eBay Partner Network Crackdown
I have always been a fan of the eBay affiliate program. I liked it better when it was on CJ but over time I have made a lot of money with it. I got an email from them today and it looks like they are laying the smack down. Here are some new rules that all publishers must abide by.
Network Code of Conduct
Important updates to the Network Code of Conduct include the following:
- eBay Partner Network does not compensate for sales that come from invalid click activity, which includes, but is not limited to the following:
- clicks generated by a publisher clicking on their own ads
- automated clicking tools/traffic sources/robots
- activity generated by other deceptive software
- Publishers may only place links and/or promotional content on sites they own. Affiliate links on third party sites such as Craigslist, MySpace, etc. are not allowed.
- You will not redirect any traffic to middle servers for the sole purpose of masking your referring source of traffic. This includes the use of URL shortening services (including but not limited to tinyurl.com, short.to and cloakedlink.com).
To read more about these updates, please see the full version of the new Network Code of Conduct.
I see where their coming from with their restrictions but I think they are shooting themselves in the foot. 90% of the internet probably already knows who eBay is. Their commission rates suck as it is and now they are laying on additional restrictions. Over time and if they add even more restrictions going forward all they are going to accomplish is driving affiliates to alternate affiliate programs that pay more. I think eBays affiliate program (and relevance on the net for that matter) is on the decline.
MAN! I’m speechless. Does anybody know how to run a company anymore?
It’s really sad, I rocked the eBay program back in the day, too!
This is especially gonna kill a lot of people pimpin EPN links on Twitter.
Jeez.
I got the email also. I was one who also loved them at CJ, I thought it was only going to get better when the decided to run their program themselves, but seems like they have been going downhill ever since.
I agree with you, eBay’s Partner Network went straight to hell after it left CJ. Here’s a very wild wish (which I’m 99% sure won’t possibly happen.)
Go back to CJ, put your rates back up and just monitor the quality instead of trying to build yourself up as a individual/independent program.
Like I said, I agree, eBay is on the decline… and FAST!
That explains why my twitter traffic isn’t happening. Not that it ever made any money.
What a fckin joke EPN is now…
Double Meta Refresh ALL DAY!
Yes, eBay affiliate networks is on the decline!
I’ve been avoiding Ebay for years now. They are way too uptight.
A number of the big-name retailers, like EPN, Amazon and others are clamping down on what they see as “undesirable” affiliate practices.
I get the sense that instead of consulting affiliates or getting feedback, there’s some kind of management team that makes these decisions (axing NY affiliates, etc), without any real regard for their own businesses’ long-term future.
If affiliates get the sense that they’re getting the short end of the stick, they’d eventually move on to another program.
It’s a free market after all.
@Andrew Wee – Very true. Good points.
I can’t belivee I’ve been going for years without knowing that.