hi all,
ive a question about comparison sites.

Looking at different products on these sites I see,
there can be a huge variance in prices. (the whole idea).

But, why would a retailer with the expensive items have their product compared? It doesnt do them any good, to the user its just too expensive and not an option.

Can comparison sites compare who they want as the prices are in the public domain or does the retailer have to register etc.

If the retailer registers etc.
Does the retailer list certain items or is there whole range open to comaprison.
Is reevnue for these sites based on % of sales or do some just charge a subscription? ppc?
Thanks

we have just launched a residential user comparison site which also allows users to switch providers seamlessly. In order to do this, we must have the participation of the provider and once the switch is completed we get paid a commission.

You can take a home phone service provider such as Eircom who are clearly the market leader whilst also being the most expensive, how can this be and why are there to be compared? To be quite honest, they are our best seller, people bi-pass a lot of cheaper providers because they feel a comfort zone with Eircom. The likes of Smart Telecom going bang did a lot of damage to the Irish telecoms industry and people who got burned, returned to Eircom and will never ever leave again.

Other comparison sites just compare without the option of letting you switch so obviously there is no commissions. Instead they act as information bureaus, build up a large traffic and sell advertising space without the responsabilities that we, for example, hold such as guiding the user through the whole process and acting as a liason between the user and service provider later on in th event of an issue arising.

I hope this answers your questions. JC