Deciding What Affiliate Network To Use

One of the questions from last sundays q&a that I thought deserved a little longer answer then I had time for then.

HipHoper asks:

First of all, How you Doing? Second, based on affiliate marketing...did you consider right jump from network to network looking for the best payout? Should this be the first factor to consider?

ShoeMoney: Doing good thanks! We often rotate offers between networks and look more at conversion then payout. Just because 1 offer is paying more at a network then the other does not mean it will be the best payout. For instance we have had 20$ payouts for a offer and made less WITH THE SAME OFFER then a network that was paying only 17.50. Conversion is key. Companies that use crappy tracking or are blacklisted by ISP's or their cookies get eaten by anti-spyware systems will convert at a much lower rate and suck in the end not to mention put your site at risk for being blacklisted. As far as loyalty goes... All other things being equal - Money talks. I am not in business to LOSE money which is what I am doing by getting a lower payout. There are exceptions I am sure but to be honest I can't think of anything off the top of my head. We have a great relationship and have made a lot of money with a large variety of affiliate networks. At times I have even been forced to work with networks I despise simply because their was no other choice *cough* CJ *cough*. Sometimes one of the pitfalls of running our own companies is that we get to make all the decisions. Just picture yourself explaining to your investors why your leaving money on the table because you like the guy/girl who is your affiliate manager.