A few months back I got a voice mail message from the creator of Idev Affiliate, Jim Webster. He believed that some of my comments about Post Affiliate Pro versus Idev Affiliate didn’t add up and he wanted to know where I got some of my information.
[here's my review of Post Affiliate Pro]
So we played phone tag and email tag for a bit until we could finally talk on the phone for an hour or two. And I learned a lot…
Did I get it wrong?
The simple fact of the matter is that when I first decided to set up an affiliate system many years ago, the first company that stood out in my research was Idev Affiliate. I did my research, and purchased the software.
But at the time I had a specific need that even Jim himself told me (by support ticket) that Idev couldn’t fulfill.
At that point I then purchased Post Affiliate Pro and haven’t looked back…
Until now.
Jim gave me a clear picture of who his target merchant is and where his product shines. And honestly, I think Idev Affiliate is the most well known name in the category for two reasons:
- His product was the first (or one of the first)
- It’s high quality
Flip Flop?
Before you call me John “Flip Flop” Kerry, let me say that I asked Jim some very specific questions and there are some key places where Idev Affiliate does not shine. And from what Jim tells me, he’s okay with that. His product is for a certain type of vendor… and I may not be one of them.
But there are some very high profile merchants using Idev Affiliate so it’s worth a second look. Plus, I’ve come across some things about Post Affiliate Pro that I don’t like, and I think it’s time to give them both a fresh look.
During the phone we agreed that I’d take a look at the very latest and greatest version of Idev Affiliate and see where things stand… and that I’d update my site with my revised thoughts on Idev vs. Post Affiliate Pro.
That’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Why You Should Pay Attention
If you’re a merchant then the thought of only paying for successful sales (and paying 30 days after you bank the money) has always been attractive. But with click costs of Adwords, Yahoo and MSN going up with no end in sight, it’s getting more attractive as traffic costs rise.
You have basically three choices:
- Do nothing and look for other ways to grow your profits
- Join a third party network (CJ, Clickbank, Linkshare, etc)
- Get your own affiliate network
Option 1 is not for you if you want to grow your business and keep a handle on costs.
Option 2 has limitations and problems, especially the high price of CJ and other high profile networks.
If you go with option 3, as I did, then you’ll likely realize that there are two main players: Idev Affiliate and Post Affiliate Pro.
At the end of this, I probably won’t be able to say there’s one clear winner for everyone. It’s probably going to depend on your business model and what you value most (service, ease of use, etc).
Update: I’m launching a new site in 2nd quarter of 2009 dedicated to answering questions for online merchants looking for guidance on a spectrum of topics, including “What affiliate software is best for me.”
38 comments ↓
WOW,
I just bought PAP, a few days ago. Anyway does the IDev allow multiple websites under one license like PAP?
Most important is it compatible with Godaddy? YES, I rally like themand do not want to leave. Please advise, I believe I can return PAP within 30 days. Also not we only have a few products.
Rocco,
Please stay tuned. I’ll be giving everyone my feedback on Idev as I go through the install of the product.
[...] ← Idev Affiliate Gets a Second Look [...]
Hey Jack, took me a while to make up my mind, but just opted for the IDEV affiliate program through you.
Here is my order ID:
Cart ID: b9c1d19c
————————————————
Purchase Total – $149.98 USD
Can you send me over the vids you have to get me covering some ground please buddy… thanks in advance.
T.
Hey Jack,
I just bagged Idev through your link:
order ID: #3870
Can you please forward the videos and stuff as explained above please.
Regards,
Tony.
Hi Jack,
Thanks for the comparison between the 2 products.
Looking forward to get your material.
Invoice ID: #3928
Invoice Created: 05-14-2008
Invoice Due On: 05-14-2008
Invoice Amount: $99.99 USD
Regards,
Tom
hey got any sort of teaser on the iDevAffiliate tutorials you are doing? Would love to see something to entice me further!.. this will be my first time implementing iDevAffiliate on a site so any materials I can gather that are going to help me are greatly appreciated!
Jack,
I just purchased iDevAffiliate through your link and I’m ready for your videos, PDF’s, checklists and slides.
Invoice ID #4479
Thanks for all of your help.
Joe
Thanks, Joe. I just sent you a bonus offer by email.
Jack;
I’m selling products (like ebooks; memberships); from your experience what is best for me idev or post affiliate pro; by consideration is that I have site for each ebook and membership can both software do it.
Thanks in advance for your support
Mohd
Mohd,
It’s hard for me to follow you question, but really either one will do the trick. There are pros and cons to both.
First, things are about to change for both platforms, because both companies are supposed to be coming out with a new release of their products very soon. So what I type now could change in a few days.
Second, it depends on your skill level. If you want one install that can manage multiple types of products sold from multiple websites then I’d go with Post Affiliate Pro, buy through my link, and get my tutorials on how to improve it and use it correctly. That is one of the big reasons why I originally chose PAP over iDev.
If you have a single website and need something that works easiest out of the box without changes, then you should look at iDev.
order # 4935
also, if I could get access to your free videos, that would be great. (from instant affiliate tools.com)
thanks Jack!
Hello Jack,
just purchased from your link.
What information do you need from me?
Receipt Number: 0984-0261-2640-6805
bought through pay pal.
