Are you trying to figure out whether Amazon Associates or Impact will actually put more money in your pocket over time?
Amazon Vs Impact: Which Network Pays You More In The Long Run?
You want an answer that’s practical, not a slogan. You also want a plan you can follow without needing to imitate a CFO with three spreadsheets open and a panic smile. Let’s sort this out in a way that respects your time, your traffic, and your peaceful sleep.
The Short Answer (So You Can Breathe)
You’ll usually earn more with Impact in categories where brands offer higher commissions, longer cookies, and recurring payments (think SaaS, subscription boxes, premium DTC). You’ll often earn more with Amazon when you rely on high-converting impulse buys, broad product coverage, or you’re still warming up your audience’s trust.
The long-term winner depends on four things:
- Your audience’s buying behavior
- The types of products you recommend
- Conversion rates to each merchant
- Whether you can secure recurring or higher-percentage deals
If you love certainty: use a hybrid strategy, test both, and lean more heavily into the channel with the better EPC after 4–8 weeks.
Why This Decision Matters More Than You Think
When you choose a network, you’re not just picking commission rates; you’re designing how money moves from your content to your bank. Two networks can look similar at a glance yet pay wildly different amounts over a year. And since your time is the only thing you can’t scale, choosing wrong can feel like gluing your phone to your forehead and then realizing you needed your hands for everything else.
How Affiliate Money Really Works (The Parts That Matter)
When you compare Amazon vs Impact, you’re comparing engines, not just gas prices. Here are the levers that move your earnings:
- Commission rate: Percentage or flat fee you earn per sale or action.
- Cookie window: How long your referral stays “yours” before expiring.
- Conversion rate: Percentage of clicks that turn into sales.
- Average order value (AOV): Higher AOV makes rates more meaningful.
- Reversals and locking: Orders that get canceled, returned, or clawed back.
- Attribution rules: Who gets the sale when multiple affiliates touched it.
- Recurring vs one-time: Whether you get paid again every month.
- Geographic coverage: Whether your clicks from other countries count.
You don’t win by guessing. You win by modeling, testing, and adjusting.
Amazon Associates: What You’re Really Getting
You already know Amazon is everywhere, like a neighbor who waters your plants and also your plants’ feelings. That ubiquity is its superpower. Here’s what you’re signing up for:
Amazon Strengths
- High conversion rates: Shoppers trust Amazon; they also have all their shipping and payment info saved.
- Massive product range: Almost anything you mention has a product page.
- Ease of linking and deep linking: You can drop a link to a very specific product and be done.
- 24-hour add-to-cart cookie (with extensions if added to cart): Short but often potent because your audience buys fast.
- Global reach: With the right link localization, you can monetize international audiences.
- Prime Day, holidays, and impulse buys: Those spikes move needles.
Amazon Limitations
- Lower base commission rates in many categories and frequent changes.
- Short cookie window: If your audience needs time to think, you don’t get paid for that thinking.
- Limited reporting and attribution: Good enough to see basics, not great for deep optimization.
- Strict compliance and quick enforcement: Step off the path and you may lose your account.
- No recurring commissions for most items.
Typical Amazon Commission Ranges (Check Your Locale for Exact Rates)
These are general ballparks that shift by country and over time. Always confirm the current schedule in your region.
- Luxury beauty and select premium categories: often up to ~10%
- General beauty, fashion, home, outdoors, kitchen: commonly ~3%
- PC, electronics accessories: often ~2–4%
- Amazon devices and media: varies; some categories lower
- Bounties (Prime, services, apps): fixed amounts per sign-up
Short version: conversion is Amazon’s magic trick; rates are not.
Impact (Impact.com): What You’re Really Getting
Impact is a partnership platform that hosts thousands of advertiser programs, including DTC brands, SaaS products, and retailers. You’re not promoting “Impact” the store—you’re choosing from individual programs inside the network.
