I just need some advice on how to gain affiliates to my site, which will be launched mid March. Just a brief rundown: My site sells quality business cards, and affiliates make $10 per 1,000 business cards sold (they sell for $60.00), and the amount they make goes up with the quantity of business cards. I will also offer prizes for top affiliates, contests, etc. They would have all the tools to promote our cards, and they ALSO get their own business cards, with an affiliate id number on it (the customer receives 10% off their purchase for using the id when they pay). The thing is, i don't know if this is a good idea, meaning I don't know if people would be interested in selling my business cards. They are the best priced cards on the net (no additional fees for additional options like the major sites), they are the best quality (16pt UV coated, basically water resistant), but is this something people would be interested in selling? I actually have two ways of earning money - 1. sell our business cards through your site (you would get an affiliate id to add on at the end of the URL) 2. Earn money from designs you submit (think istockphoto, basically for designers - if someone chooses your design, you get paid $3.00) Is this the type of thing affiliates would like? (I'm not an affiliate of anything) Just looking for honest opinions. I think it's a good idea, but it would go to hell if no one is interested in selling the cards. Sorry for the long post, but I need advice!
Not a bad idea. I suggest you do some research as far as what other business card printing services are using for commission structures. CJ.com (Commission Junction) would be a good place to start. Bottom line for affiliates is the commission and flexibility and ease of use of your product links.
i've checked around, actually no one is doing this idea. CJ.com says you have to sell a product for one year or more and have sales of 50,000 a month.
Sorry, i should have stated that vistaprint is the closest to this structure, but you have to pay a fee ($99) and you are reselling the business cards, at wholesale prices (which aren't that cheap).
It is sometimes beneficial to give the affiliate close to 100% commission. The reason is customers will come back if they like your product. Based on your description it seems people would prolly come back. Business is much more than just the "initial" sale.
You say there is no competition, but there are tons of sites that sell business cards and most have some sort of affiliate program either in house or thru companies like Cj and Linkshare. The one thing that will set you above the rest is ease of use. f you can design your card right there in the spot with your own graphics and such, you may have a chance. Check out : http://www.iprint.com/ Their site is very easy to use and they have a quality product. Thing about services like this is, commission structure is not as important as if the product will convert and that means it has to be very easy...almost self serve. Also business cards are consumable, so people will re-order if they like the product. Offering a lifetime, or yearly commission on re-orders is far more attractive than a one time fee, especially when I know people will re-order and go straight to the source next time, by passing me.
Business cards online? I think big shops like VistaPrint and a couple of others are going to make it a bit hard to compete-- especially in the online market. Your response-- that is why I need good affiliates? I am good-- so good my partners forget to pay me-- but, today I would pass on a partnership like this. I would give you ad space for a set price-- paid up front. Have you considered this option? Q...
start site without affiliate program. If you see sales coming in start affiliate program. You better spend first money on ppc advertisement and branding. You don't want to see situation where you will start site with affiliate program, maybe it wont work out and you won't have money for business to run. In situation like that you wont have money to pay your affiliates and that would make you look like sh*t. Maybe you should run your affiliate program with affiliate network. There are some that don't have high demands like cj.com. That way you can easily get more affiliates then running affiliate program on your own.
Thank you for the advice. I will offer lifetime commission on re-orders as well. I didn't mean to write it like they would get a one time fee. I know I have competition, but I'm not really worry about it. This is a fun project that I am putting together. Yes, i do want to make money, but I do want to share the wealth, making the site almost a community selling site. Our business card quality is untouchable when it comes to the price. we have the thickest card stock , multiple options that add NO additional fees, free shipping, and yes, it will be very easy to use. Along with that, we will have designers who will support us with unique designs, as well as custom design service.
I really don't know how to take this. Again, I have several good things going for me and this website, I know SEO, and I am not looking to make a million a year. One order a day would be nice. I just want something to be proud of. I already have a clientele as well.
I will have the money, that's not what i am worried about. I already have a client base that will provide me with sales, I am trying to come up with unique ways to bring affiliates to my site, and with them customers. Please, don't worry about paying affiliates, that won't be a problem. I am looking for ways to attract affiliates, i know how to keep them.
I saw something written about vistaprint, and all I have to say is that I did business with them once and now they blow up my inbox.
Nope, won't do that I hate vistaprint, especially the cards with the vistaprint watermark on the back <- the most unprofessional thing you can do!