Affiliate Disclosure

Effective Date: October 8, 2025
Last Updated: October 8, 2025

Our Commitment to Transparency

At AnthonyBahn.com, we believe in complete transparency with our readers. This Affiliate Disclosure explains our relationship with the products, services, and companies we write about, how we may earn income from this site, and how we maintain editorial integrity.

Bottom Line Up Front: This website contains affiliate links, which means we may earn commissions when you click on certain links and make purchases. These commissions help support the site and allow us to continue providing free, quality content. However, these relationships never influence our honest opinions, reviews, or recommendations.

Home / Affiliate Disclosure

What Are Affiliate Links?

The Basics

Affiliate links are special tracking links that allow companies to identify when a customer came from our website. When you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, the merchant pays us a small commission (typically 3-10% of the purchase price, though this varies by program and product).

Here's how it works:

You read one of our reviews or articles
You click on a link to a product or service we've mentioned
You make a purchase on the merchant's website
The merchant tracks that you came from our site using the special link
The merchant pays us a commission for the referral
You pay the same price you would have paid anyway—affiliate commissions do NOT increase your cost

No Additional Cost to You

This is critically important: Affiliate commissions are paid by the merchant, not by you. Whether you use our affiliate link or go directly to a company's website, you will pay exactly the same price. The only difference is that using our link allows us to earn a small commission that helps support this site.

In some cases, we may even be able to share exclusive discount codes or special offers that can save you money.

Types of Affiliate Relationships

We participate in various types of affiliate and advertising programs:

Direct Affiliate Programs

We maintain direct affiliate relationships with many companies in the technology industry, including:

VPN Providers (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and others)
Smart Home Manufacturers (Philips Hue, LIFX, Ring, Nest, and others)
Technology Retailers (Best Buy, B&H Photo, Newegg, and others)
Consumer Electronics Brands (various manufacturers)
Software Companies (productivity tools, security software, and applications)

When we link directly to these companies' websites, we typically use affiliate tracking links.

Amazon Associates Program

AnthonyBahn.com 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:

Many of our product links direct to Amazon.com
We earn a small commission (typically 1-4%) when you purchase items through Amazon affiliate links
The commission applies not just to the specific item we linked to, but to anything you purchase during that Amazon session (typically 24 hours)
You still get Amazon Prime benefits, regular pricing, and all standard Amazon features
Amazon provides us with product images, specifications, and pricing data that we may use in our reviews

Affiliate Networks

We also participate in affiliate networks that manage relationships with multiple merchants:

Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate)
ShareASale
Impact Radius
Rakuten Advertising
PartnerStack
Other affiliate networks

These networks provide tracking, reporting, and payment processing for our affiliate relationships with many companies.

Advertising Networks

We may display advertisements through networks such as:

Google AdSense – Contextual ads related to our content
Media.net – Contextual advertising platform
Other display advertising networks

These ads may be targeted based on the content you're viewing, your browsing history, or other factors. See our Privacy Policy for more information about how advertising works.

Product Samples and Review Units

Companies sometimes provide us with free products or review units for evaluation purposes. When this occurs:

We clearly disclose in the review that we received the product for free
We are under no obligation to write positive reviews
We return or keep review units according to our agreement with the company
Free products do not influence our opinions or ratings

Our Editorial Policy and Independence

How We Maintain Integrity

While affiliate relationships help fund this site, they do NOT influence our opinions, reviews, or recommendations. Here's how we maintain editorial independence:

We Test Personally: Whenever possible, we personally test products before reviewing them. We spend our own time evaluating features, performance, and real-world usage.

We Tell the Truth: If a product has flaws, we'll tell you—even if it costs us affiliate commissions. Our reputation with readers is worth more than any individual sale.

We Compare Alternatives: We don't just recommend one option. Our articles typically compare multiple products, including ones that don't have affiliate programs, to help you make informed decisions.

We Update Content: When products change, prices shift, or better alternatives emerge, we update our content to reflect current information—even if it means recommending a different product.

We Consider Your Needs: We recommend products based on different use cases, budgets, and priorities—not just the ones with the highest commission rates.

