The eBay Partner Network has introduced Quality Click Pricing, a new quality-based Cost Per Click (CPC) payout model designed to better reward top affiliates, simplify the commission structure, and increase the quality of traffic driven to eBay sites through the affiliate program.
In contrast to the current Cost Per Action (CPA) payout structure for eBay affiliates, Quality Click Pricing rewards affiliates based on the value of the traffic they send to eBay… the incremental transactions and incremental high lifetime value users that result from their traffic.
Payouts to affiliates will also factor in revenue streams beyond item purchases, including eBay advertising revenue and PayPal revenue resulting from increased traffic and transactions.
Just as affiliates driving quality traffic to eBay will reap higher rewards, those affiliates driving lower-quality traffic will see a decline in pay.
I like this sort of Animal Farm (but in a good way) approach to compensation where all affiliates are equal, but some are more equal.
Any affiliates joining the eBay Partner Network as of September 1, 2009 will automatically be paid out under the new Quality Click Pricing structure, while existing affiliates will not be transitioned to the new structure until October 1, 2009.
More details at http://www.ebaypartnernetworkblog.com/en/news/announcing-quality-click-pricing/.