The backlash also has to be laid firmly on the step of the network, Tradedoubler in this case, to firstly permit this to happen (though a merchant can close at any time), but mainly even considering allowing the merchant to relaunch the program after the christmas peak period.

It’s another prime example of where this networks priorities lay, which is appeasing the whims & desires of recognised brands and/or agencies without a thought to an affiliate who are more disposable assets.

Having chatted with a couple of Tradedoubler merchants this week, a common thread from both of them without any prompting seemed to be that they (meaning Tradedoubler) seem to be rule unto themselves with little concern for anybody except themselves & the service they are receiving it not adequate enough. Does this suggest Tradedoubler are control freaks and closed shop arrangements all spun very nicely to their clients.

So what does Tradedoubler do to earn their override?

Lets say, hypothetically speaking, last year we earned about £500k in commission via them. As an override (working on a 30% rule of thumb) that would be about £166k to Tradedoubler, enough to pay for about 6 peoples wages full time.

I would be lucky if we had received half a days decent dedicated support in that whole period .. translated I have probably had about £40 worth of affiliate support.

For those kind of earnings would it be reasonable to expect a fully dedicated account manager?

Next topic I will come onto under Tradedoubler are these indepth tender requirements for closed group bidding & highlighting the NUMEROUS discrepancies in their keyword policy information reports across their platform.

I don’t expect any posts to improve the service for us as an affiliate as we realise Tradedoubler are impervious to any comments, but I can add two other networks to this same categorisation & that is DGM and CJ.