Negotiating your commission with affilates

If you have a proven track record of affiliate sales

[vphoner]

Has anyone heard of anyone negotiating a higher rate if you have a proven track record with another affiliate and want to switch? Lets say you did $3 million in sales for Amazon.com, but now that they cut rates, you want to switch to another affiliate. What kind of approach would you make to the other affiliates to get a higher rate?

Has this been done before?

By the way, does anyone know if Amazon negotiates higher rates for stellar affiliates?

[eljefe3]

I don't know about getting higher commissions from amazon ( although I would think that their big partners would get a higher commission) but a big affiliate can definitely negotiate a higher commission with smaller programs.

[ganderla]

I have been VERY successful in negotiating with the small guys. Even the networks will give you part of their cut if you bring in the volume.

For example, you tell them you can give them 5000 solid leads that usually pay $15.00 each. Ask them to give you $17.00 for each lead. Trust me, there is always another person or another network that is willing to pay more.

I give one particular network more business just because my account rep calls me once a week like clockwork to see how I am. None of the other networks even email me, let alone call me.

It turns out that we are getting to know each other well and I bet if we are ever in the same town, we will meet.

The personal touch can do amazing things.

[Michael Anthony]

Even better, go direct to the merchants. Network fees are typically 30% over the affiliate payout, so by offering to deal direct at say 20% the merchant saves on payouts and the affiliate gains.

[pcgamez]

I would say it is generally possible. I had contact with one affiliate I run through (was giving a few honest suggestions). I generally give them about 50 orders (generally a bit under a grand in sales). I did have some questions about the comissions and they just said that they would be happy to bump me up a percent. Then they actually bumped me 2% (intentionally). What are the odds that I will continue with them for as long as I own the business? 100%