If you operate an affiliate program or promote consumer products/services as an affiliate, you’ll want to disclose affiliate status to prospects to avoid getting trouble with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other government consumer protection agencies.
Why is this important?
So prospective purchasers have key information needed to make an informed decision whether or not to buy.
What if you don’t get paid for promoting? You still need to disclose material connections to the product/service being promoted.
Examples of material connections include:
* You’re promoting because you’re friends or related to the vendor
* The vendor has agreed to cross-promote for you as part of a deal
* You’re employed by or own stock in the company whose products/services you’re promoting
Again, the common theme is providing essential facts so prospective buyers can make informed purchasing decisions.
If you need help with an affiliate program agreement or otherwise complying with disclosure laws, it’s probably time to schedule a phone consultation with Business Marketing Lawyer Mike Young.