We Say No: We turn down partnerships with companies whose products don't meet our standards, regardless of potential earnings.

What We Don't Do

We don't:

Recommend products we don't genuinely believe in
Hide flaws to protect affiliate relationships
Let commission rates dictate our recommendations
Accept payment for positive reviews (reviews are always honest)
Write reviews about products we haven't researched thoroughly
Mislead readers about product capabilities or limitations

Products Without Affiliate Programs

You'll notice that we review and recommend many products that don't offer affiliate commissions. We include these because they're genuinely the best option for certain users, not because they pay us.

This demonstrates our commitment to providing honest, comprehensive information rather than only promoting products that earn commissions.

Specific Affiliate Disclosures

VPN Reviews

Our VPN reviews and articles contain affiliate links to VPN services. The VPN industry is particularly competitive in affiliate marketing, often offering commissions ranging from $5-100+ per sale depending on the service and subscription length.

Important points about VPN affiliates:

Commission rates vary significantly between VPN providers
Some VPN companies offer very high commissions to encourage promotion
We maintain the same standards regardless of commission rates
We prioritize privacy, security, and performance over commission amounts
We regularly re-test VPNs and update our recommendations
See our comprehensive VPN guide for detailed, honest reviews

Smart Home Product Reviews

Smart home product links typically direct to Amazon, manufacturer websites, or specialty retailers. Commissions on these products generally range from 1-8% depending on the product category and merchant.

Smart home disclosure specifics:

Many products are available from multiple retailers with different commission rates
We typically link to retailers offering the best price and shopping experience
Installation complexity and compatibility are prioritized over commission rates
We test smart home products in real-world home environments when possible
Check our smart home planning guide for comprehensive advice

Technology and Gadget Reviews

Our technology reviews cover a broad range of products with varying affiliate programs:

Consumer electronics typically offer 1-5% commissions
Software and services may offer higher percentage commissions or flat fees
Accessories generally provide modest commissions
We prioritize recommending quality products regardless of commission structure

Comparison Articles

Articles comparing multiple products (e.g., "Best Smartphones of 2025") may include affiliate links to several or all products mentioned. We strive to:

Compare products objectively based on features, performance, and value
Include options at different price points
Consider various user needs and preferences
Update comparisons when new products launch or prices change

How Affiliate Income Supports This Site

Where the Money Goes

Affiliate commissions and advertising revenue support AnthonyBahn.com in several ways:

Content Creation: Research, testing, writing, and editing quality articles requires significant time. Affiliate income allows us to dedicate time to creating comprehensive content.

Product Testing: Purchasing products for testing (when review units aren't available) requires capital. Affiliate income helps fund these purchases.

Site Operations: Hosting, domain registration, security certificates, content delivery networks, and other technical infrastructure have ongoing costs.

Software and Tools: Analytics platforms, SEO tools, image editing software, and other resources help us create better content.

Site Improvements: Design updates, functionality enhancements, and user experience improvements require development resources.

Independence: Earning income through affiliates and advertising allows us to remain independent without selling the site or compromising editorial integrity.

Our Business Model

AnthonyBahn.com operates as an independent technology review site funded primarily through:

Affiliate commissions (primary revenue source)
Display advertising (supplemental revenue)
No investor funding or outside control
No paywall or subscription fees for readers

This model allows us to provide free content while maintaining independence from manufacturers, retailers, and investors who might influence our opinions.

FTC Compliance and Legal Requirements

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guidelines

The Federal Trade Commission requires disclosure of material connections between content creators and companies they write about. We comply with these requirements by:

Clear and Conspicuous Disclosure: This dedicated Affiliate Disclosure page is easily accessible from every page on our site.

In-Content Disclosure: When appropriate, we include disclosure statements within articles themselves, particularly in reviews and comparison articles.

Honesty in Advertising: We clearly distinguish between editorial content, sponsored content, and advertisements.

Truthful Claims: We don't make false or misleading claims about products or services, regardless of affiliate relationships.

Prominent Placement: Our disclosures are placed where readers will see them before clicking affiliate links or making purchase decisions.

