Alternative to data feed?

[kslnor]

I run a gardening info. website that contains a directory of garden related affiliate links ( I am signed-up with a few of the 'big' affiliates: CJ, LS...) I have text links and those small banner type 'ads'. This works ok, I get a little bit of commission from sales, but I'm not completely satisfied with the appearance of the ads. Idealy, I want to create a store that shows the garden related items from the merchants. The problem I am encountering is how to create this store. I currently don't have the know-how to build a store via data-feeds, nor do most of the merchants I utilize offer data feeds (at least not that I am aware of). I can select specific products from each merchant, but this takes forever to do. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can create a store for my site? Thanks!

[markwelch]

There are some third-party companies (such as GoldenCAN and DataFeedFile) who allow you to insert small snippets of code to display "storefronts" on your web site. They can either be sponsored by the merchant (and thus are free to you) or if the merchant hasn't opted to pay, then you'd give up every fourth click (e.g. 3/4 of clicks would pass with your affiliate ID and 1/4 with the third party company's affiliate ID).

Some merchants offer other merchanising tools, such the "make a page" feature and widgets being offered by some merchants on ShareASale. Try asking the merchant for advice - they may have some options that aren't widely publicized.