I got an e-mail today with the subject: Shari’s Berries Termination. I think I joined the affiliate program just to research their communications a while back, so I wasn’t surprised that they’d be dumping me for inactivity.
I was surprised when I read the e-mail, though. They are closing the program in two days for a problem that’s apparently been in place for two quarters:
Due to a major website change in December 2005, which affected our ability to efficiently track business from affiliates, Shari’s Berries International is terminating its affiliate program effective June 15, 2006. We truly appreciate your past support.
If you anticipate you are eligible for any unpaid commission, please respond appropriately to affiliates@berries.com by June 30, 2006. If we do not hear from you by this date, we will consider the matter closed.
Sincerely,
Shari’s Berries Affiliate Program
I’ve got to wonder a couple of things here. If the tracking was not working correctly during this time, how should I know if they owe me commissions? Surely if their reporting did capture the information, they would pay my balance.
Also, if this problem has lingered since late last year, why are they just fessing up now, and giving a mere 48 hours to get those links down?