Disclaimer Language

In addition to this dedicated disclosure page, you may see shorter disclosure statements in articles such as:

"This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase."
"As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases."
"We may receive compensation when you click links to products and services."
"Links to products may be affiliate links that help support this site."

These shorter disclosures point to this comprehensive page for full details.

Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does using affiliate links cost me more?
A: No, absolutely not. You pay the same price whether you use our affiliate link or go directly to the merchant's website. Affiliate commissions are paid by the merchant, not added to your purchase price.

Q: Are you really unbiased if you earn commissions?
A: We maintain strict editorial independence. While we earn commissions, we prioritize honest recommendations over maximizing revenue. We frequently recommend products with no affiliate programs and point out flaws in products that do offer commissions.

Q: Do you always use affiliate links?
A: Not always. Sometimes we link to sources, research, specifications, or other information that doesn't have affiliate programs. We also link to non-commercial resources and educational content.

Q: How much do you earn from affiliates?
A: Commission rates vary widely by product and program, typically ranging from 1-15% of purchase price. Some programs pay flat fees instead of percentages. We don't disclose specific earnings, but affiliate income is modest and covers site operating costs plus time invested in content creation.

Q: Do higher commission rates influence your recommendations?
A: No. We choose recommendations based on quality, features, value, and suitability for different users—not commission rates. You'll notice we often recommend Amazon (which has very low commissions) because the shopping experience and return policies benefit readers.

Q: What if I don't want to support the site through affiliates?
A: That's completely fine! You can:

Go directly to merchant websites instead of clicking our links
Use browser extensions that strip affiliate tracking
Search for products independently
Use ad blockers (though we'd appreciate whitelisting us if you find our content valuable)

Q: Do you review products just to earn commissions?
A: No. We choose review topics based on reader interest, market trends, and technology developments—not affiliate opportunities. Many of our most comprehensive articles cover products with no affiliate programs.

Q: Will you review products I suggest?
A: We welcome suggestions! However, we prioritize reviews based on multiple factors including reader interest, product significance, availability for testing, and editorial fit—not just affiliate opportunities.

Q: Are your ratings influenced by affiliate relationships?
A: Absolutely not. Products receive ratings based on objective testing, feature analysis, performance evaluation, and value assessment. Affiliate status has zero impact on ratings or recommendations.

Q: Do you get free products from companies?
A: Sometimes companies provide review units or samples. We always disclose this in reviews. Receiving free products doesn't obligate us to positive reviews or influence our opinions.

Q: What about products you don't recommend—do those have affiliate links too?
A: Sometimes yes. In comparison articles or "products to avoid" discussions, we may include affiliate links to all products discussed. However, we clearly indicate which products we recommend and which we don't.

Q: Can I trust your "Best of" lists?
A: Yes. Our comparison articles and "best of" lists are based on testing, research, and analysis—not commission rates. We include products at various price points and feature sets to serve different user needs, and we often recommend products with no affiliate programs.

Q: Do you only review products with affiliate programs?
A: No. Look through our content and you'll find many reviews and recommendations for products and services that don't offer affiliate commissions. If something is the best option for certain users, we'll recommend it regardless of whether we earn anything.

Changes to This Disclosure

We may update this Affiliate Disclosure from time to time to reflect:

New affiliate relationships
Changes to existing programs
New revenue streams
Updated FTC guidelines
Reader feedback

When we make significant changes, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this disclosure periodically.

Material changes will be announced through:

A notice on the homepage
Newsletter announcement (if you're subscribed)
Social media announcements (if applicable)

Additional Disclosures

Geographic Availability

Affiliate programs and commission rates may vary by country. Some affiliate links may not work for international visitors, or may direct to different regional versions of websites.

Prices and availability mentioned in our content reflect US markets unless otherwise specified.

Price and Availability

Prices, specifications, and product availability change frequently and are beyond our control. While we strive to keep information current:

Prices shown may not reflect current pricing
Products may become discontinued or unavailable
Specifications may change without notice
Commission rates may change without notice

Always verify current prices, features, and availability directly with merchants before making purchase decisions.

