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Overall:
ShareASale is highly regarded in affiliate marketing circles, both for their performance and for their ethics. They have positioned themselves as the "good guys" of this business, and that approach is paying off as more and more affiliates join up. ShareASale's business model is based on directly connecting merchants with affiliate marketers, to the benefit of both parties, giving the whole enterprise a communal, mutually beneficial vibe. Meanwhile, depending on what products you choose to promote, the commissions can satisfy your selfish side.
Ease of Use:
To fully exploit the potential of the ShareASale affiliate center, it's best if you have some experience with affiliate marketing or, if you're new, are ready to put in some exploration hours. It's not that ShareASale is not easy to use, but there is a lot of information that comes at you at once on this website. Currently, there are more than 2,500 products to choose from. Industry jargon--EPC this and PPC that--can prove challenging to newer affiliates. On the upside, once you're a pro, the ShareASale affiliate center is a powerful command center.
Reputation/Security:
ShareASale, in business since 2000, has built up a fiercely loyal following. Recently, this Illinois-based enterprise has enjoyed a sharp increase in affiliate members, as affiliate marketing has grown and ShareASale's reputation for good systems and good people has spread around the Web. Just within the last 20 days, more than 67 new merchants have joined this network. ShareASale's star is rising, it seems, and the profits of its affiliates are rising right in line.
Customer Service:
The first and often best option for affiliate questions is to consult the ShareASale FAQ, which is clearly written and contains a wealth of information, in typical ShareASale style. If you have a more specific personal issue, you can use the email support function or the phone number of your assigned affiliate manager. ShareASale affiliates also meet up in various chatrooms and blogs to talk about their experiences with the program and share tips for success. All in all, ShareASale has developed a commendably comprehensive affiliate support system.
Commission Rate:
As noted, ShareASale currently offers more than 2,500 products from more than 2,000 merchants. Commission rates, then, vary according what merchants and products you choose to promote. Overall, though, we have found ShareASale's commissions to be quite competitive, although not necessarily mind-blowing. Because of their reputation in the affiliate marketing industry and their already large base of successful affiliate partners, they are able to negotiate unusually high commission rates from merchants who wish to use their network. We especially like their retail offers, which take advantage of the fact that success in online sales is often about finding those underserved niches, such as purse hangers and obscure concert tickets.
Ease of Commission Payment:
Payments go out monthly, via paper check, PayPal, or direct deposit. ShareASale is particularly fast with the direct deposit option. Don't forget to put in your W-9 form for tax purposes, though, because they will not pay you any commissions until you do that.
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