Affiliate Disclosure
Transparency is important to us. Here is exactly how we keep AssistIndependence free and independent.
The Short Version
AssistIndependence is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. This is how we keep the site running and our recommendations free. We never let affiliate relationships influence which products we recommend.
How AssistIndependence Is Supported
We believe in being upfront about how we make money so that you can trust the information and recommendations we provide.
AssistIndependence earns revenue primarily through affiliate partnerships with major retailers. When you click a product link on our site and make a purchase, the retailer pays us a small commission for the referral. This commission comes from the retailer's marketing budget, not from your pocket. The price you pay is exactly the same whether you use our link or navigate directly to the retailer's website.
These commissions help us cover the costs of:
- Researching and analyzing thousands of customer reviews
- Writing and updating our product recommendations and guides
- Maintaining and improving the website
- Keeping all of our content free for everyone
Does This Affect Our Recommendations?
No. Our product selections are based entirely on real customer reviews and ratings — never on affiliate commission rates or sponsorships.
Here is how we ensure our recommendations stay honest:
- We recommend what we would want for our own families, period
- A product that pays a 2% commission is evaluated exactly the same as one that pays 8%
- Commission rates never influence our rankings or which products earn "Top Pick" status
- We regularly recommend products even when the commission is minimal or nonexistent
We do not accept paid placements, sponsored product reviews, or any form of payment in exchange for a recommendation. Every product featured on our site earned its place through real customer feedback, not because a manufacturer paid us.
How Affiliate Links Work
When you click a product link on our site:
- You are taken to the retailer's website (like Amazon)
- A small tracking cookie is placed that identifies the referral came from us
- If you make a purchase, the retailer pays us a percentage of the sale
- You pay the same price you would have paid without using our link
The commission is paid by the retailer, not by you. It is simply a way for retailers to compensate publishers who help connect customers with products.
Our Affiliate Partners
We participate in the following affiliate programs:
- Amazon Associates: Our primary affiliate partner. Most product links on our site lead to Amazon. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
We may partner with additional reputable retailers in the future. Any new affiliate relationships will be disclosed here.
How to Identify Affiliate Links
We make it easy to identify when a link is an affiliate link:
- Button labels: Buttons like "Check Price on Amazon" or "View on Amazon" are affiliate links
- Micro-disclosures: Near affiliate links, you will see text that reads: "As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases"
- Link attributes: All affiliate links include
rel="nofollow sponsored"in the HTML, which tells search engines that the link is a paid relationship
We want you to always know when a link is an affiliate link so you can make informed decisions about where and how you shop.
What We Will Never Do
To maintain your trust, we commit to the following:
- We will never accept payment for a product placement. Manufacturers cannot pay to be featured on our site.
- We will never let commission rates influence rankings. Products are ranked by customer feedback, not affiliate payouts.
- We will never hide product limitations. If reviewers consistently mention a problem, we mention it too.
- We will never create fake urgency. If a price or deal is time-limited, it is because the retailer set that limit, not us.
- We will never recommend a product we would not trust for our own families.
Our Promise to You
- We will never recommend a product we would not want for our own family
- Commission rates never influence our rankings or recommendations
- We base all recommendations on real customer reviews from verified buyers
- We update our content regularly to reflect current ratings and availability
- We clearly label all affiliate links throughout the site
- We are transparent about how we make money
Learn More About Our Process
For a detailed explanation of how we select products, analyze reviews, and determine our recommendations, visit our How We Rate Products page.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The price you pay is exactly the same whether you use our link or go directly to the retailer's website. Affiliate commissions are paid by the retailer, not by you.
Absolutely not. Our product recommendations are based entirely on customer review analysis. A product that pays a 2% commission is evaluated exactly the same as one that pays 8%. Commission rates never influence our rankings or featured picks.
Affiliate commissions allow us to keep AssistIndependence free for everyone. The revenue supports our research, site maintenance, and content creation. Without affiliate partnerships, we would need to charge for access or accept paid product placements, which we refuse to do.
Of course. The best way to support us is simply to share our site with friends and family who might find it helpful. Word of mouth helps us reach more people who could benefit from our recommendations.
Questions?
If you have any questions about our affiliate relationships or how we choose products, please do not hesitate to reach out.