Seasonal Variations

Affiliate commission rates sometimes vary based on:

Promotional periods (holidays, sales events)
Product categories (seasonal items)
Merchant inventory levels
Marketing campaigns

These variations don't influence our recommendations or content strategy.

Cookies and Tracking

Affiliate programs use cookies and tracking technologies to credit us with referrals. When you click affiliate links:

Cookies may be placed on your device
Your browsing may be tracked on merchant websites
Some programs track purchases for 24 hours to 30+ days after clicking

See our Privacy Policy for more information about cookies and tracking. You can block affiliate cookies through browser settings or extensions, though this prevents us from earning commissions on your purchases.

Contact Us About Affiliate Relationships

We welcome questions, concerns, or feedback about our affiliate relationships and disclosures.

Contact Information:

Email: me@anthonybahn.com

Subject Line: Please use "Affiliate Disclosure Question" for fastest response

Mailing Address:
Anthony Bahn
Houston, Texas
United States

Response Time: We typically respond within 5-7 business days.

What to Contact Us About

Feel free to reach out regarding:

Questions about specific affiliate relationships
Concerns about disclosure practices
Suggestions for improving transparency
Reports of broken affiliate links
Questions about specific products or recommendations
Requests for clarification on any aspect of this disclosure

What We Cannot Do

Please understand that we cannot:

Provide technical support for products we review (contact manufacturers)
Guarantee commission amounts or rates
Honor price matching or special discounts
Process returns or exchanges (handled by merchants)
Provide personalized product recommendations via email (our articles serve this purpose)

Summary and Commitment

Our Promise to You

We promise to:

✓ Be transparent about all affiliate relationships and revenue sources
✓ Maintain editorial independence regardless of affiliate status
✓ Provide honest reviews even when it costs us commissions
✓ Disclose clearly when content contains affiliate links
✓ Update content to reflect current information and better options
✓ Prioritize readers over affiliate earnings
✓ Test thoroughly before making recommendations
✓ Consider alternatives including non-affiliate options
✓ Comply fully with FTC guidelines and legal requirements
✓ Respond openly to questions and concerns

Why Trust Us

You can trust AnthonyBahn.com because:

We're independent – No corporate ownership or investor influence
We're transparent – Complete disclosure of all affiliate relationships
We're honest – We point out flaws and recommend alternatives
We're consistent – The same standards apply to all products
We're experienced – Years of reviewing technology products
We're accessible – We respond to reader questions and concerns
We're committed – Long-term reputation matters more than short-term earnings

Your Role

As a reader, you can:

Read this disclosure to understand our business model
Ask questions if anything is unclear
Make informed decisions about using affiliate links
Choose whether to support the site through affiliate purchases
Hold us accountable to these standards
Provide feedback on our content and recommendations

Legal Notice

This Affiliate Disclosure is part of our overall Terms of Service and should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

By using this website, you acknowledge that:

You have read and understood this Affiliate Disclosure
You understand that we may earn commissions from affiliate links
You understand that affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content
You agree to our disclosure practices as outlined above

This disclosure is provided to comply with the Federal Trade Commission's requirements regarding online advertising and affiliate marketing relationships.

Last Updated: October 8, 2025

Thank you for taking the time to understand how AnthonyBahn.com operates and earns revenue. Your trust is our most valuable asset, and we're committed to maintaining it through transparency, honesty, and quality content.

If you have any questions about this disclosure or our affiliate practices, please don't hesitate to contact us at me@anthonybahn.com.

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Quick Reference

In Short:

We use affiliate links and may earn commissions on purchases
You pay the same price whether you use our links or not
Affiliate relationships don't influence our honest opinions
We comply fully with FTC disclosure requirements
We're committed to transparency and editorial independence

Contact: me@anthonybahn.com for questions

Compliance: FTC 16 CFR Part 255 (Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising)

This Affiliate Disclosure is designed to provide complete transparency about our business relationships and revenue sources. It should be reviewed by legal counsel to ensure compliance with FTC guidelines and applicable laws in your jurisdiction. This document may need customization based on specific affiliate programs and business practices.