Datafeed recommendations

Im looking at starting a couple of sites that use datafeeds, and have read up about Linkshare and its seems they are a bit slack/slow paying affiliates. Anyone here have problems? Anyone here signed up with their merchandiser program?

I also see Befree is thought highly of - they seem to have merged with CJ now. Anyone using these guys?

Any other recommendations of product feed providers? Dont mind if you have to pay for them (Linkshare's product feed is $250 I believe, but Chris, you didnt pay, did they just give you a merchandiser account or something, or are you not using that part?)

Maybe we could have a datafeed sticky at the top of this forum for recommedantions of good datafeeds or just good affiliate programs?

Don't discount indie merchants too. I have a datafeed from Zzounds (and run 3 sites off it with my own script), which does ok considering the low traffic.

I use linkshare mostly, but I have one Befree feed. I do use their merchandiser system but I did not pay to use it. I also don't mind that many merchants pay 60-90 days later.

Does linkshare charge you something if you want to use their datafeeds?
If yes, what is the billing structure (setup fee, monthly recurring fee, etc.)?


Thanks,

Peter

I use Shareasale (free) and CJ ($200). CJ's support is quite slow, it takes a few days for them to get back to you.

Not using LinkShare, as they do not consolidate payment.

As far as I can see the problem with Linkshare is that they get checks from merchants a few days after the end of the month, then for some reason they take several days upto 2 or 3 weeks to actually get checks out to affiliates. They claim that they're not holding the money to earn interest since the account they use doesnt earn interest, in that case they're not only poor at basic admin, but also not taking advantage of their poor service by earning interest.

ASP-hosting, currently they charge $250 to set up your merchandiser account which gives you access to the datafeeds. I think maybe Chris got his datafeed access before they started this system?

Yes, will also take a look at some indie ones, anyone know a list of indie ones?

Will also have to take a look at CJ - they're site is a bit of a nightmare trying to figure it out though...

Linkshare doesn't always get checks at the end of the month, some merchants pay late. It happens.

Linkshare (and befree) simply allow merchants to pay on their own schedule (within reason) which is why they attract more big name merchants. Whereas CJ has merchants pay in advance.

I'm getting confused here.

So if you want to get all the data feeds available through Linkshare you'll have to pay $250 setup fee. At the same time if you contact directly some of the Linkshare merchants they might give you the feed for free?



Peter

Thats true, or in my case a merchant covered the fee for me.

I've been using shareasale for a few feeds and found them pretty good.

how do you apply for a shareasale account if you dont already have a site you wish to sell something on? Just give them one of your other sites?

that's what I did.

I will be making a few sites using Shareasale affiliate datafeeds, soon...

Yeah, shareasale look pretty good, will have to take a good look later.

I guess I dont mind slow payments from programs, been putting off adsense for ages waiting for the dollar to pick up against the pound.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by r2d2

I guess I dont mind slow payments from programs, been putting off adsense for ages waiting for the dollar to pick up against the pound.

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I think you'll be waiting to the point of the cheque becoming invalid for any significant rate changes :( You would probably be better off getting a $USD account and then you could let the money sit indefinitely until the rates look more favourable.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chris

Thats true, or in my case a merchant covered the fee for me.

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Thanks Chris,

Why did the merchant pay the setup for you instead of just giving you direct access to his feed?

Maybe they weren't equipped to give direct access.

Thanks Chris :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chromate

I think you'll be waiting to the point of the cheque becoming invalid for any significant rate changes :( You would probably be better off getting a $USD account and then you could let the money sit indefinitely until the rates look more favourable.

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Sorry, I meant emailing them asking them not to send a cheque - put it off for 6 months in October, will see whats its like around March next year I guess...

Not a bad idea having a US dollar account though, any more info on these?

I have been putting off my adsense cheques too :) The USD has slightly improved in the months since (only by 2 or 3 cents, but it's a start ;)).

Cheers...

i didn't know you could do that... that is pretty interesting.

Not much use to you though poorman I would guess?

Is everyone using their own custom scripts for these feed sites?

not much use, but still interesting. Playing with the exchange rate. .

I made my own script.

Yea, I figured you would. ;)

I think you would probably need to wouldnt you? Not sure you would be able to get a readymade script for these feeds?

I'll be making my own anyway, just so I can control exactly whats happening, and know how it all works etc...