Impact Strengths
- Higher potential commission rates: 5% to 30% is common for DTC; SaaS can be much higher with recurring.
- Longer cookie windows: Often 7–45 days, sometimes 60–90 for subscriptions.
- Recurring commissions: Monthly payouts on memberships, SaaS, and boxes.
- Better reporting: Stronger attribution, sub-IDs, promo code tracking, and more.
- Program choice: You can negotiate rates as you grow.
Impact Limitations
- Lower conversion rates for some DTC brands compared to Amazon.
- Program fragmentation: You must apply to each program and learn their terms.
- Attribution risk: Coupon and cash-back partners may “poach” last-click if programs allow it.
- Payout schedules and lock periods vary by advertiser.
- Out-of-stock and shipping limits can hurt conversions.
Common Impact Commission Patterns
- DTC retail (apparel, beauty, fitness): 8–20% (occasionally higher)
- Premium/niche brands: 10–30%
- SaaS: $50–$200 CPA, or 15–40% recurring
- Subscriptions: 10–30% recurring or strong upfront CPAs
If you can send qualified buyers who love a brand’s story, Impact can shine.
Side-by-Side Snapshot
Here’s a simplified comparison to anchor your intuition.
| Factor | Amazon Associates | Impact (varies by program) |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | Typically lower (2–10% range by category; bounties vary) | Often higher (5–30% for DTC; SaaS/subscription CPAs or recurring) |
| Cookie Window | 24 hours (longer if added to cart) | Commonly 7–45 days; sometimes 60–90 |
| Conversion Rate | Often high due to trust and convenience | Varies widely; some brands convert well, others not |
| Product Range | Almost everything | Program-specific; you pick advertisers |
| Recurring Pay | Rare | Common for SaaS/subscription |
| Attribution | Basic last-click | More tools, promo-code attribution, cross-device (program-dependent) |
| Reporting | Functional but limited | Robust with sub-IDs, partner tags, and more |
| Compliance Risk | Strict; fast enforcement | Varies; program rules can be strict but platform is flexible |
| Payment | Predictable schedule; thresholds vary by region | Lock periods, thresholds, schedules vary by advertiser |
| Geo Coverage | Excellent with global stores | Program-dependent; many ship only to certain regions |
The Math That Decides Your Future
Your real question isn’t “Which is better?” It’s “Which makes me more per click?” That’s EPC (earnings per click). Once you have EPC for both, you choose the higher one for that link. Then you test regularly because life changes and so do commission tables.
Basic formula:
- EPC = (Clicks × Conversion Rate × AOV × Commission Rate) / Clicks
- Or EPC = Conversion Rate × AOV × Commission Rate
Add reversals and locking if applicable. If recurring, calculate projected lifetime value (LTV) and amortize it per click.
Scenario 1: Gadget Reviews and Everyday Items
You run a kitchen-and-home review site. Your audience buys spatulas with suspicious enthusiasm and appreciates convenience.
Assumptions:
- Monthly pageviews: 100,000
- Outgoing clicks on affiliate links: 5% CTR = 5,000 clicks
- Amazon: 12% conversion, $35 AOV, 3% commission
- DTC brand on Impact: 3% conversion, $60 AOV, 7% commission, 30-day cookie
Calculations:
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Amazon orders = 5,000 × 12% = 600
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Amazon revenue/order = $35 × 3% = $1.05
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Amazon total = 600 × $1.05 = $630
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Amazon EPC = $630 / 5,000 = $0.126
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Impact orders = 5,000 × 3% = 150
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Impact revenue/order = $60 × 7% = $4.20
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Impact total = 150 × $4.20 = $630
-
Impact EPC = $630 / 5,000 = $0.126
They’re equal in this neat little universe. But tiny changes tilt the result.
