Affiliate Providers

So who can you use as affiliate scheme providers? Well, here's what I know about some of them from the other side of the coin. I got into affiliate schemes when I wanted to make more cash on comparemortgagerates. I haven't experienced all providers and my experience is as an affiliate, but here's what I know:

Affiliate Window

This is the first scheme I joined. They charge a monthly fee and a levy on all commissions, but they do have a fantastic choice of merchants so your business will probably have company. Whilst this might sound like competition - it means that there are likely to be affiliates already signed up working with sites like yours. There is a choice as to whether you automatically accept all affiliates or whether you vet who can join.

Affiliate Future

Another early one I joined up for and again charging a monthly fee and commission levy. Not quite so many merchants as Affiliate Window and personally, the affiliate tools aren't as good, but they do have a very strong set of travel merchants. If you are travel related, this could be where to go. All affiliates are automatically eligible to promote your schemes - like them or not. Makes it quick for affiliates to sign up, but loses a bit of control if you want it.

Trade Doubler

A huge network with a very large range of merchants and again the monthly fee and commission levy. All affiliates have to be approved by each merchant. I've never really got to grip with their affiliate tools.

OMG

Originally a finance affiliate network but now spreading into travel and shopping. These guys charge only a commission levy - no set-up fees and no monthly fixed fees. This sounds like a benefit, but I've had a few customers try to join as merchants and had either no response to several emails or finally a 'sorry, but we're not taking any more in that category'. Not only do merchants approve affiliates, but all affiliate sites have also been approved onto the system.

ClixGalore

A large network with a choice of memberships - varying from just a commission levy through to levy, plus annual fee, plus signup fee. The more you pay the more you get. I did use ClixGalore as a merchant a few years ago to very little success. A businesses friend also had problems and another site I look after that is still advertised there gets next to no traffic from them. It all boils down to you get what you pay for. There's a good range of merchants, so presumably if you use the more expensive options you get better traffic.

There are more about, but these are the main ones I've used.