Best Affiliate Program for someone selling tangible goods?

How do they compare in their ability to deliver a ton of affiliates to my partner? In other words, are there a whopping 3 new affiliates per month looking for products at Linkshare, and Shareasale gains 500 per month?

I guess I'm trying to figure out where to recommend to my buddy for fast growth.

Actually Linkshare is much more expensive than CJ. I haven't checked start up fees for a couple years but last I knew...

CJ - over 5,000 set up
Linkshare - around 10,000 set up plus requires an exclusive
Google Affiliate Network - I think they have an option for around 1500.
(Google Affiliate Network is my client but I don't work on that side of their business so am not sure on the fees)

Shareasale is by far the most affordable yet still really good affiliate network. I think their set up fee is 550 and well worth it.

In terms of recruiting affiliates at the various networks, I do affiliate recruiting and promotion for a living so can give you some ideas. Most good affiliates are on 3 out of 4 of the above networks anyway. CJ probably has the most affiliates I would guess, but I know a lot of affiliates that prefer Shareasale.

No matter what affiliate network you join you still need to do pro-active recruiting though. Many new merchants think "if we build it, they will come" and expect big results, fast. Building a thriving affiliate channel is not instant or easy and takes time. But once it gets going affiliate marketing can be the best ROI sales channel.

Hope this helps and best of luck!