I’d recently started promoting a commercial insurance site, Premierline Direct. I’ve only sent 4 leads to them, and each and every one has been declined. OK, a small number of leads. However, the decline reason on the last 2 was “No Response From Lead”. First two were “invalid contact details”. Now, fair enough on the incorrect contact details (If that’s the real decline reason)… but the second decline reason implies they couldn’t get through to the person in question and have declined the lead for that reason. Sorry guys, but that’s not actually the definition of a lead.
I contacted Affiliate Future support and said I had grave concerns regarding the criteria for lead acceptance being applied under this programme. As I said in my network review they got back to me within a matter of hours saying they would ask the merchant about it. Two days later they responded. The only information that Premierline Direct had provided was “No, all the leads are valid” and when I asked for clarification on this vague statement, Affiliate Future told me that they are having real problems getting Premierline Direct to clarify how they are dealing with leads and what their lead criteria are.
I won’t be promoting this company again, I feel that there is either something wrong with their lead verification process, or that there is an issue with the lead submission form. The other possibility is that Premierline Direct are taking the piss, and declining perfectly good leads because they think they can get away with doing that to affiliates. Their lack of communication with the affiliate network does rather back this one up.
I have been told Premierline Direct have a high overall decline rate, so if you have commercial insurance traffic do yourself a favour and don’t waste it on these guys.
May 20th, 2007 at 9:46 am
We’re experiencing the same Kirsty – 6 out of 6 deleted in a 30 day period, again, hardly huge numbers but there should be no legitimate reason for this high level of rejection.
Just to back up your thoughts – avoid!
May 20th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Yes indeed Duncan. As we say in Scotland “I smell shite”. I reckon this mob could be on the make at the expense of affiliates. Now don’t get me wrong, Affiliate Future have been great on this, but how do people still crop up and think they can legitimately do this?
In what other industry are businesses allowed to procure the marketing services of skilled professionals, take the leads / sales generated and just not pay, leaving their employees with no recourse? Nowhere. It’s time affiliate marketing grew up and protected all parties in the business agreement.
May 21st, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Premierline Direct is a wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz, one of the world’s largest insurance businesses. I can categorically assure you that we are a professional organisation and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
I will personally look into these comments and ensure they are satisfactorily resolved.
Should any of you have any other unresolved issues I invite you to contact me directly.
On a final note I would add that we value the contribution affiliates make to our business and believe it is important that you are properly rewarded for your contributions.
Colin Downing
Interim Marketing Director
Premierline Direct
cdowning@premierlinedirect.co.uk
May 21st, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Hi Guys,
Just to introduce myself – I’m the account manager responsible for Premierline here at Brilliant media. I joined the agency around 1 month ago, so I’m still getting to grips with most of the programmes, but have some comments on your bad experiences.
Firstly I’d like to assure you that there’s absolutely no bad practice or dodgy validation activity going on. As i’m sure you’re all aware Premierline’s insurance products are pretty niche and whilst I can’t offer absolute clarity publically on your individual cases of unsuccessful applications I am working on getting additional clarity from the client on exactly what the most relevant audience / organization is for affiliates to attract as well as additional detail requested by affiliates.
hopefully this hasn’t come too late for most of you, and I’d like to have a conversation with you personally to understand how we can continue working together on good, profitable terms.
Please don’t hesitate to call me on: 01133940082
I’ll look forward to updating you all soon with additional information and a long term resolution to the problems.
Thanks
Martin
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:54 am
What a difference some PR makes. No response when its a question from the network requiring clarification…. but now that my review of Premierline direct is ranking number 4 in Google for the term “Premierline Direct”… suddenly people are desperate to ensure affiliate queries are dealt with adequately.
Duncan and I await a response.
May 22nd, 2007 at 9:07 am
Hi Kirsty,
As I mentioned on my previous post I’d like to talk to individual affiliates regarding their cases separately.
Please can you call me on 01133940082 or email me your details and I will drop you a line.
I’m keen to move forward on this in a positive manner resolving individual issues which will produce an overall positive out come for all affiliates.
Looking forward to speaking to you all ASAP
Martin
May 24th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Hi guys,
Not had any calls about this one yet?
Really like to speak to all of those affiliates involved.
Please feel free to call me.
Martin
May 24th, 2007 at 10:57 am
Hi Martin, I’ve left it in the hands of the network as I am in Australia on holiday. From past experience I’ve found that too many people talking to each other concurrently can be counter productive. Drop me a line via the contact form for a private chat if you want?