Transparency About Our Affiliate Relationships and Earnings

Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Our Commitment to Transparency

At OilDiffuserExpert.com, we believe in complete transparency with our readers. This page explains how we earn income through affiliate marketing, how it works, and most importantly, how we maintain our editorial independence and integrity.

We want you to understand exactly how this website operates financially so you can trust that our recommendations are genuine and our reviews are honest.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a common way that informational websites like ours earn income while providing free content to readers. Here’s how it works in simple terms:

The Basic Process:

1. We join affiliate programs offered by retailers and brands
2. We receive unique tracking links to products
3. When you click our links and make a purchase, the retailer knows you came from our site
4. The retailer pays us a small commission (typically 3-10% of the sale price)
5. You pay exactly the same price – the commission comes from the retailer’s marketing budget

Important: You never pay extra because you used our link. The price is identical whether you find the product directly or through our website.

Affiliate Programs We Participate In

OilDiffuserExpert.com participates in several affiliate advertising programs:

Amazon Associates Program

We are 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.

When you click on Amazon product links on our website and make a purchase, we earn a small commission from Amazon at no additional cost to you. This includes:

• Essential oil diffusers
• Essential oils
• Diffuser accessories
• Related aromatherapy products
• Any other products purchased during that Amazon session

Amazon commission rates typically range from 1-4% depending on the product category.

ShareASale

We participate in the ShareASale affiliate network, which connects us with various brands and retailers in the home goods, wellness, and aromatherapy industries.

Through ShareASale, we may earn commissions from purchases made through links to participating merchant websites.

CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction)

We are members of CJ Affiliate, another major affiliate network that allows us to partner with established brands and retailers.

Products linked through CJ Affiliate merchants may earn us commissions when you make purchases.

Individual Brand Affiliate Programs

We also participate in affiliate programs directly with specific brands, including:

• Essential oil companies
• Diffuser manufacturers
• Aromatherapy product retailers
• Wellness and home goods brands

These direct partnerships allow us to offer you exclusive discounts and promotions while earning commissions on sales.

Other Affiliate Networks

We may participate in additional affiliate programs and networks not specifically listed here. All such relationships follow the same principles of transparency and editorial independence outlined in this disclosure.

How Affiliate Links Work on Our Site

Identifying Affiliate Links

Affiliate links on OilDiffuserExpert.com may appear as:

• Product links within article text
• “Buy on Amazon” or “Check Price” buttons
• Product comparison tables with pricing links
• Banner advertisements
• Product recommendation boxes
• Image links to products

Disclosure Statements: We include disclosure notices at the top of articles containing affiliate links, typically stating: “This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.”

What Triggers a Commission

We earn a commission when:

• You click an affiliate link on our site
• You make a purchase from that retailer (usually within 24 hours)
• The purchase is completed and not returned
• The retailer processes and approves the commission

We do NOT earn commissions from:

• Simply viewing our articles
• Clicking links but not purchasing
• Purchases made outside the tracking window
• Returned products (commissions are reversed)

Cookie Duration

Affiliate programs use cookies (small data files) to track referrals:

• Amazon: 24-hour cookie duration (if you purchase within 24 hours of clicking our link)
• Other Programs: Typically 30-90 days, varying by program
• Your Privacy: See our Privacy Policy for details on cookies and tracking

Our Editorial Independence

This is the most important section of this disclosure.

Our #1 Principle: Honesty First

Our editorial opinions are never influenced by affiliate commissions. We maintain strict separation between our affiliate relationships and our content decisions.

We will never:

• Recommend a product solely because it pays higher commissions
• Hide negative aspects of products to boost sales
• Rank products based on commission rates
• Give positive reviews to inferior products
• Suppress negative reviews of affiliate products
• Prioritize affiliate products over better non-affiliate alternatives

We always:

• Test products ourselves whenever possible
• Provide honest assessments of pros and cons
• Recommend the best products for specific needs regardless of commission
• Disclose when we haven’t personally tested something
• Update reviews if our opinions change over time
• Put reader trust above short-term profits

How We Choose Products to Review

Products are selected for review based on:

1. Popularity and demand – What our readers ask about
2. Innovation – New technologies or unique features
3. Value – Products that offer good performance at various price points
4. Reader requests – Specific products you want us to evaluate
5. Market representation – Covering diverse options across budgets and needs

Commission rates are NOT a factor in choosing what to review or recommend.

Testing and Review Process

Our review process is independent of affiliate relationships:

• We purchase most products at full retail price
• When we receive review units, this doesn’t influence our opinions
• Testing follows standardized procedures (see our About Us page)
• Reviews include both positive and negative findings
• We recommend competitors if they’re better options
• Low commission products can rank higher than high commission products

Real Examples of Our Independence

To demonstrate our commitment, here are real scenarios:

Scenario 1: We’ve recommended non-affiliate products when they’re superior to affiliate alternatives. Reader trust matters more than commission.

