Best UK affiliate network?

[nutsandbolts]

I need to start an affiliate programme for one of my UK-based Web sites targeting UK-based webmasters only. Although I would love to go with CJ, at the moment I cannot quite afford their high costs.

Shareasale look the next best - but does anyone have experience with these guys from the UK side of things? I've e-mailed them asking for the amount of UK-based affiliates that have, but I've heard nothing from them....

[Drastic]

I've heard good things about tradedoubler. Don't know about the costs though.

[Robber]

Most active affiliates are signed up to each network so that shouldnt matter when deciding. Now Im not sure how much I can say without getting a telling off so I'll start general. Not all the main uk aff networks (ie TD, DGM, CJ, AW) are great at paying affiliates, this really gets to the affiliates (naturally!) so they would sign up to an equivalent programme on a different network. With a bit of research it wont be too hard to figure out who the bad payers are.

Also, do you need dynamic content links, if you do then you're probably looking at TD or CJ. If not DGM is pretty good and I think it can be a bit cheaper.

From an affiliate point of view, at the moment I favour DGM.

[Smiley]

Have you considered running a private scheme and putting the money you save into higher affiliate commissions?

The reason I ask is that I am in the same situation trying to set up an affiliate scheme. I have worked as an affiliate manger for a merchant running at TD and worked as an affiliate for TD. As much as I think TD is a great network the only real value is the reach to an existing proven affiliate base.

I have decided to go for a privately run scheme but from day one paying affiliates well and on time. The only problem is finding the good affiliates, which will take time, but I hope to share information with others to boost this process!

[Robber]

Thats a good point Smiley. Also I think you will find that good affiliates are quite efficient at finding in house affiliate schemes and many now favour them over networks, despite not getting pooled commissions. I guess this has much to do with an ability to pass cost savings on through higher commissions.

Out of interest what markets are both of your schemes targeting?

[Smiley]

Robber - check your StickyMail