tracking keywords and sales for an ecommerce site

[ubaidabcd]

There is this ecommerce site that I'm an affiliate for, they don't have any "affiliate tracking software" installed. So far I'm using Google Analytics, but I don't know if I should rely on Google Analytics to track my sales. I'm not going to be able to find out which keywords converted.

Even if we do install affiliate tracking software (thinking Affiliate Pro) I don't think they have the option to create sub-id's which is what I would need to track keywords.

This merchant is introducing a new item to the market, so I want to submit articles to directories, press releases, etc.., but how can I be sure that I'm going to get credit for the sale? If the traffic isn't going through search engines, then Google Analytics won't record a conversion will it?

Do I need to just have him create a seperate "buy it now" link or seperate webpage for my sales? Would that be the best way if he doesn't want to install affiliate software? I can't think of another sure way to track sales and conversions, especially for submitting articles. Problem with this is, that is he going to get hit with duplicate content penalties?

EDIT: I can get a cracked copy of "Affiliate Pro" an affiliate tracking system. Do you think it would be a bad idea to give my merchant the copy?


Thanks

 

[BigWill]

If you arn't looking to track hits why not just have them setup a pass through variable on links? Then you could use yourname-keyword-whatever as the variable?

 

[ubaidabcd]

If you arn't looking to track hits why not just have them setup a pass through variable on links? Then you could use yourname-keyword-whatever as the variable?

I would like to be able to track stats, but I'm not sure how. Your suggestion seems fine for now. Could you explain how would I setup a pass through variable on links?


Thanks