait until the end of the year.

Nooooo! Do it now while you're hot. Now is the best time! Get on the phone now or send them an email.

[conroy]

> I'll wait

No no. Ask for more now. When sales increase more in the next 2 months ask for even more then.

[webmastertexas]

Okay, so how would I approach the subject? Just say, "Well, I've been earning you guys a lot lately, and I want a bigger cut." Would that do it? Of course I would express it more eloquently. Or is simple the way to go? And how much should I ask for? I'm currently doing 10% of all earnings at the moment. Go for a 2.5% raise? A 5% raise?

[vanderbolt]

I would start by telling them that you are happy to be associated with their affiliated program and that you are working hard to continuously increase sales. However, your efforts in increasing sales involve increased spending in terms of web development and PPC. To continue your aggresive marketing efforts, you would humbly require their contribution towards your extra costs.

Percentage increase would depend on profit margins which you may not be aware of. I think increasing from 10 to 15% may be a good consideration. You should also ask for a further increase once you reach an even higher level of sales in the future.

[rbarker]

I'm currently doing 10% of all earnings at the moment.

"Holy Crap Marie!"

You should be getting the highest commission they can afford to pay if your efforts represent 10% of their sales.

Just let them know you're busting your rump here, you represent 10% of sales, and you think they should be paying you their highest possible commission. Let them tell you what that is.

Whatever they offer, tell them thanks but you promised to talk any offer they made over with you significant other. Call them back the next day and ask, "is that really as high as you can go?" You might even get more.

BTW. No significant other? Make one up.

[wellzy]

I believe he meant he is earning 10% commission right now.

[wellzy]

"Holy Crap Marie!"

lol...just noticed that. That reminds me, there should be a rerun on right now on TBS...