Actually, I think it is a lot easier for an affiliate to replace a program than the other way around.
When someone like Referback does something like this without running it past all the affiliates first, they are shooting themselves in the foot.
There are a whole lot of comparable casinos to promote and Referback has to rely on loyalty to stay in the race, loyalty and the fear some affiliates have of losing income that was steadily generated with Referback in the past.
This used to work for programs. But the industry has changed and there is a lot more competition. Staying with a program that changed conditions to the disadvantage of affiliates is not a wise move anymore. You cant lock in your future income like that anymore – especially not with a program known for T&C changes.
The very worst thing a program can do is to mess with players already in the account of an affiliate. And don’t tell me that players do not come back after a long period of absence – if they didn’t, why be so intent to remove them? I actually consider that theft. Without me the program would not have that player to remove. Many players will come back once contacted by mail. I know, I am one of them myself. It is just a way to cut out the affiliate and get players back in the fold without having to pay comissions anymore.
I also fail to see how not paying for players’ first deposits can be good for affiliates. When I signed with Referback, I was told players were mine for life, and I would get a % of all profits.
That is what I want, and it isn’t all that important who gives it to me. All these different programs retroactively changing their terms to the worse have caused me to try out several others the last couple of months, and guys, my income from Microgaming casinos is noticeably on the rise.
Loyalty and partnerships are mutually practised qualities. When they are present they are good for everyone. When one of the partners drops the ball, it’s a problem. If they pick it back up, it’s ok, I forgive and forget, at least first time problems. If they drop it on purpose and expect you to deal with it, it’s not ok.
In the past affiliates have been a lot more complacent. But times have changed. Programs have become very replaceable. Any affiliate who pushes a different mincrogaming program than they used to will experience that the income basically stays the same, if it doesn’t rise like with me.
So why stay with a program that isn’t a reliable partner?