Affiliate Networks - Pros and Cons

[Frank]

I am trying to understand what they could leak/abuse and why. Makes zero sense and has never happened to me with any network.

Big networks are actually more professional than some smaller affiliate programs.

The thought of having somebody else hold my money, for not just one brand but various doesnt sit right with me I prefer to deal direct

 

[OpenTheBible]

The thought of having somebody else hold my money, for not just one brand but various doesnt sit right with me I prefer to deal direct

What if the network has more reputation than some of the brands? I know cases like that. Better deal with a reputable network based in Europe than leave everything up to some unregulated off shore brand.

 

[JTK]

I still work with one (nice to have a good deal locked in) and was in talks with a second that left me with a sour taste. They basically listed a program they didn't even have to get me to sign up for and then tried to push something else.

Some of the things you listed as pros are actually cons in my experience. Asking for banners when I can get them myself. Stats, much more limited. This can be a problem, as tracking users individually via NetRefer, for example, has helped me track down some problems and ask for fixes. I wouldn't be able to do that with the limited network stats.

It also feels like the deal gap isn't there these days, sometimes it's way worse. Add to that the concerns everyone else mentioned and it quickly loses it's appeal.

 

[OpenTheBible]

I still work with one (nice to have a good deal locked in) and was in talks with a second that left me with a sour taste. They basically listed a program they didn't even have to get me to sign up for and then tried to push something else.

Some of the things you listed as pros are actually cons in my experience. Asking for banners when I can get them myself. Stats, much more limited. This can be a problem, as tracking users individually via NetRefer, for example, has helped me track down some problems and ask for fixes. I wouldn't be able to do that with the limited network stats.

It also feels like the deal gap isn't there these days, sometimes it's way worse. Add to that the concerns everyone else mentioned and it quickly loses it's appeal.

You didn't really mention any pros that are cons besides the banners and I already mentioned stats as a con. Some networks do provide detailed stats for some reasons either automatically via email or upon request.

I also had an instance when the stats looked odd and got in touch with the network which got in touch with the brand. Turns out it was some odd issue that affected several players. These players were moved to Ontario Casino and something had to be fixed for them because of this transition. They told the network that manual adjustments will be done and whatever is owed will be added. All of this was fixed just by sending one short email to the network and there was no need to "prove" anything.

Now I am not sure if the same thing could have been done without a network. It would have been a lot of going back and forth and you trying to prove that there is definitely something going on.

If you complain to some affiliate manager, he may not take it seriously. While if it is a network, they will usually listen and they have a direct contact with the brand.

 

[JTK]

I'll try to go through them one by one as my experience as a small affiliate.

• Better deal - Almost all my direct deals are all better with a few exceptions. This was not the case many years ago.
• Shady Affiliate Managers - Wouldn't put network managers on a pedestal either, and you're adding another link to the chain. This can be tied to my stats point. If any issues arise, I don't trust the network to catch it as they also keep their focus on the big affiliates.
• Support - This has been a con on many occasions as it can be a painfully slow back and forth with another manager in the chain.
• Stats in one place - Convenience with a huge trade-off. Does not warrant a pro point.
• Network advice/help - Not something that stands out compared to the better AM's.

I also worked with a network (focused on poker) that went belly up years ago. Not much was at stake then, but it's a scary thought.

My positive experience over the network is with a program that is classified here as rogue. While many have had their earnings slashed or their accounts frozen, my deal is still there. Only for active players I might add, as that offer was also taken off the table.

It can also be used to bypass some of the activity quotas that some programs have. But most of the time, if a program has them, they come with several other problems.

 

[OpenTheBible]

I'll try to go through them one by one as my experience as a small affiliate.

• Better deal - Almost all my direct deals are all better with a few exceptions. This was not the case many years ago.
• Shady Affiliate Managers - Wouldn't put network managers on a pedestal either, and you're adding another link to the chain. This can be tied to my stats point. If any issues arise, I don't trust the network to catch it as they also keep their focus on the big affiliates.
• Support - This has been a con on many occasions as it can be a painfully slow back and forth with another manager in the chain.
• Stats in one place - Convenience with a huge trade-off. Does not warrant a pro point.
• Network advice/help - Not something that stands out compared to the better AM's.

I also worked with a network (focused on poker) that went belly up years ago. Not much was at stake then, but it's a scary thought.

My positive experience over the network is with a program that is classified here as rogue. While many have had their earnings slashed or their accounts frozen, my deal is still there. Only for active players I might add, as that offer was also taken off the table.

It can also be used to bypass some of the activity quotas that some programs have. But most of the time, if a program has them, they come with several other problems.

I worked with poker networks for the past 7-8 years and am in the poker industry for 10 years and have never heard of any known networks going down. So have no idea what you are talking about. Either it has happened like 15 years ago or it was never a proper network to begin with.

The only poker-related scandal I remember was when Pokerstars stopped honoring their lifetime revenue share deals and started paying only for the first 2 years for every player. That was extremely shady and separate affiliates didn't do shit (even those who lost millions). Back then there were no decent networks that were focusing on poker and were working with PokerStars.

Nowadays I know at least one that would at least try to negotiate something for the affiliate(s) (individually you would have 0% chance if it's something like this). And since decent networks have more than one super affiliate, networks can help them cooperate for a potential lawsuit.

Now you have a very good witness and multiple plaintifs for your case. Plus, you have additional records/proof held by the network that you still have access to and it cannot be tampered with (dates, payments, deals, players etc).

 

[Belkster]

They told the network that manual adjustments will be done and whatever is owed will be added. All of this was fixed just by sending one short email to the network and there was no need to "prove" anything.

Now I am not sure if the same thing could have been done without a network. It would have been a lot of going back and forth and you trying to prove that there is definitely something going on.

If you complain to some affiliate manager, he may not take it seriously. While if it is a network, they will usually listen and they have a direct contact with the brand.

This is probably one of the biggest pluses of the network. And this is really valuable. Without a network, it's hard to get attention.

 

[robjmiller84]

I use a couple of networks like Matching Visions and Revenue Lab, and I've been quite happy with both so far.

Makes it easier to have only one account and one invoice for multiple brands, saves a lot of time for me. The deals are not bad either. Having said that, I would never rely only on affiliate networks, but working with a few to make your life easier is not a bad idea.

That's great to hear that you've had positive experiences with Matching Visions and Revenue Lab! Using multiple affiliate networks can indeed offer several benefits, including the convenience of managing multiple brands under one account and invoice. It can save you time and streamline your operations.

It's always wise to diversify your partnerships and not solely rely on a single affiliate network. By working with multiple networks, you can explore different opportunities, access a wider pool of affiliates, and potentially reach a broader audience.

Maintaining relationships with multiple networks can provide you with more flexibility in terms of deals and offers, allowing you to negotiate and choose the most advantageous arrangements for your online lottery.

 

[Mondiad]

I agree there are pros and cons but for a beginner who wishes take the pulse of the industry, I believe networks are a great starting point.

 

[preditor]

For new aff's it can be easier to get into the casino aff world this way but some (not all), might also share your info to some affiliate managers that will push and push you via e-mails and skype/telegram to promote them. I had some account using a dedicated e-mail alias for one network and that e-mail account was flooded with several "get CPA, Hybrid" etc. E-mails.

Many, if not all mentiond on this thred are as far as i can see green and good, but always check the repurtation and what other sites writes about them, before signing up and "showing your cards".