Affiliate statistics count conversion for multiple referrers

[Narancs]

We set up multiple referrers with each unique usernames, passwords and referring hosts as well URL parts. We also double checked the HTTP-Referrer and URL patterns that are used for identifying and differentiating the affiliates.

 

However, there is an odd problem we are experiencing: If a visitor creates an order, it is counted for the referrer he came from (in this case we call it referrer A) and this also shows up in the PrestaShop Referrer statistics. But it mysteriously is also counted for another Referrer (referred to as B ).

 

It also happens for other referrers (C, D, E) that their conversions are also counted for B. It always is B, which gets increase in statistics, too. Even if all browser cache and cookie data is cleared and you visit the shop by any referrer except for B, it still gets the increase.

 

We are using PrestaShop 1.5.6.0. What could be the error? I cannot explain this to myself. I am also looking on the database table (ps_referrer) in which the referrers are listed in and they all look like they are supposed to be.

Edited December 7, 2013 by Narancs (see edit history)

[Narancs]

It seems like PrestaShop is keeping the link between a referrer and a customer. Is that right? So, even if the customer already successfully ordered three times the related referrer will still get its statistics increased for the next order of this customer? Even if only the first order came via the referrer? It appears like that. In the back-office are referrers listed related to a test order from two months ago.

[Narancs]

After reviewing the database layout and everything I now understand. Prestashop stores all connection and referrer information. However it still seems unusual to me and my partners that a referrer is granted credit even though the order is not related to him anymore. Example: the customer comes via the referrer into the shop and buys something. After some time, the customer returns directly to the shop (not via the referrer!), possibly even multiple times and orders again. Even though that order is not related to the referrer anymore, the referrer is still credited for it!

[Alexgaw]

Hi,

 

How did you solved this problem? I also trying to set this up. What did you enter in the http and URI section?

/Alex

[Narancs]

We simply left it that way back then because it was not critical to business. For HTTP referrer domains like in the pattern "%example.org%" were entered. In the URI part signatures unique for each referrer in the pattern "%affiliate=some-unique-token%" were used. In both cases the exclusion field was left empty.

[Alexgaw]

HI,

 

Did you use enter the quotes in the field, like this "%example.org%" or just %example.org%

[Narancs]

I entered the texts without the quotes, only the percentage symbols and what's within them.

Edited July 9, 2014 by Narancs (see edit history)

[Alexgaw]

Naracs, a few more questions:

 

1. What are the limitation with the PS referres system?

2. Is the affiliate tracking cookie set to expire after 20 days? Is affiliate cookie expiration time set in BO>administration>preference, same as for all other cookies in PS?

3. If I have multiple affiliates who gets the commission if user-A has been arrived from 2 or more affiliates banners with in the expiration date of the cookie?

4. Any other limitation I need to know.

 

Thanks a lot for sharing this info. O really appreciate it.

[Narancs]

Since I do not know without research I recommend asking in the appropriate forum. Please note that cookie expiry can also be influenced by other factors (server and client configuration). However, I experienced customers returning via a different referrer are associated only with the latter rather than with both. It might have changed also already in newer versions, I am currently still working with PrestaShop 1.5 in production.