David Fiske Affiliate Marketing & Web Development

Anyone would think we're in a recession! I've not won (or actively partaken I think) in any incentives since April. Understandably everyone seems to be holding back, letting things tick over as they are. I can only imagine it's more difficult trying to convince management that offering a large prize for a boost in sales. Right now, everyone is looking after the pennies and hoping the pounds look after themselves.

Thankfully (?) Christmas is on its way! Christmas is, for many affiliates, the biggest sales time of the year and a lot of effort in the first part of the year now pays off. To make Christmas a little more fun/fruitful/profitable, many merchants will be running incentives I imagine a lot will be going on a the lack of incentives through the year may allow for a bigger incentive pot now. Add on the fact that we are still in a recession (or out but not by much) and that VAT hike in January (deja vu), retailers will be keen to boost sales.

So who's going to kick off the Christmas incentives list first then? That would be Buyagift, and they need your help to choose a perfect incentive.
 
For the fifth year running, their incentive is to be a part of the Buyagift once-in-a-lifetime trip. 6 places are up for grabs but the trip is yet to be decided. Simply head over to http://twtpoll.com/0d7z1x before 27th September 2010 and cast your vote. It takes a minute to cast your vote.

Admittedly this incentive isn't everyone's cup of tea. Being the lonesome stressed out person that I am, I would prefer a romantic holiday for two to somewhere hot, somewhere like Venice or Orlando ;-) Nevertheless, there's no harm in casting a vote on the off-chance you do win a place.

The incentive runs from 1st October to 31st December 2010 and details of the six categories are to be announced. Buyagift are keen to emphasise that the categories will suit both big and small affiliates so it's worthwhile casting a vote.

I have heard in the rumour mill of a couple of other high profile incentives (with fantastic prizes too - something a little different than the norm) so am very hopeful that 2010 will be the best Christmas for incentives.

Apparently only 106 days until Christmas 2010 which equates to just 76 shopping days. Bah humbug.