Account Closed

Can you imagine logging into your Amazon account and seeing an "Account Closed" message. Well if you're from Hawaii try logging into your account today and you'll see the message. It seems that Amazon no longer will have Hawaii affiliates thanks to some kind of tax bill that goes into affect July 1st.

I've registered over 50 Amazon specific domains, bought Amazon scripts and probably put in over 200 hours of work on the websites, had a lot ranking on the first pages of Google, Yahoo and MSN. And just like that they're practically worthless

To be honest conversions really tanked after christmas last year, but some sales were still coming in. Man this really sucks.

 

Cheer up Man. There are still CJ, Clickbank...etc. to play.

Don't give up man.

 

They did this for North Carolina a few days ago:

http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=1383004

What's strange is that while I'm on North Carolina, my business in incorporated in Vermont. The account is still open. Doesn't really earn me anything but still....

 

That's an idea, I think Delaware and Nevada incorporates also. It's shocking though to see the account closed message when logging in after all that work. I'll look into it.

Thanks

 

All states do. Delaware is a biggie because they cater to out of state corporations with lower taxes and fees.

You have to pay instate fees through for the state you do business in.

 

closed in RI too

 

What if you use someone else's account? I got an account if you are interested

 

I don't think that is a good idea.

 

Three states closed to Associates so far, I wonder if they`re the last? I have to say I really do feel sorry for all those affected, like yourself.

I`m in the UK so it isn`t a problem for me, but I do know how much time and effort goes in to building up a site, getting links etc.

 

That 50 domains and 200 hours was a low number

Well it seems that the governer has vetoed the bill, but that could still be overturned, and Amazon is waiting to see the final outcome before seeing if they'll reinstate affiliates.

But this is kinda scary, other states and affiliate programs like commission junction, clickbank, shareasale, etc. could adopt the same stance. I've got a network of sites with CPA offers that have hundreds of dollars and hours invested.

 

Wow.. the veto is great to hear. Hopefully it sticks. We need some states to stay strong. I'm wondering what Amazon's plan for the future is going to be? Closing accounts doesn't seem like a profitable direction for them.

hanji

 

Overstock appears to be joining in:

http://blog.internetnews.com/kcorbin/2009/07/overstock-joins-amazons-online.html

Which state governor veto'ed the bill? Can't find anything about it.

 

I assumed it was Hawaii. I know they had to July 15 to veto it.

That's crazy about Overstock. Definitely concerning.

hanji

 

Yeah it's Hawaii. I think California also vetoed it. It was in the newspapers about Amazon and Internet businesses. Could've meant a death sentance for affiliate programs in Hawaii if other merchants followed Amazons example.

 

Setup a corporation through another state and do business through them. If you have a relative in one of the lower 48 states, have them take care of the paper work for you, have them send you the papers, you sign and send back. Maybe even use a relatives address as your business address, or setup a post office box and use that as your company address.

But then again, if you do not like the laws, contact your local elected officials and complain. Make it an issue at election time.

 

Second to that. We operate in North Carolina but are incorporated in Vermont. It's a plus for tax purposes.

California (edit: Hawaii now as well.) was the state to veto the measure.

 

Hi mate, I'm sorry to hear about it, I'm 100% positive sure I could help.
Just PM me your details and how much traffic your sites gets / daily .


I'm monetizing amazon traffic nicely and generating around 500-1k$/month with not too much traffic.

 

sorry but you should looking for other affiliate.

 

28065.1

For Amazon Associates, an announcement from Amazon-

"Earlier this month, Governor Linda Lingle vetoed the unconstitutional tax collection scheme passed by the Hawaii legislature in HB 1405. Because the effective date of that bill preceded both her veto and the legislature's veto override session, we had little choice but to end our advertising relationships with all Hawaii-based participants in the Amazon Associates Program. Now that the override session is over, and the legislature did not override Governor Lingle's veto of HB 1405, we would like to invite all Hawaii Associates whose accounts were closed due to the pending legislation to re-enroll in the Associates Program."