Sensitivity table:
| Variable Changed | Amazon EPC | Impact EPC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base case | 0.126 | 0.126 | Tie |
| DTC conversion increases to 4% | 0.126 | 0.168 | Impact |
| DTC conversion drops to 2% | 0.126 | 0.084 | Amazon |
| Amazon commission drops to 2.5% | 0.105 | 0.126 | Impact |
| DTC AOV rises to $80 | 0.126 | 0.168 | Impact |
| Amazon conversion rises to 14% | 0.147 | 0.126 | Amazon |
Takeaway: in everyday-item categories, Amazon’s conversion advantage can neutralize higher Impact rates unless the DTC site also converts well or has a higher AOV.
Scenario 2: SaaS and Subscriptions
You recommend a project management tool via Impact. The program offers either $100 CPA per paid customer or 30% recurring. Your audience is professional and measured—they try before they buy.
Assumptions:
- Monthly clicks: 1,000
- Free trial start rate: 20%
- Trial-to-paid: 25%
- Paid customers: 1,000 × 20% × 25% = 50
- Option A (CPA): $100 one-time each
- Option B (Recurring): $30/mo plan × 30% = $9/mo per user
- Average customer lifespan: 12 months
- Churn roughly uniform
Option A total: 50 × $100 = $5,000
- EPC: $5,000 / 1,000 = $5.00
Option B total LTV: 50 × $9 × 12 = $5,400
- EPC: $5,400 / 1,000 = $5.40
Recurring wins in this neat math, but cash flow is slower. If you need upfront cash for growth, CPA might be smarter; if you can wait, recurring can outpay over time and compounds as you keep adding new customers monthly.
Amazon comparison: Often no equivalent for a SaaS tool. If there is, Amazon usually won’t beat a strong SaaS program on Impact.
Scenario 3: Fashion and Beauty
Your audience cares about brands and aesthetics. They’re loyal and aspirational and sometimes treat shopping carts like mood boards.
Assumptions:
- Monthly clicks: 3,000
- Amazon: 10% conversion, $70 AOV, 3% commission
- DTC brand on Impact: 2.5% conversion, $120 AOV, 12% commission, 30-day cookie
Calculations:
-
Amazon orders: 3,000 × 10% = 300
-
Amazon revenue/order: $70 × 3% = $2.10
-
Amazon total: $630
-
Amazon EPC: $0.21
-
Impact orders: 3,000 × 2.5% = 75
-
Impact revenue/order: $120 × 12% = $14.40
-
Impact total: 75 × $14.40 = $1,080
-
Impact EPC: $0.36
Impact wins clearly here. Many fashion and beauty brands pay 8–20% and have strong bundles or AOV-boosting upsells that you won’t see on Amazon.
Where Cookies and Attribution Sneak Up on You
Amazon’s 24-hour cookie is like a whirlwind romance—exciting, short-lived, and you wake up wondering what you did wrong. For fast purchases, it’s enough. For high-consideration items, that window slams shut before your buyer decides.
Impact programs typically offer 7–45 day cookies. That matters if:
- You promote pricey or research-heavy items
- Your audience visits multiple times before buying
- Your traffic includes email or social where people don’t buy instantly
Also watch attribution:
- Some Impact advertisers give last-click credit to coupon sites. If your user visits a coupon site at checkout, you can lose the sale. Check program terms for “promo code attribution” or restricted coupon partners.
- Some programs offer “closed” coupon codes assigned to you, capturing sales even if the last click wasn’t yours.
Reporting: Knowing Why You Won or Lost
- Amazon: You get clicks, ordered items, shipped items, and earnings. Enough to know trends, not enough to fully diagnose why Tuesday likes you less than Wednesday.
- Impact: You get sub-IDs, robust attribution insights, code-level tracking, and sometimes funnel steps (view, click, add to cart, sale). This helps you double down on winning content and prune the rest.
When you can see more, you can fix more.
Payment, Lock Periods, and Cash Flow
- Amazon: Predictable, usually monthly with a threshold. Reversals are rare because returns are handled before commission is finalized.
