In-house programs give merchants full control over their affiliate relationships, tracking systems, and program policies. They may use proprietary or third-party software to manage the program independently.
Affiliates may prefer in-house programs for direct communication with merchants and potentially better terms or exclusive opportunities. Merchants bear full responsibility for all aspects of program operation, including tracking, payments, and support.
In-house program management requires dedicated resources, technology infrastructure, and expertise in affiliate marketing. Benefits include greater control and potentially higher profit margins, while challenges include resource requirements and complexity.