Affiliate Disclosure

1. Introduction

Welcome to Hamidi Guide's Affiliate Disclosure. This document outlines our participation in affiliate marketing programs and explains how we generate revenue through affiliate links while maintaining our commitment to providing honest, unbiased content to our readers.

Our primary goal is to provide valuable, accurate, and helpful information to our readers. The existence of affiliate relationships does not influence our editorial content, product recommendations, or reviews.

2. What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing arrangement where a website (the "affiliate") earns commissions by promoting another company's products or services. When readers click on affiliate links and make purchases, the affiliate earns a commission from those sales.

2.1 The Affiliate Process

• Recommendation: We recommend products/services we believe will benefit our readers
• Affiliate Link: We provide special tracking links to the merchant's website
• Purchase: You click the link and make a purchase on the merchant's site
• Tracking: The merchant tracks the sale through cookies or other methods
• Commission: We receive a commission for facilitating the sale

2.2 Why We Participate

Affiliate marketing allows us to:

• Generate revenue to support our operations
• Keep our content free for readers
• Invest in creating high-quality content
• Maintain editorial independence
• Continue providing valuable resources

3. How It Works

3.1 Key Points to Understand

• No Price Increase: You pay the same price whether you use our link or go directly
• Sometimes Discounts: We often negotiate special discounts for our readers
• Limited Tracking Period: Commissions are typically tracked for 30-90 days
• Multiple Purchases: Some purchases within the tracking period may earn commission

4. Disclosure Requirements

We adhere to all legal disclosure requirements, including:

4.1 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guidelines

The FTC requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of material connections. We comply by:

• Placing disclosures where they're easily noticeable
• Using clear, unambiguous language
• Disclosing before affiliate links
• Using appropriate disclosure labels

4.2 Our Disclosure Methods

• Page Headers: Clear disclosures at the top of relevant pages
• Link Labels: "(Affiliate Link)" or similar labels where appropriate
• Banner Notices: Prominent notices on product review pages
• This Disclosure: Comprehensive disclosure on this page
• Footer Links: Easy access to this disclosure from every page

4.3 International Requirements

We also comply with international regulations, including:

• UK Consumer Protection Regulations
• EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
• Australian Consumer Law
• Canadian Competition Act requirements

5. Our Approach to Affiliate Marketing

5.1 Product Selection Criteria

Before promoting any product or service, we evaluate it based on:

• Quality: Product performance and reliability
• Value: Price relative to features and benefits
• Reputation: Company reputation and customer service
• Relevance: Alignment with our readers' needs
• Testing: Personal testing when possible
• Reviews: Analysis of customer feedback

5.2 Negative Reviews

We don't shy away from providing negative reviews when warranted. If we encounter products that don't meet our standards, we'll tell you honestly - even if we have an affiliate relationship with the company.

6. Commission Structure

6.1 Types of Commissions

We may earn commissions through various models:

• Percentage of Sale: Commission based on purchase price
• Flat Rate: Fixed amount per sale or lead
• Recurring Commissions: Ongoing payments for subscriptions
• Performance Bonuses: Additional bonuses for high performance

6.2 Typical Commission Rates

Commission rates vary widely by program and product category:

• Digital Products: 20-50% commission
• Physical Products: 1-10% commission
• Services: 10-30% commission
• Lead Generation: $5-$100 per qualified lead

6.3 What Doesn't Affect Commissions

Our commission structure does NOT affect:

• The price you pay for products
• Our editorial content or reviews
• Product placement within our content
• Our recommendation criteria

7. Our Transparency Promise

7.1 How We Maintain Transparency

• Clear Labeling: All affiliate links are clearly marked
• Upfront Disclosures: Disclosures appear before affiliate content
• Easy Access: This disclosure is linked from every page
• Honest Reviews: We share both pros and cons
• No Hidden Links: All affiliate relationships are disclosed

7.2 What We Don't Do

• We don't accept payment for positive reviews
• We don't hide affiliate links in images or buttons
• We don't promote products we wouldn't use ourselves
• We don't manipulate search rankings with affiliate links
• We don't engage in deceptive marketing practices

8. Your Rights as a Consumer

8.1 Right to Information

You have the right to know when we have a financial relationship with companies we mention. We respect this right through clear and prominent disclosures.

8.2 Right to Privacy

When you click affiliate links, you may be subject to the privacy policies of third-party merchants. We encourage you to review their policies before making purchases.

8.3 Right to Make Informed Decisions

Our disclosures are designed to help you make informed decisions about whether to click affiliate links and make purchases.

8.4 How to Avoid Affiliate Tracking

If you prefer not to support us through affiliate links:

• Type the merchant's URL directly into your browser
• Use incognito/private browsing mode
• Clear cookies before visiting merchant sites
• Use affiliate link blockers if available

While we appreciate your support through affiliate links, we understand and respect your choice to opt-out.

9. Affiliate Cookies & Tracking

9.1 How Tracking Works

When you click an affiliate link, a tracking cookie is typically placed on your device. This cookie:

• Identifies our website as the referral source
• Has a limited lifespan (usually 30-90 days)
• Tracks purchases made during the tracking period
• Does not contain personal information
• Is placed by the merchant, not by us

9.2 Cookie Duration

Typical cookie durations by program type:

• Amazon Associates: 24 hours
• Most Retail Programs: 30 days
• Digital Products: 60-90 days
• Subscription Services: Up to 120 days

9.3 Multiple Affiliate Links

If you click multiple affiliate links, the most recent cookie usually takes precedence. This means only the last affiliate clicked will receive credit for subsequent purchases.

9.4 Managing Cookies

You can manage or delete affiliate cookies through your browser settings. However, this may affect our ability to earn commissions from your purchases.

10. Affiliate Networks & Programs

10.1 Major Networks We Work With

We participate in several affiliate networks, including but not limited to:

• Amazon Associates Program
• ShareASale
• Commission Junction
• Rakuten Advertising
• Impact Radius
• Partnerize
• Various direct merchant programs

10.2 Program Requirements

Each affiliate program has its own terms and requirements. We comply with all program rules, including:

• Proper disclosure implementation
• Accurate product descriptions
• Compliance with promotional guidelines
• Adherence to trademark usage policies
• Following link usage restrictions

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about our affiliate disclosure or practices, please contact us:

We typically respond to affiliate-related inquiries within 2-3 business days.