What is a Merchant-Affiliate Relationship? It is more than an agreement between the affiliate marketer and the merchant. It is about trust and teamwork. The affiliate's role is to steer relevant prospects or potential customers to the merchant's products or services. These may be on the web (eg. a website landing page.) They can also be a physical store or a telephone order desk.
The important thing about this relationship is maintaining trust. Things to consider regarding building and maintaining this trust are:
- Knowing your Merchant (Their integrity, honesty, product quality and a good reputation in the marketplace.)
- Knowing the TOS (Terms of Service). This is the Business Contract that you have agreed to follow.
- Know how to contact each other, preferably using more than just email.
- Communication is vital! Share ideas and vision for the benefit of both.
- Be willing to negotiate and compromise. Both parties have different risks and benefits in their part of the affiliate marketing business model.
