What is affiliate marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a way for websites to earn revenue by referring visitors to retailers. Here is how it works on our site:
- We partner with retailers and affiliate networks who want to promote their products.
- We publish deal links that contain a unique tracking code identifying our site.
- When you click one of our links and make a qualifying purchase, the retailer records that the visit came from TheTopDeal.
- The retailer pays us a commission— typically a percentage of the sale price— for the referral.
- You pay the same price you would have paid anyway. Our commission comes from the retailer’s marketing budget, not from a surcharge to you.
FTC compliance statement
This disclosure is provided in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, 16 CFR Part 255. The FTC requires that websites disclose when they have a “material connection” to the products they recommend. The commissions we earn are a material connection, and we disclose this relationship here and on every page of our site that contains affiliate links.
Our principles
- Honest curation. We feature deals because they offer genuine savings— not because they generate higher commissions. Commission rates do not dictate which deals we feature.
- No fake discounts. We display prices and discount percentages as provided by retailers. We do not inflate original prices to make discounts appear larger than they are.
- Transparent links. Our “Get deal” and “View deal” buttons are affiliate links. Clicking them may set a tracking cookie that attributes your purchase to us.
- No hidden paid placements. We do not accept payment from retailers to feature specific deals, and we do not receive free products in exchange for placements without disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Does using your affiliate links cost me anything extra?
No. You pay the same price the retailer charges every other customer. Our commission comes from the retailer’s marketing budget. In some cases, affiliate programs offer exclusive deals that may actually save you money.
Are your deals sponsored or paid placements?
Our deals are curated based on discount percentage, brand recognition, and value to our readers. We do not accept payment for specific deal placements. All deal links are affiliate links— we earn a commission if you purchase.
What happens if I return an item purchased through your link?
Returns are handled entirely between you and the retailer according to the retailer’s own return policy. A return may result in our commission being reversed by the retailer, but this has no bearing on your refund.
Where else is this disclosure shown on the site?
In addition to this page, our affiliate relationship is disclosed in the site footer, in our Privacy Policy, and in our Terms of Use. A disclosure notice appears on every page containing affiliate links.
Questions?
Email us at contact@thetopdeal.com or visit our contact page.