I have struggled with the rakeback issue quite a bit. I think you need to capture some rakeback players or you are turning your back on strong profit potential.
A small % of RB is better then none at all. My freerolls have built many loyal players that won’t shop my % that I give them. Many RB sites have zero overhead and offer their players very little except a good %. I send my players hats, shirts and host added money freerolls. I think LadyHoldem has freerolls so you can use this to explain why you can’t pay the highest %, but a fair one from someone you trust.
I like to use Battlefield and The Sun since they have auto RB and that keeps my paperwork to a minimum. I will do the paperwork and transfers for a good player anywhere also.
IMO, build long term relationships with players that will be loyal to you. Tell them you will raise their % as you grow. Then follow thru with your promise. I like to call my player on the phone, thank them for their biz and work out a deal they like.
Currently I have 1 player that is on RB that out produces 100 other players and I only make 10% on him. Big volume, consistent player that will continue to improve and earn. Would I trade him for the 100 that are non-RB? No, but i’ll have to work deals out with many of those eventually also.
I like Poker RB now. I think good players rarely go broke. They play within their bankroll and move up to bigger games when they improve.
I’m not going to lose them to the hundreds of rakeback sites without a fight. If you are offering them “perks”, hats, shirts, ipods, freerolls you can keep them, offer a smaller % and you and the player will have a nice deal.