I am sure this exact question has come up before but I really would like to know what some other people think about this. Most Affiliate Programs do not state whether it is legal or illegal to use your own affiliate links. When not posted then it is assumed and I have been paid on these. When it is stated then it is clearly against TOS. SO on to my question or poll: Why would they care???? This makes no sense what so ever. Amazon states Friends, Family or Relatives... Ok so this just about sums up the entire free world. Should I really not get paid if I referred a person whom I work with to my site to purchase something? I have been doing all my Christmas shopping through my affiliate links and I am realizing that the Amazon ones are probably not going to come through now. I really just don't understand what it would matter if they are getting the sale anyway? Does anyone have an opinion on this or think I am way off base with this? I could understand if your using internal coupon codes and such but if you just using a straight link to amazon then purchasing why the heck would they care if it was your own site or not? Thanks in advance for all your input.
I think they can trace it if you're buying from your own link. But then again, just try it at your own risk, nobody said no here.
As I said before I had no idea but as I searched through the site it is very clearly stated in the TOS. What is Amazon's policy for Associates placing orders for themselves? You may not purchase products during sessions initiated through your own Associates links and will not receive referral fees for such orders. This includes orders for customers, orders on behalf of customers, and orders for products to be used by you, your friends, your relatives, or your associates in any manner. I just find it amusing that they state "friends" and "family" Meaning if I say "Prinzy wanna be my friend?" I should now not get commission for you buying through my link in theory. I am not sure if it is ok to post my site but any pointers on it are greatly appreciated now that I need to network out larger then local friends and family for Amazon haha affil.sustainedhits.com Basically the site was designed for my son and I dump money int his 529 savings account. NO tricks or anything I very straight forward about what it does. If the mods have an issue with the link please by all means remove it and accept my apologies.
There are about 900,000 Amazon Associates. My guess is that a significant percentage of them joined to get 'effective' discounts. Amazon can easily zap those orders as your associates login and shopping login are the same. Personally, I don't see why so many people get worked up about it. How much can you make on your own purchases? I spend my time driving customers to Amazon through my links. I should hit the third tier this month for the first time. It's a lot of hard work but it does pay off.