How to choose an affiliate program?

Please suggest companies to look at.

[petertdavis]

Howdy All,

I have a hosting company, and would like to start an affiliate program. I already have several affiliates lined up and waiting for me to get my program running. I would like a program that is popular, though, and might lead to more affiliates.

I don't want to pay the $$$ upfront to get into a program like Commission Junction. I don't mind putting up $50, or $100, but wouldn't want to put up much more. I've seen programs that look good that I could get into with deposits of that amount, with no upfront fees. Can anyone recommend what would be the best place to start my affiliate program?

I have considered Fineclicks, but the guy who runs that company doesn't want my business. I am considering Share a Sale, but am unsure about them. Setup appears to be $150, which is okay, but could be lower, and they seem to have a nice network, but I haven't heard much about them. Plus, they told me that fraud transactions must be cancelled "before the 20th of a given month" which gives me precious little time to combat the fraudsters.

And advice would be greatly appreciated.
TIA

[lazerzubb]

I am sorry i can't recommend a program haven't trieded either one of them, i would recommend reading the threads below, which might help you out.

[webmasterworld.com...]
[webmasterworld.com...]
[webmasterworld.com...]

These might also help out, to get a good view from the affiliate partners point of view:
[webmasterworld.com...]
[webmasterworld.com...]

[DaveN]

If you have the affiliates lined up already can't you write your own tracking code

DaveN

[petertdavis]

Yes, I considered doing it in house. However, I think the time savings in outsourcing is really worth it. I'm really big into outsourcing at the moment. Plus, I think it might be useful to have a third party, between the company and the affiliate, helping to keep things honest.

lazerzubb, thanks for the pointers to those threads, I'm on my way to read them now.