I finally got an affiliate program setup for our store. Basically I would love to get a few guinea pigs, err I mean, helpful testers to try it out on their websites. I tested it this morning and it accurately tracked page views, clicks and a test order, but I don’t want to open it to the world before testing it on other people’s websites and getting outside opinions.

Here is what I can offer. If you would be willing to put a text link or banner (not in existence yet, but…) on your website I will send you a $15 gift certificate in addition to any money you earn through the affiliate program. There is no obligation to keep it there for any long period of time, but I would appreciate some feedback.

I only need a few testers, but I figure I won’t be in any danger of a flood of requests on this website (But just in case I do get a flood of testers don’t feel bad if I say I’m full!). If you are interested, please email me with a link to your website. (clay AT thejapanshop DOT com will work)

I reserve the right to change the payout amount and percentage, but I am leaning toward 10% cash (PayPal) or 15% store credit. I will make the payout amount $10 at least for this testing period. I think this is a pretty generous commission percentage for a bookstore, but let me know what you think. I am a little worried I could end up losing money per affiliate sale (probably will at 10%), but I think the new customers it will generate should make up for that and then some. Amazon started theirs in 1996 I believe and they must have a good reason to continue it!

I will get some banners setup tomorrow, but it seems pretty easy to add links to individual products right now. I will probably make the percentage smaller for electronic dictionaries since my profit margin is much lower than that. But I’ll leave it temporarily at 10%/15% as an incentive to be a tester