Backcountry has launched an affiliate program to compensate owners of other Web sites for promoting its online “One Deal at a Time,” or ODAT sites.

Backcountry's ODAT sites sell top-brand skis, boards, packs, jackets, bike gear, etc. at deep discounts of up to 80% off MSRP. The second one item sells out, another goes up.  

“Affiliates recognized the value of ODAT early on,” said Porter Haney, Backcountry's ODAT Affiliate manager. “They've been building alert tools across platforms – tools that we didn't have – because they wanted the functionality and they new that others did too. They've added these widgets to their sites, in hopes that we'd eventually step up and pay them for their efforts and for all the customers they send our way. This program is a nod to them and to others that want to make some money marketing our sites.”

Not only is this a new money-maker for affiliates, it's a business builder as well.  Program tools – including an automatically updated html banner featuring the freshest deal, as well as search-optimized content  – boost the affiliate's search engine value and attract a steady stream of new eyeballs and new customers.

“We give our affiliates the constantly updated, dynamic banners, ads and RSS feeds they need to grab the attention of new customers and get them to click through to our ODAT sites,” Haney said. “When you can give the hook-up for the sickest gear at up to 80% off retail, you're going to be popular. And ridiculous deals lead to conversion. With this new program, we're hoping that all the guys who've shown us the love over the years will feel the love in return. We're done being deadbeats.”