Affiliate Disclosure
In 2015, the Federal Trade Commission released their new rules for Disclosure Compliance. These rules are set to ensure that readers or viewers of web media (blogs, YouTube videos, etc.) know if the blogger/presenter is sponsored, endorsed, or partnered with a different company. In blog terms, the readers need to know if the blogger is making money by sharing a link or product.
Affiliate Disclosure at Commute Tales
This article explains how I handle affiliate links on Commute Tales. I follow guidelines that help readers understand the relationship between the site and affiliate partners. When an affiliate link is on my site, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. My goal is to be open about how I support the site while providing useful travel insights.
Understanding Affiliate Links
Affiliate links connect you to third-party sites when you click a hyperlink on Commute Tales. If you decide to make a purchase after clicking these links, I receive a small reward from the sale. This does not change the price you pay. Affiliate links do not cost you extra money when purchasing items from other sites.
My guidelines align with trusted practices provided by the Federal Trade Commission. I want you to know that while I earn a commission, my reviews and travel tips are based on genuine experience and research.
Types of Affiliate Links on Commute Tales
I use different types of affiliate programs. This includes links to large retail platforms and specific product partners that match the content on Commute Tales. Here is some information about these programs:
Retail Affiliate Programs
Commute Tales uses links that take you to retailers with special affiliate codes. For example, if you click a link and buy an item, I get a small percentage of the sale. These links are embedded naturally in content that relates directly to the travel topics discussed on this site. When you browse product suggestions on Commute Tales, you may find these links clearly indicated as affiliate links. I always ensure the prices remain the same whether you use the affiliate link or go directly to the retailer’s website.
Amazon
commutetales.com participates 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 properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Anytime you see a link that looks like astore.com/… or amazon.com… it can be assumed that it is an Amazon affiliate link.
Product and Service Affiliates
Besides retail links, some links connect you to specific travel services and products. These can include travel guides, booking services, and specialized electronic accessories, which I have reviewed. The commission I earn from these links helps cover the costs of running Commute Tales, ensuring the content remains free and informative. I take care to select only those partners who align with the values and experiences I share on the site.
Information on Sponsored Content
I do not regularly post sponsored content on Commute Tales. If a post receives a sponsorship, I include a clear disclosure at the beginning of the article. This helps you tell when an article may have received direct support from a business. I focus on providing unbiased information, and I only include relevant promotions to my readers.
You can visit my website at Commute Tales for more details on guidelines and protocols. I think transparent communication is important, and I appreciate your trust in my travel insights and recommendations.
Your support through affiliate purchases helps me continue sharing practical travel stories and advice. Every purchase made via an affiliate link contributes to the ongoing creation of valuable content on Commute Tales while providing quality insights to the community.