Merchants can be idiots
Connie at I am Flamingo describes the worst way a merchant can look at budget cuts. She posted an excerpt from a merchant communication informing her that because their budget was almost gone for February, she needed to take a cut in commissions or sell less so they wouldn’t go over budget. The mentality it takes to write a note like that to a super affiliate brings to mind my days selling small market radio to small minded retailers. These are the same people who want bigger profits in December, but don’t want to stay open after 5 because they want to be home sitting in their recliner when it gets dark.
Connie hit the nail on the head when she implored them to stop confusing their affiliate marketing budget with their advertising budget. She’s right. Unless you’re paying us per impression or click, we are not costing you a dime until we sell something for you! Wake up and smell the coffee or save us all some grief and sell your shares to somebody who knows how to run a real business.