Affiliate Disclosure
Last updated: August 16, 2025
FTC Disclosure Requirement
This page contains affiliate links. We earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. This disclosure complies with FTC guidelines for online advertising.
What Are Affiliate Links?
Affiliate links are special tracking URLs that allow us to earn a commission when you make a purchase after clicking through from our website. These links do not change the price you pay for any product or service.
Our Affiliate Partnerships
Amazon Associates Program
Official Amazon Disclosure:
"Smart Pick is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com."
What this means:
- When you click on Amazon product links on our site, you'll be taken to Amazon.com
- If you make a purchase within 24 hours, we may earn a small commission (typically 1-10% depending on product category)
- The price you pay remains exactly the same
- You get the same Amazon customer service, returns policy, and Prime benefits
- We use our Amazon Associate tag: smartpick04-20
Other Affiliate Programs
We may also participate in other affiliate marketing programs from time to time, including:
- Other major retailers and e-commerce platforms
- Technology and software companies
- Service providers relevant to our content
All such relationships will be clearly disclosed on relevant pages and in accordance with FTC guidelines.
How We Choose Products to Review
Our Editorial Promise
Our affiliate relationships do not influence our product recommendations, reviews, or rankings. We maintain complete editorial independence and provide honest, unbiased opinions.
Our Review Process
- Research-Based: We research products based on popularity, user reviews, expert opinions, and market trends
- Data-Driven: Our rankings are based on objective criteria including ratings, reviews, features, and value
- User-Focused: We prioritize what's best for our readers, not what earns the highest commission
- Transparent: We clearly identify affiliate links and sponsored content when present
Commission Structure
Amazon Associates Commission Rates (as of 2024):
| Product Category | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| Electronics & Accessories | 2.5% |
| Home & Kitchen | 4.0% |
| Health & Personal Care | 4.5% |
| Sports & Outdoors | 3.0% |
| Other Categories | 1.0% - 10.0% |
Commission rates are subject to change by Amazon and may vary based on product category and volume. Current rates can be found on the Amazon Associates website.
Your Privacy and Data
When you click on affiliate links:
- We may receive information about your click (but not your personal information)
- The retailer may track your visit using cookies
- Purchase information is shared with us in aggregate form only
- We never receive your personal information, payment details, or specific purchase history
How Affiliate Income Supports Our Site
Revenue from affiliate partnerships helps us:
- Maintain and improve our website
- Research and test new products
- Create high-quality content and reviews
- Keep our service free for users
- Invest in better tools and technology
Identifying Affiliate Links
We make it easy to identify affiliate content:
- Clear Labeling: Product links are clearly marked
- Disclosure Boxes: Prominent disclosure notices on relevant pages
- Button Text: Buttons like "View on Amazon" indicate affiliate links
- URL Structure: Affiliate links contain tracking parameters
Non-Affiliate Recommendations
Not all our recommendations are affiliate links. We also provide:
- Direct links to manufacturer websites
- References to local retailers
- Free resources and tools
- Educational content with no commercial intent
International Visitors
While our primary affiliate partnerships are with US-based programs, international visitors may:
- Be redirected to their local Amazon store
- See different products or prices based on their location
- Experience different affiliate terms based on local regulations
Updates to This Disclosure
This disclosure may be updated as we:
- Join new affiliate programs
- Change existing partnerships
- Adapt to new regulations
- Improve our transparency practices
Questions About Affiliate Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Do affiliate links cost me more?
No, you pay the exact same price whether you use our affiliate link or go directly to the retailer.
Can I opt out of affiliate links?
Yes, you can visit the retailer directly by searching for the product. However, this doesn't support our site's operations.
Do you only recommend products that earn commissions?
No, we recommend the best products regardless of commission potential. Many of our recommendations don't earn us any money.
How much do you earn from affiliate links?
This varies widely based on the product category and volume of purchases, but it's typically a small percentage of the purchase price.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our affiliate relationships or this disclosure, please contact us:
Smart Pick
Email: affiliate@smartpick.com
Subject: Affiliate Disclosure Questions
Our Commitment
We are committed to transparency, honesty, and providing value to our readers. Our affiliate relationships allow us to continue providing free, high-quality content while maintaining complete editorial independence.