Scenario 2: We’ve given negative reviews to popular, high-commission products because they didn’t perform well in testing.

Scenario 3: We’ve recommended budget options that earn minimal commissions when they provide the best value.

Scenario 4: We’ve updated reviews to downgrade products when long-term testing revealed issues, even after earning commissions.

Commissions and Pricing

You Never Pay Extra

Critical point: Affiliate commissions do NOT increase the price you pay.

When you purchase through our affiliate links, you pay the exact same price as if you went directly to the retailer’s website. The commission comes from the retailer’s existing marketing budget – they allocate funds for advertising, and affiliate commissions are part of that allocation.

Example:

• Diffuser retail price: $50.00
• Price through our affiliate link: $50.00
• Your cost: $50.00
• Our commission (4%): $2.00 (paid by the retailer)
• Retailer receives: $48.00

How Commissions Support Our Work

The commissions we earn help support:

• Product purchases – Buying diffusers and oils for testing (typically $500-2000/month)
• Website hosting and maintenance – Keeping the site running smoothly
• Content creation – Research, writing, photography, and updates
• Testing equipment – Measuring tools, cameras, and testing supplies
• Staff time – Compensating writers and researchers
• Website improvements – New features and better user experience

Without affiliate income, we couldn’t provide free, comprehensive content to our readers.

Typical Commission Rates

For transparency, here are typical commission ranges:

• Amazon: 1-4% of product price
• Direct brand affiliates: 5-15% of product price
• Specialty retailers: 3-10% of product price

These rates are set by the affiliate programs, not by us. We accept the rates offered and focus on recommending the best products regardless of commission levels.

Advertising and Sponsored Content

Display Advertising

In addition to affiliate links, we display advertisements through:

• Google AdSense – Contextual ads based on content and visitor interests
• Other ad networks – Display and banner advertising

These ads are clearly marked and separate from our editorial content. We don’t control which specific ads appear, though we select ad networks carefully to maintain quality standards.

Sponsored Content Policy

Currently, OilDiffuserExpert.com does not publish sponsored content or paid product reviews.

If we ever publish sponsored content in the future:

• It will be clearly labeled as “Sponsored,” “Paid Partnership,” or similar
• We will maintain editorial independence in sponsored content
• We will only partner with brands we genuinely respect
• Sponsorship will not influence our honest opinions
• We will disclose the nature of the relationship prominently

We believe in keeping editorial and advertising separate.

Product Pricing and Availability

Price Accuracy

Prices displayed on our website:

• Are obtained from retailer APIs or manual checks
• May not reflect real-time changes
• Should be verified on the retailer’s website
• Are provided for informational purposes only
• May vary by location, promotions, or inventory

Always check the current price at the retailer before purchasing. We strive to keep prices updated, but cannot guarantee accuracy.

Product Availability

• Product availability changes frequently
• We cannot guarantee any product is in stock
• Discontinued products may still appear in older articles
• Contact retailers directly for current availability
• We update content regularly but some info may be outdated

Deals, Discounts, and Promotions

Exclusive Deals

We occasionally negotiate exclusive discounts or promotions for our readers through our affiliate partnerships. These may include:

• Discount codes
• Special pricing
• Bundle offers
• Limited-time promotions

When we share these deals:

• They are genuine discounts we’ve arranged or discovered
• We still earn affiliate commissions on these sales
• The discount benefits you, and the commission supports our work
• Offers are time-limited and subject to availability
• We clearly state expiration dates and terms

Our Recommendation: Compare Prices

We encourage you to:

• Shop around and compare prices
• Check multiple retailers
• Look for sales and promotions
• Read reviews from multiple sources
• Use any available discounts or cashback programs

If you find a better deal elsewhere, take it! Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, not necessarily to drive every purchase through our links.

Your Choice and Our Gratitude

Using Affiliate Links is Optional

You are never required to use our affiliate links. You can:

• Navigate directly to retailers
• Search for products yourself
• Use price comparison tools
• Shop wherever you prefer

We provide affiliate links for convenience, but your purchasing decisions are entirely yours.

If You Choose to Support Us

If you find our content helpful and choose to purchase through our affiliate links, we’re genuinely grateful. Your support allows us to:

• Continue creating free, comprehensive content
• Test more products
• Provide unbiased reviews
• Maintain editorial independence
• Improve the website and user experience

Every purchase helps, whether it’s a $15 budget diffuser or a $150 premium model. We appreciate your trust and support.

