Best affiliate reward - physical gift or cash?

I'm going to hold a contest for my affiliates and give great rewards to the most active affiliates. As an affiliate, do think it's better that I offer physical goods as the rewards, or pay them in cash?

For example does the idea of winning a plasma TV or laptop motivates you more to work on an affiliate program, or getting a $2,000 cash reward?

The good thing about real goods is that people can see and feel them so they will be more motivating. But the problem is many people might not need a plasma TV or a laptop computer and they might like to get cash instead so they can buy whatever they like.

So what do YOU think?

Thanks,

Ladan

 

I'd think the physical good would be more of a motivator. It allows people to 'splurge' where they may not spent cash otherwise. However, do keep in mind things like plasma tv's can be expensive to ship.

 

Physical goods make it seem like more of a fun activity, whilst cash makes things more serious & business-like, -- depends which you're aiming for.

 

if its small then - gift, if its a relatively big prize - cash

 

I'd probably be more motivated by cash simply because I would prefer to make my own choice about what to buy. That's just me though.

 

I prefer prizes. I think you're required to declare cash prizes as taxable income.... of course you're probably technically required to do the same with prizes though.

I like gift cards myself.

 

cash is always a good motivator as with cash or a prize you have to report the value for taxes.

 

I too would be more motivated with cash.

 

Prizes are more motivating for me. I totally agree with bochgoch.. Cash makes things more serious and businessy.

 

I prefer cash rewards because you give the person a lot of freedom to decide how the money should be spent or used (hopefully in good pursuits).

 

physical goods are more tangible and feel like more of a reward to the affiliate. Money is always a winner though. Who would say no to a big block of cash???