Forum Moderators: skibum
The first time, the affiliate host agreement stated they would pay so much per click through, paid quarterly. The first period was promptly paid, so I installed even more links. When it came time for the next check, it didn't come. When it became 2 weeks overdue, I emailed with no response; at 3 weeks, I emailed again; then after 4 weeks, I removed all graphics/links. About that time, the affiliate report page posted that the affiliate program was no longer being offered. I never received replies to my requests for payment. I tracked down the foreign (England) telephone number and was told the company was insolvent and owed many debts much greater than mine (over $300 USD still owed me.)
This recent incident involved a digital-downloaded software product that had a similar theme as my website so I was sure it would do well, however almost from the beginning I was suspicious due to the lack of completed sales. Thousands of 30 day trials were downloaded with only a few resulting in sale, so either the software was poor or the report was compromised. After quite a few months, I decided to remove the links and "cash out" only to get the silent treatment once again. Now, their affiliate report website is gone, and of course no replies to email (over 2 weeks now.)
I'm waiting for quite a nice cheque from an independent now and I'm hopping I'm not going to have similar problems that you've had, the payment was supposed to be paid into my bank on the 23/12 and I'm now getting an automated reply letting me know the office is closed till 17/1 Mmmmm very unimpressed, but I'll give them the benefit of doubt
I only join programs where I can call and speak with somebody. If they won't take the time to talk to you, don't send them your hard earned visitors.
On a brighter note, you still may get paid. Sometimes these fly by nights are short on $ and come through late. Good luck.
Tigger
Although you are less likely to get completely burned using cj or Linkshare (it has happened), thhe most progressive and exciting programs are usually run in house. This is probably because they have an in house affiliate manager who is actually paying attention to the needs of its partners and trying to recruit and compete for your traffic.
Also, if you have a lot of traffic, I find that you can often negotiate better payment.
Mfishy
Traffic isn't the only thing you have to sell.
We work for a merchant and run text ads.
A LARGE site with 150 employees also has a contract and runs banners.
We both have access to the backend to create tracking URLs and check stats.
Last month they sent 12586 unique interested buyers to the site.
We sent 8615
They generated 86 sales
We did 187
Our average sale was more than double theirs.
