So far Volusion is a clear winner when it comes to drop shipping and managing multiple fulfillment partners. Drop shipping is non-existent in the Interspire shopping cart but through some calls with their support teams its coming soon.
One really cool feature that stands out in the Volusion shopping cart solution is the zoom on photos that is built into the cart. Any product image can be zoomed in on by the user. Very cool.
In the Volusion model I am also concerned about the potential overages that may come with the hosted version, you are given a set bandwidth limit and if you are over you are charged 1 cent / mb / month. I have not worked out the traffic / # of SKUs / formula to calculate but may soon.
A point for the Interspire shopping cart when it comes to free templates, the Interspire templates are much nicer and best of all free. The volusion free templates look like the original default templates from Yahoo stores. I made the point with them that they should be giving them away for free but the lowly CSR tried to make a case that they took investment and resources. I can’t say this enough, if you are in a service model and after a long term relationship with a client why charge for these little things? I mean switching costs are low in my mind so why not give them away?
Anyhow right now I am leaning towards the Interspire cart even though I may be limited initially in the number of SKUs I can sell, its just easier.
I will try to update as I get more information on both.

In most affiliate programs there are a group of “coupon sites”, sites whose sole purpose is to consolidate and provide users with unique offers or coupon codes. While there are several other groups of affiliates that participate more at the awareness or consideration levels of the purchase funnel the coupon code websites are at the base of the purchase funnel. When savvy customer has researched and evaluated their product and decided to purchase a quick search on Google will generally result in several sites offering coupon codes to improve the current offer. The theory is that as consumers become more cost conscious more and more will search out a coupon code prior to purchase.

One question that arose was “Will a consumer, after researching and evaluating a product, change their mind if they do not find a coupon code?” or better yet, “If your search engine marketing program is also built on a revenue share model but on a different platform than your affiliate program.. Are you paying twice? Is it worth it?”

I will try to keep you posted as we begin to answer these questions, please comment if you have any insight to share.

We’re writing to let you know about a change to the Amazon Associates Program. After careful review of how we are investing our advertising resources, we have made the decision to no longer pay referral fees to Associates who send users to www.amazon.com, www.amazon.ca, or www.endless.com through keyword bidding and other paid search on Google, Yahoo, MSN, and other search engines, and their extended search networks. If you’re not sure if this change affects you, please visit this page for FAQs.
As of May 1, 2009, Associates will not be paid referral fees for paid search traffic. Also, in connection with this change, as of May 1, 2009, Amazon will no longer make data feeds available to Associates for the purpose of sending users to the Amazon websites in the US or Canada via paid search.
This change applies only to the Associates programs in North America. If you are conducting paid search activities in connection with one of Amazon’s Associates Programs outside of the US and Canada, please refer to the applicable country’s Associates Program Operating Agreement for relevant terms and conditions.
We appreciate your continued support and participation in this advertising Program. If you have questions or concerns, please write to us by using the Contact Us form available on Associates Central.
Sincerely,
The Amazon Associates Program

One thing of note is that this change or at least this email refers to only North America so the rest of world may still be able to promote through paid search and data feeds. Amazon cites a review of their advertising investments so they must have done some analysis that encouraging competition drives their CPC costs higher over time.
One thing to think about is that this type of change may not be for everyone, or every region. Depending on the success and penetration of your PPC and feed programs you may want to evaluate this on a case by base basis. It all depends if you are fully maximized for traffic and conversion. I think that Amazon may have reached this point and realized that if they do this they may add the 5% back their bottom line.
See the following FAQ on the changes to the Amazon Associates program.

Serious inquiries only, email rmcharlebois@yahoo.com for information.
Year: 2006
Make: BMW Certified Series
Model: 325i
Model Detail: Sport Package / Premium Package
Color: Black
Interior: Black
Style: Leatherette
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Drive Train: Rear Wheel
Engine Size: 3.0 Litre, 6 Cyl.
Doors: 4
Passengers: 5
Mileage: 75,000 kms
Price: $27,999 CAD
Tires: 17″ Summer tires on rims / Winter 16″ tires on rims
Other Features: Heated sport seats, seat driver memory, sport suspension, full tint, glass sunroof, folding side mirrors, fog lights, keyless entry, touch start ignition, audio input, rain sensor wipers, cruise control, traction control, mirrors adjust when in reverse for curb view, air bags everywhere, xenon headlights, magnetic power brakes, power windows, power locks, dual climate controls, power seats, anti-lock brakes, and more. You won’t be disappointed.

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