Other Ways to Support Us

If you want to support our work but aren’t currently shopping:

• Share our content – Recommend articles to friends and family
• Subscribe to our newsletter – Stay updated and engaged
• Leave feedback – Help us improve with your suggestions
• Follow on social media – Engage with our community
• Link to our articles – If you have a blog or website

Your engagement and trust are valuable even without purchases.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Compliance

Material Connection Disclosure

In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 255 (Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising), we disclose that we have a material connection with affiliate programs mentioned on this website.

What this means: We may receive compensation (in the form of commissions) when you click links and make purchases through those links. This relationship could potentially influence the recommendations we make.

How we handle this: We maintain editorial independence and provide honest reviews regardless of affiliate relationships. Our primary obligation is to our readers, not to affiliate programs.

Our Responsibilities Under FTC Guidelines

We comply with FTC guidelines by:

1. Clearly disclosing affiliate relationships – This page and article disclaimers
2. Providing honest opinions – Not influenced by commission potential
3. Being transparent – Explaining how we earn income
4. Updating disclosures – Keeping this page current
5. Prominent placement – Making disclosures easy to find

Your Rights as a Consumer

Under FTC guidelines, you have the right to:

• Know about material connections between reviewers and companies
• Understand when content creators earn income from recommendations
• Make informed decisions based on transparent information
• Report undisclosed affiliate relationships to the FTC

We respect these rights and strive to exceed FTC requirements for transparency.

Disclaimers and Limitations

No Guarantees

We make no guarantees about:

• Product performance or quality
• Suitability for your specific needs
• Commission earnings from specific products
• Product availability or pricing
• Merchant policies or customer service
• Manufacturer warranties or support

Product Changes

Manufacturers may:

• Change product specifications
• Discontinue models
• Modify designs or features
• Alter prices
• Update policies

Our reviews reflect products at the time of testing. Always verify current specifications before purchasing.

Third-Party Responsibility

We are not responsible for:

• Retailer policies (returns, shipping, customer service)
• Product defects or failures
• Manufacturer warranties
• Shipping delays or issues
• Payment processing or security
• Post-purchase support

Contact retailers and manufacturers directly for product-related issues.

Individual Results May Vary

Product experiences are subjective. What works well for us or other users may not work perfectly for you due to:

• Personal preferences
• Room sizes and layouts
• Air quality and ventilation
• Essential oil quality and types
• Usage patterns
• Environmental factors

Updates and Changes to This Disclosure

Regular Updates

We update this disclosure periodically to reflect:

• New affiliate partnerships
• Changes in programs or networks
• FTC guideline updates
• Policy modifications
• Reader feedback and questions

The “Last Updated” date at the top indicates the most recent revision.

Your Responsibility

Please review this disclosure periodically. Continued use of our website and affiliate links after updates indicates acceptance of the revised disclosure.

Notification of Major Changes

For significant changes to our affiliate practices, we may:

• Post notifications on our homepage
• Include updates in our newsletter
• Note changes in article disclaimers

Questions and Concerns

Contact Us

If you have questions about our affiliate relationships, this disclosure, or our editorial practices:

Email: contact@oildiffuserexpert.com Subject Line: “Affiliate Disclosure Question”

Partnerships and Business Inquiries: partnerships@oildiffuserexpert.com

Mailing Address: OilDiffuserExpert.com 1207 Delaware Avenue, Suite 167 Wilmington, DE 19806 United States

We’re Here to Help

We welcome:

• Questions about specific affiliate relationships
• Clarification requests about this disclosure
• Concerns about editorial independence
• Feedback about our transparency
• Suggestions for improvement

Your trust is our most valuable asset, and we take your concerns seriously.

Final Thoughts

At OilDiffuserExpert.com, we view affiliate marketing as a partnership between us, our readers, and retailers:

• For readers: Free, comprehensive content and honest recommendations
• For us: Sustainable income to continue creating quality content
• For retailers: Targeted traffic from informed, interested customers

This model works only when we maintain your trust through honesty, transparency, and editorial independence.

We’re committed to being upfront about how we earn income while providing genuine value through thorough testing, honest reviews, and helpful information.

Thank you for taking the time to read and understand our affiliate disclosure. Your trust means everything to us, and we work hard every day to deserve it.

Summary of Key Points

What you should know:

✓ We earn commissions when you purchase through our affiliate links ✓ You never pay extra – prices are identical to going directly to retailers
✓ Our editorial opinions are independent of affiliate relationships ✓ We disclose affiliate relationships clearly and prominently ✓ We comply fully with FTC guidelines ✓ You can support us by using our links, but it’s optional ✓ We’re transparent about how this website operates financially ✓ Reader trust is more valuable to us than any commission

Our promise to you:

✓ Honest reviews, even when they hurt sales ✓ Best recommendations, regardless of commission rates ✓ Clear disclosure of affiliate relationships ✓ Continuous commitment to editorial independence ✓ Respect for your intelligence and trust