JupiterResearch just publicized a study they did that predicts affiliate marketing “spending” will hit $2.1 billion this year and grow to $3.3 billion in 2012. The PR says: “In 2008, online marketers will spend $2.1 billion on affiliate marketing fees.” That’s not sales, that’s “affiliate marketing fees” so I guess they are saying 3.3 billion in commission will be paid out? Curious to know how they come up with that number and wonder how much that equates to in retail sales volume?

JupiterResearch Finds That Online Affiliate Marketing Spending Will Continue to Grow, Reaching $3.3 Billion in 2012

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–JupiterResearch, a leading authority on the impact of the Internet and emerging consumer technologies on business, has found that affiliate marketing continues to play a key role in online marketers’ ability to reach and acquire customers. In 2008, online marketers will spend $2.1 billion on affiliate marketing fees, with US online affiliate marketing spending reaching $3.3 billion in 2012, as indicated in a new report US Online Affiliate Marketing Forecast, 2007-2012, published by JupiterResearch. More…

The report is available here for $750.00
US Online Affiliate Marketing Forecast, 2007 to 2012