Options for Amazon discounts refunds
Amazon has several refund or discount programs, and every time I buy something there—which is pretty often—I have to decide which one I'll use.
A few years ago, I set up a Flipgive account for a charitable organization I belong to. When I activate Amazon through Flipgive, my refund goes to the charity, towards building a new local hospital.
Then I discovered Rakuten, which lets me shop at Amazon and sends the disount to ME. That's pretty tempting, and that's what I've been dong lately.
Recently I have become involved with affiliate marketing, and I've got a few Amazon links on my business website. I've read that I won't get any commission for my own purchases made through my own affiliate links, but apparently I could partner with someone else and we'd buy stuff through each other's sites.
I wonder whether anyone knows: are the Amazon refunds through Rakuten any more, or less, than the affiliate commission someone else would earn if I bought through their affiliate link?
Recent Comments
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Hi - I had not heard of the Rakuten rebate scheme, but having looked it up, it appears that you can get as much as 40% cashback.
As an Amazon Associate, the commission varies, depending on what category the product falls into. It can be as little as 1%, and the maximum is 8%.
Here is Amazon's policy on other people buying through your links:
"you will not permit, request or encourage any of your friends, relatives, employees, contractors, or business relations to directly or indirectly purchase any product".
Thanks, Diane. I need to go back and read all the Amazon material. I’ve been too distracted by everything on this site! The beauty of Rakuten is that it partners with many online retailers, not just Amazon. But I’ve never seen Amazon offer more than 5% there.
Actually, that Amazon prohibition is a bit ridiculous. How can I not PERMIT all those people to buy stuff from me?
Hi - yes, Amazon is notorious for having a lot of strict rules. However, there are members here who have not received a commission as the purchases were made by friends or relatives, despite the fact that they could see no way in which Amazon knew this.
And, of course, the commission is incredibly low. I recently sold a mobile phone for £217, and my commission was just £1.87.