Please send me the info as I am going to get it going asap.
Thank you,
Joel
Http://www.tradingonlinemadeeasy.com
Joel,
Glad to… you need to activate your license before I can verify that the transaction went through.
And the original plans for the videos and slides was replaced with something even better.
Talk to you soon.
Sorry for the basic question,
I have downloaded and will install,
thought that might be what your videos are about,
is activation occur when I download the material,
or is it when I upload the material onto my server and activate the license.
The former is where I was searching for a video to show me how.
Joel
Hello Jack,
I am still trying to upload to my server, running into a few snags, what do I have to do to get your videos?
thanks,
Joel
http://www.tradingonlinemadeeasy.com
Hey Jack – I have used Post Affiliate Pro with another business and wondered if you are close to releasing video training for Idev? I am getting ready to purchase either Idev or Post Affiliate Pro. I like the feature that Idev has with supporting Joomla, but does not have tracking for cookies? Do have a final verdict out on 2 softwares? Thanks – Stan Jackowski
Hi Jack,
Just bought iDEV Affiliate through your link.
Date: 31 December 2008
Order ID: #5417
email: gabrielrebelo@gmail.com
Thanks,
Gabriel
looking to do my own evaluation of these two apps. i am curious to know what you have found out, assuming that you’ve installed idevaffilitate and tested it out?
Carlos,
I’ve worked extensively with both, and there’s a world of difference. I’m short on time to report my findings here, and I’m preparing to do a series of posts on the findings.
Sorry I can’t give you a short answer. But if you’re in a time crunch, I’d say go with iDev.
Jack,
I just purchased iDevAffiliate through your link and I’m ready for your videos, PDF’s, checklists and slides.
Invoice ID #5603
Thanks for all of your help.
Jeff
Jeff,
Can you post a reply with an email address I can use to send you the links?
Jack
Jack,
I am creating a new website like my blog on a wordpress thesis theme website that is hosted by godaddy.com. I will be selling ebooks and basketball coaching dvds. I have looked at post affiliate pro 4 and idevaffiliate 5. I can’t decide. The competition is using post affiliate pro 4. Which one should I try?
Coach P
REF #22
Hi Jack,
Sorry my reply address is bbrjeff@yahoo.com
Thanks a ton!
Jeff
Hi Jack,
I’ve just purchased idevaffiliate 6 and I have to say that the reporting is basic to say the least. There appears to be no way of filtering affiliate sales by specific dates, which makes it impossible to get an overall picture of how your network is performing in any given period.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
G
Hi Jack,
I see you’re working with iDev and wanted to find out if you’re still working with Post Affiliate.
We’re starting an Affiliate Program selling through our yahoo store and trying to figure out which progam will work best for us.
Thanks!
Grant,
Two things.
1) There’s an export option at the top of the page that exports all the data to a csv you can open in excel and filter that way
2) I spoke with the wizard behind iDev and more robust reporting along with some features I’ve recommended are coming in 6.1
Michele,
The accurate answer is “it depends”. Both affiliate software programs have advantages, and blind spots.
As you can see from the comment above yours, iDev isn’t perfect. But there are issues with Post Affiliate Pro too.
There are some factors that make one platform or the other a clear cut choice:
1) More than two tiers of affiliates (MLM) you need to go with Post Affiliate Pro
2) If you want an easier to install and use program, I’d vote for iDev
3) I don’t know if this still holds true, but for a long time, the service at Post Affiliate Pro was lacking. iDev is supported by the developer, who lives in the United States, and has a robust support ticket system and a 1800 number
4) If you need/want training for your affiliates to better promote your product, there’s an addon service for iDev that I helped to create. You get 39 training videos in your affiliates’ control panel so they can learn to be more effective promoters.
There was a big change when iDev went from v5 to v6 and PAP went from v3 to v4.
One of the things that’s long overdue is a new writeup from me on the comparison of iDev vs PAP.
Jack I am still waiting to receive info from you. Whats going on?
Dastani,
Just a quick glance at these comments and I don’t see anything prior. If you sent me an email it’s possible I missed it.
I’ll contact you directly.
Update: I’ve changed this post because I have to put my offer of bonuses for purchases through my link on hold.
Hi Jack
Seem like this iDevAffiliate software is good.
I have purchase the latest version 6 but their support is nowhere good as after more than 2 weeks submitting a support ticket, I have yet to receive any reply.
That’s unusual, because their support is usually very strong. Consider calling the 1800 number.
I am looking at PAP, and obviously will buy through you to get the goodies. However, I have a question about whether PAP can do what I want, and if so what is the best way. Can I send you an email somewhere asking that question? If you send me one, I will reply to it: psycan@gmail.com
Just post your question in the comment area and I’ll do my best to answer it for you.
I have been looking for a software to set up an affiliate management program, and I am going to get Idev Affiliate.
Is Idev Affiliate suitable for setting up an affiliate program for my website that provides services?
If you take orders online, then it will work for selling your services through affiliates, yes.
You mentioned once you installed idev you were going to go through the program and take notes to provide a review. Can you point me in the direction of your findings?
Donna,
The maker of iDev has made several key changes to the software that I believe make it a serious contender for top affiliate software. I think you’ll enjoy using the software. It’s easy to setup and use.
Jack
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