Whats better - Use an inhouse affilate program or service provider

[dbarton]

I own a gourmet dog bakery and want to start an affilate program. However I can't seem to determine which system is better. Purchase affilate software and run everything inhouse or use a service prodiver such as Linksource or Commission Junction? Does it make a difference to the end marketer? Do they prefer to work with a 3rd party or rather deal with the website owner directly?

[AffiliateSeeking]

I have always preferred using affiliate networks as an affiliate. From a merchants perspective, I would think it would decrease the amount of work you would have to do as these affiliate networks already have a good amount of affiliates registered with them, plus they keep track of everything and take care of most of the fraud, if there's any.

Running your own affiliate program is not normally a one person job as it involves a lot of work and time to get it up and running. As mentioned above, affiliate networks take away some of the workload, but using an affiliate network is a little more costly than a standalone affiliate tracking software that you install on your own server, but in the long run it is most probably worth the extra costs.

Out of all the affiliate networks, as an affiliate I have always prefer ShareASale. Here is some more information about ShareASale and some other affiliate software.

Good luck with your affiliate program and hope it all works out for you.

[affearner]

Based on my own experience, CJ is open with working for the 3rd party.

[9825144]

SERVICE PROVIDER.
It will take the load off you, and obviously you will get more audience for your product. Though it is costly But! more effective at the same time

[affearner]

By SERVICE PROVIDER, what do you exactly mean by that?