What are networks policies for buying via own links?
I never had a proper picture so finally want to make it clear for myself.
(forum search didn't help)
I remember some programs had that explicitly stated (prohibited).
In all other cases, I understand it's a normal practice and merchant should
honour such transactions.
Can't see any difference of buying via own links or via 100% cashback sites.
I am pretty sure they all don't have any policy on that, couple of odd merchants don't like you to buy via your own links, probably because you will show up that the tracking isn't working
Normally it's up to the Merchant to set that policy but most are making something, all bit a smaller amount, I know a couple of merchants just look on it as you getting a crappy staff discount, and a few have even said if an Affiliate wants to buy just give them a bell and they will sort you out with a better discount for all your hard work, not many but a few are like that
Amazon have a policy of not allowing to buy via own links but then I guess that's because there program is so public and they worried customers who are spending loads of money might sign up for it.
probably because you will show up that the tracking isn't working
lol it is true though. I would say that it's every affiliate's obligation to test tracking themselves. Now if you do it before you've got a feeling their tracking isn't accurate or wait until you percieve they'll be lost earnings is your call.
I generally try and use affiliate links when I buy online to get a real feel of how a user would experience the buying process so I don't think many merchants would disapprove seeing as you may spot a problem in the site design that their own teams may miss ...
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The way I see it is if you dont buy from your own aff links you are going to buy from someone elses aff link which will still make commission for some one.
I always buy from my aff links as others have said its a good way to test the links.
The main reason for this is that it can be open to abuse with CPA.
Would just like to say my post was based on buying stuff.. People will look at folk signing up to CPA via there own links differently.. as that can be open to abuse. However most Merchants will be happy to let you test the tracking on CPA if you just tell them your doing it and do it the once.
I think using your own links on certain programs is ok when buying something (assuming the merchant isn't against it) plus as said above it does give you peace of mind that the tracking for that program is working
Would have to say I wouldn't do it on lead based programs
"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 have always used my own afflinks for Amazon purchases and always got the commision. Maybe if I used the same Email address that I have used for the account they would block the commision.
Yes I was buying via affiliate links for a while, as I always assumed it's normal practice, unless otherwise stated.
However, I would say 25% of my own purchases, never tracked (mostly on TD). I never pursued them, as anyway had a little shy feeling of "wrongdoing" and always thought merchants didn't attribute that commission only because they didn't want to honour affiliate's own transaction.
Now I realize it's not the case and all untracked sales are purely to lousy tracking, so I will be starting to demand them every time.
Last week I ordered some hardware from Ebuyer (TD) in two orders, both of them were tracked but after a couple of days Ebuyer simply deleted them.
I've checked their terms but found nothing.
Affiliate links for own purchases..?
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