Amazon Affiliate Commissions: Will You Get Credited for Different Formats?

As a new Amazon Associate, you might wonder: if you create a link for a hardcover book, and the customer makes a purchase of a paperback, Kindle, or audiobook, would you still receive the expected commission? This article discusses the nuances of the Amazon Affiliate program regarding commissions and different book formats.

Understanding How Amazon Affiliate Links Work

When you create an Amazon Affiliate link, you assume that the commission is tied to the specific product and format you link to. However, Amazon's affiliate program is designed to be flexible, ensuring that if a customer uses your link to make any qualifying purchase within a certain timeframe, you can still receive the commission.

Automatic Format Redirection and Affiliate ID

One issue you might encounter is that the item can be automatically redirected to the Kindle version of the book, regardless of the original format. In such cases, the Affiliate ID remains visible in the URL, which can provide some level of assurance. However, if a user changes the book option (e.g., from Kindle to Paperback or Hardcover), the URL refreshes, and the Affiliate ID can disappear.

Manual Format Change and Commission Deduction

The disappearance of the Affiliate ID after manually changing the format option raises questions about whether you would still receive a commission. While it's uncertain, it is worth noting that the Amazon Affiliate program generally allows for commissions on any qualifying purchase made within a certain time frame. Therefore, if a customer makes a purchase within 90 days of clicking your link, regardless of the format, you should receive a commission.

How Amazon Handles Affiliate Link Bounces

Amazon's system places a cookie on the user's device when they click your affiliate link. If the user adds the desired item to their shopping cart within 24 hours, you will be credited for the commission. It's important to note that if the user clicks another affiliate's link after visiting your link but before adding the item to their cart, that affiliate will receive the commission.

Amazon's official statement regarding the 24-hour window is as follows:

You earn advertising fees on any qualifying items placed in a customers Shopping Cart within 24 hours of their arrival at via your Associates link. However, this 24-hour window closes once the customer submits his order or reenters through another Associates link. Once the window is closed you will not earn advertising fees on any subsequent purchases. However, if the customer then returns to through one of your Associates links this opens a new 24-hour window.

This means that if a customer accesses Amazon via your link, adds an item to their cart, and leaves without completing the purchase, you would still receive a referral fee if they purchase the item within 90 days, provided the shopping cart has not expired.

Key Takeaways for Amazon Associates

Commissions can be credited for any qualifying purchase, regardless of the format, as long as it is made within 90 days of clicking your affiliate link. The 24-hour window for tracking the purchase closes if another affiliate link is used during this period. Maintaining the integrity of your affiliate link and avoiding redirecting users to another affiliate's link can help ensure you receive your commissions.

Conclusion

While there are potential issues with making sure the Affiliate ID remains visible when changing book formats, the Amazon Affiliate program is designed to credit you for any qualifying purchase made within the specified timeframe, regardless of the item format. Understanding these nuances can help you maximize your earnings and avoid common pitfalls in affiliate marketing.

By closely following Amazon's policies and guidelines, you can better navigate the complexities of affiliate marketing and enhance your overall performance as an Amazon Associate.