What's the best way to deal with "the Amazon factor"?

yogaaffiliate · 08-21-2009, 02:24 PM

Many of us are marketing affiliate products where we get a nice commission if we send customers to the official retailer. But what if Amazon also carries the product -- usually at a cheaper price with free Super Saver shipping? Amazon's commissions are crap. Combined with the lower sales, you'll end up with a smaller cut.

So, do you only include the affiliate link to the retailer, crossing your fingers that your customer will buy from them? Or do you accept the fact that they might go check Amazon and include that affiliate link too or instead, rather than potentially lose the sale? I know when I'm buying something online, I always check to see if Amazon has it first, but I don't know if everyone buys that way.

I'm curious how you guys are dealing with "the Amazon factor"...

Peter Adamson · 08-21-2009, 03:28 PM

If the retailer is still in business, then it is because there are enough buyers out there to keep them alive. This could be simply because they are not sophisticated enough to compare prices, they don't like Amazon, the retailer has added value such as support/advice you can't get at Amazon etc.

So stick with your retailer. Don't ride the fence. You will lose a few sales, but you will make more in the long run.

reidcardwell · 08-21-2009, 03:30 PM

I used to check with Amazon first until they closed all North Carolina associate accounts due to the new taxes under discussion. Now I shop elsewhere for the things I need.

Gabriel_C · 08-21-2009, 03:33 PM

Like Peter Adamson said. The retailer may offer support that Amazon.com does not. So maybe you can let this be known to your visitors. And just put links to both original Retailer and Amazon.com

yogaaffiliate · 08-21-2009, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the great suggestions!

08-21-2009, 02:24 PM	#1
yogaaffiliate Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	What's the best way to deal with "the Amazon factor"? Many of us are marketing affiliate products where we get a nice commission if we send customers to the official retailer. But what if Amazon also carries the product -- usually at a cheaper price with free Super Saver shipping? Amazon's commissions are crap. Combined with the lower sales, you'll end up with a smaller cut. So, do you only include the affiliate link to the retailer, crossing your fingers that your customer will buy from them? Or do you accept the fact that they might go check Amazon and include that affiliate link too or instead, rather than potentially lose the sale? I know when I'm buying something online, I always check to see if Amazon has it first, but I don't know if everyone buys that way. I'm curious how you guys are dealing with "the Amazon factor"...

08-21-2009, 03:28 PM	#2
Peter Adamson Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 341 Thanks: 15 Thanked 144 Times in 55 Posts	Re: What's the best way to deal with "the Amazon factor"? If the retailer is still in business, then it is because there are enough buyers out there to keep them alive. This could be simply because they are not sophisticated enough to compare prices, they don't like Amazon, the retailer has added value such as support/advice you can't get at Amazon etc. So stick with your retailer. Don't ride the fence. You will lose a few sales, but you will make more in the long run.
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08-21-2009, 03:30 PM	#3
reidcardwell Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Burlington, NC Posts: 9 Thanks: 6 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: What's the best way to deal with "the Amazon factor"? I used to check with Amazon first until they closed all North Carolina associate accounts due to the new taxes under discussion. Now I shop elsewhere for the things I need.

08-21-2009, 03:33 PM	#4
Gabriel_C Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Metro New York Posts: 21 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: What's the best way to deal with "the Amazon factor"? Like Peter Adamson said. The retailer may offer support that Amazon.com does not. So maybe you can let this be known to your visitors. And just put links to both original Retailer and Amazon.com
	Social Networks For Sale

08-21-2009, 05:44 PM	#5
yogaaffiliate Warrior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What's the best way to deal with "the Amazon factor"? Thanks for the great suggestions!