During the holidays, I spent a significant amount of time looking at deal sites that offered promo codes for misc items. I saved a TON on my holiday shopping, was exposed to unique gift ideas, and bought way too much. If you've ever been a deal shopper, the hunt is addictive. But also time consuming! However, I figured, there are SO many Amazon Affiliates out there, why not give it a shot, and so I did.
The process for Amazon goes like this....you have to fill out an application, and then they give you temporary approval for seven days, and then they review your site, and in many cases, ding you for small issues and shut you down. I've read lots of other reviews on it (because we all know I over research when I am interested) and found the main things to watch out for - make sure you identify yourself as an affiliate everywhere, take down posts once the deal is no longer valid, use a URL shortener that still identifies the site is taking you to an Amazon posting, and on and on. One of the pages I follow, the girl was owed $3000 and wasn't going to get paid for it because a "large" item that yielded a 10% return that thousands purchased, she had not taken down the posting or notified her followers that it was a "dead deal" when Amazon looked at her page. So she didn't get that huge payout she was expecting. I poured over the TOS and made sure I was in compliance, constantly changing my posting "template" and ensuring I was in compliance, b/c that was not something I wanted to happen to me.
This morning I woke up to an account cancellation letter. My downfall? I did not have 500 followers. The letter told me I would still get paid for any purchases made under my account, however, they instantly locked me out of the account so I am unable to review what is actually owed to me. The letter they provided was generic and did not include any reporting to show what I was owed. Seems shady to me. However, I was invited to reapply once I reach 500 followers.
Don't get me wrong, I love Amazon. I've been a loyal shopper for 10 years, I am an Amazon Flex delivery driver and love getting my orders the next day. But I have heard the stories of their policies and their tactics and am routinely a little hesitant (I recently learned that their "Amazon Basics" line is comprised of items that they tracked sales for the "big" manufacturer's on to see if it was worth it, once they see the sales are significant, their teams develop a near identical product and undercut the other manufacturers. Brilliant, but shady to use that data. Ahh, data is everywhere).
I will say that the Amazon Affiliate website is garbage. For a company as large as it is, the lists you have to dig through of promo codes to offer your readers anything that 1) has reviews b) isn't coming from a random store called "7777" or "BuyMe55" c) has sizing that isn't Asian and is going to show up the size of a doll's outfit and d) isn't marked up massively so they can offer am 80% discount is a full time job, due to poor organization. Sellers can mark the items under any category they want (clothing under electronics? kitchen items under clothing?), and post the same item 50 times with different promo codes. There is no preview picture and the same sellers might be notorious for crappy clothes but great electronics. It's a chaotic free for all.
Regardless, it was a learning experience, I love a good learning experience. But, my time with Amazon as an affiliate is over. That doesn't mean I am done with the blog though, there are so many great deals out there that I would love to share with you all, because it's fun. But I also will be focusing more on individual content....stories, recipes, etc. So stay tuned :)
Friday, January 10, 2020
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
A gentle reminder about the New Year...
Please, keep this in mind...you have survived 100% of your worst days.
New Years Resolutions
Ahh, it's a New Year and people are rushing to make their resolutions...promises we intend to keep but (most of us) fail miserably within about a week. Oh well, there is always 2021 to try again!
Have you ever made a resolution that you actually kept? I've done it once. About 7 years ago I made the vow to swear off french fries and all deep fried potato product. My intention wasn't to starve myself of french fries - the intention was to make me make more thoughtful food choices when I was in a hurry. No french fries = no value meals at most fast food places. It gave me pause...I was more likely to get myself a Jr cheeseburger and a cup of water and be equally satisfied, if I was taking that deep fried side dish out of the equation. I actually kept this up for 21 months! I was very proud of myself - however, my downfall was a fateful day at Arby's having lunch with my mom....their curly fries just called my name. One simple craving ended my 21 months of strength!
My resolution for the past few years has been consistent - Think more about being thoughtful. It's one of my favorite statements (along with "Today is a good day for a good day") and really puts kindness into a simple thought. We all need to be thinking on a daily basis, what can I do that is thoughtful and kind to those around me? I'm not talking grand gestures or even things that cost any money...no need to buy the coffee for the person in line behind you (unless that's your passion, then go for it). My favorite "simple" act is when I am in a parking lot and I see a single mom, loading her kids into the car, I typically offer to take her cart back to the corral. Mom's are busy AF, and most don't like walking 25 yards away from their kids to return the cart. Simple, thoughtful, appreciated. I go beyond this concept, but that's just an example of how easy it can be.
So, I challenge you to include this into your daily life. Share with me, what have you done today to be thoughtful to someone around you?
Have you ever made a resolution that you actually kept? I've done it once. About 7 years ago I made the vow to swear off french fries and all deep fried potato product. My intention wasn't to starve myself of french fries - the intention was to make me make more thoughtful food choices when I was in a hurry. No french fries = no value meals at most fast food places. It gave me pause...I was more likely to get myself a Jr cheeseburger and a cup of water and be equally satisfied, if I was taking that deep fried side dish out of the equation. I actually kept this up for 21 months! I was very proud of myself - however, my downfall was a fateful day at Arby's having lunch with my mom....their curly fries just called my name. One simple craving ended my 21 months of strength!
My resolution for the past few years has been consistent - Think more about being thoughtful. It's one of my favorite statements (along with "Today is a good day for a good day") and really puts kindness into a simple thought. We all need to be thinking on a daily basis, what can I do that is thoughtful and kind to those around me? I'm not talking grand gestures or even things that cost any money...no need to buy the coffee for the person in line behind you (unless that's your passion, then go for it). My favorite "simple" act is when I am in a parking lot and I see a single mom, loading her kids into the car, I typically offer to take her cart back to the corral. Mom's are busy AF, and most don't like walking 25 yards away from their kids to return the cart. Simple, thoughtful, appreciated. I go beyond this concept, but that's just an example of how easy it can be.
So, I challenge you to include this into your daily life. Share with me, what have you done today to be thoughtful to someone around you?
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Where are you at emotionally with your weight? I currently am on a journey to lose weight, but haven't been 100% taking it too seriously...
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Ahh, it's a New Year and people are rushing to make their resolutions...promises we intend to keep but (most of us) fail miserably withi... -
During the holidays, I spent a significant amount of time looking at deal sites that offered promo codes for misc items. I saved a TON on m...