Oh no - Lousiana!
I just got an email that Amazon no longer can offer the associates program in Louisiana due to some type of new tax legislation - I'm wondering if this will spread but I feel bad for anyone there who built up a website with Amazon links!
If that's you, big cyber-hug and hopefully it's a short term issue! How unfair!
If it's any consolation - they do offer the lowest commissions so hopefully you can find better deals elsewhere.
Best-
Maria
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That's sad. Unfortunately, other states can follow suit on things like this. The bigger something is like Amazon, the more it will be hit in a sick economy. Watch where you put your links and be prepared
Yes - I'm in Louisiana, too and got the same email 2 weeks ago. We've our grand legislatures and new governor to thank. Sometimes, I think they believe their own billing (pardon the pun) and think they are "leaders" when in fact they are "representatives" of the people. Such a shame. But in all truth, the Internet is bigger than the state government so they will not shut the entire operation down. Now it's on to looking for higher paying affiliate products, which means we do better, too. It's just a slight hiccup (unless you're entire business is reliant upon Amazon).
yes - if you have a very very specific niche that only has products on amazon it can suck - but I think if you join programs like shareasale, rakuten and others that have much higher payouts you can benefit much more.
Nice to hear from another Louisianian! Also glad I'm not the only one who dislikes the new governor, but I guess that's not an appropriate conversation for this site (Even if it is a true one! ;) ).
Let me know if you find any better affiliate programs out there - In my post, I received a ton of awesome tips from people, but the more the merrier.
Think there are about Five States that don't have sales tax perhaps set up shop there. It's going to be an ongoing issue as state and federal government eye up possible tax capture opportunities. Thank you for bringing this to our attention Maria. Amazon mite just be flexing it's muscles.
ugh yeah - I mean doing amazon tax accountability is a bit complicated too - I think there are programs out there like taxjar that help but it's a mess.
yes I just feel bad for those that already have sites full of amazon links - all that hard work!!
Amazon associates just killed my potential. Yup. It sucks. Amazon has already hit a few other states in the US. Honestly, it feels a lot like some sort of strange blackmail or something. Amazon did not need to cancel the affiliate program for Louisiana, they are allowing Louisiana-based actual Amazon sellers to operate here just fine. It's like they did it just to get the government to make changes, which is not a good thing - Playing with people's livelihoods is very bad for business.
Anyway, I'm sure most LA-based affiliates know this by now, but all they need to do is re-register under a different address (Friends or family in a different state) and switch all the affiliate links.
oh you wrote a post too - I just got that email with some changes to policies blah blah - I'm not there but what a drag!
that reminds me I had actually made commissions with amazon associates and they disqualified my account without a warning - and I lost those sales - I called them and I spoke to someone saying "We put a lot of hard work into creating content - you should give a warning or explain and allow us to make any necessary corrections - this would be better relations - as we're making sales for you!" - he said "I'll be sure to tell the powers that be - thank you" - lol - yeah big company - monopolies have disadvantages
LOL that's too funny, I hope he actually did tell his superiors. I totally agree. What really depresses me about the whole situation is just that - the lack of warning..Very not cool. We are driving them traffic and sales, and that's how they treat us. As a customer, I've had nothing but good experiences with amazon. As a worker (On amazon turk) and as an affiliate, things haven't been as smooth!
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Hi Maria, that is so bad! Yes I do feel it can have an affect with other states as well, I do believe.
Thank you for opening our eye's to something that can affect us.
Take care,
Linda :)