New Affiliate Manager considering ShareASale

[MaryAnderson]

I am a new to affiliate manager. We are considering the ShareASale program. I can see where this would be beneficial to me since I am new and ShareASale would take care of much of what needs to be done.

If any of you are affiliate managers with ShareASale and could give me any tips I would appreciate it. I understand as a manager I would have access to the backend and would work independently of ShareASale. Because you use ShareASale and the cost of it do you feel that you have to greatly lower the commissions for affiliates?

The merchant is a musician and will have music, books and more as we go along.

If we use ShareASale and decide it is not for us then do we take our affiliate contacts with us when we leave the program?
Thank you,
Mary

[7 Days Ron]

Mary,

I have run four programs through SAS and have been very pleased. You will not find a more responsive and supportive group of people interested in helping you succeed.

To answer your questions, one should never lower commission rates. Frankly, SAS is one of the most reasonably priced affiliate networks out there so their share is not that much. I've actually been able to give more commission to affiliates because I went with SAS versus other networks. A real plus in my books and in the affiliates checkbooks I'm sure.

Yes, you would work independently of SAS. However, the SAS program serves to do much of your work for you in tracking sales, screening affiliates, paying affiliates, etc.

One should consider that the affiliates are SAS affiliates, not yours. However, if you run a good program and go elsewhere, many will follow you, especially the ones who are doing well in your program.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Best of luck with your affiliate program.

[MaryAnderson]

Thank you very much.

On running a good program where will I find the best help to run a good program. Does ShareASale offer anything or will it be independently that I learn this?

Another question - I really don't know how or what to get paid as the affiliate manager. Is there kind of an industry standard or some place where I can start?

Thanks again,
Mary

[7 Days Ron]

Mary,

SAS does offer some help to their merchants. I believe they have session every month or so to help guild merchants in using their program. Next one is June 9th at 2pm Central. Carolyn Tang once you join up and she can help you with that.

There is at least one book out there I've read, A Practical Guide to Affiliate Marketing: Quick Reference for Affiliate Managers & Merchants by Evgenii Prussakov (goes by Geno).

As far as getting paid, most affiliate managers work on a salary plus commission, but you will find some that only work on either one. There is no standard, I'm afraid, but that is good as affiliate programs and merchants are so different.

[jasih]

Hi Ron will you be able to share the AIM for your Shareasale affiliate manager. We are trying to sign up with them & need to talk to one of their experienced aff manager.

Thanks

[bbakeryamaha]

Mary,

I am a merchant with SAS and I've been happy with them so far. They seem to be one of the least expensive out there, their support and professionalism have been great, and they've been very easy to work with. I'd be happy to share my experience with you.