- Impact: Payment timing depends on each advertiser’s “locking” period (often 30–90 days). If you need fast cash, factor in longer lock times. You can stagger programs to normalize cash flow.
A practical approach: keep a dependable Amazon baseline while building higher-paying Impact relationships that mature over a few months.
Risk and Compliance: The Fine Print That Isn’t Fine
-
Amazon:
- Strict rules about link placement, disclosure, and how you mention pricing.
- Program changes happen with little notice; commission cuts can be sudden.
- Account closures can be swift if you slip on policies.
-
Impact:
- Program rules vary; some are relaxed, others meticulous.
- Attrition: Brands pause programs, change rates, or alter allowed traffic sources.
- Coupon/loyalty partners can cannibalize your last-click credit if permitted.
Mitigation:
- Read program terms (yes, all of them, preferably with snacks).
- Use sub-IDs to isolate traffic sources and catch problems early.
- Keep backup merchants for your top pages so you can switch links quickly.
Seasonality and Promotions
- Amazon: Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, back-to-school—conversions soar. If you prep gift guides with structured internal links and timely updates, your EPC spikes.
- Impact: Many brands run aggressive monthly promos, private codes, and tiered commission boosts. You can negotiate temporary raises if your traffic aligns with their promo calendar.
If your content is evergreen, you benefit from recurring or higher rates. If it’s event-driven, Amazon’s conversion machine can carry you.
Geo Considerations: Where Your Readers Actually Live
- Amazon: With proper link localization tools, your UK, Canada, EU traffic can monetize without needing separate brand approvals. You’ll still need regional associate accounts, but the system is built for global shopping.
- Impact: Brand-by-brand. Some ship globally, others don’t, and shipping costs can annihilate conversions. If your audience is scattered worldwide, Amazon creates fewer headaches.
Product Availability, Price Volatility, and Trust
-
Amazon:
- Frequent stockouts across sellers can break links.
- Price shifts daily; deals lift conversion.
- Trust is built-in: shipping, returns, and customer service are predictable.
-
Impact brands:
- Often stronger brand storytelling, better margins, and upsells.
- Out-of-stock during peak seasons can be brutal.
- Free shipping thresholds and first-order discounts can boost AOV and conversion.
Your job: match the product to the buyer’s patience. Impulse buys prefer Amazon; thoughtful buys tolerate brand sites if the offer is better.
How to Test Without Losing Your Mind
Do this for any page with steady traffic:
- Pick one or two product links to test.
- Use a link manager or split-testing tool to send 50% of clicks to Amazon and 50% to the Impact brand.
- Append sub-IDs to track placements and traffic sources.
- Run the test for 2–4 weeks (longer if you have low volume).
- Compare EPC and reversal rates. Winner becomes the default.
- Retest quarterly or when rates change.
If you’re squeamish about a straight split test, rotate by day of week or by geo. Just keep the variable clean.
A Practical Framework for Choosing per Category
- Low-price, fast-purchase items (under $50): Amazon usually wins due to conversion.
- Mid-price specialty items ($50–$200): Mixed. Test both; Impact can win if the brand site converts and pays 8–15%.
- High-ticket items ($200+): Impact often wins if cookies are longer and commissions are 10%+; still test because Amazon’s conversion can surprise you.
- SaaS and subscriptions: Impact by a mile, primarily due to recurring or high CPAs.
- Fashion/beauty with strong DTC: Impact frequently wins on rate and AOV, assuming brand conversion is decent.
- Books/media: Amazon is easiest; rates are low, but conversion is high and catalog is massive.
Negotiation: The Hidden Lever With Impact
As your volume grows, you can message brand managers:
- Share your traffic stats and conversion numbers.
- Request a rate bump or exclusive code.
- Ask for a longer cookie or better attribution rules on coupon partners.
- Offer featured placement in exchange for bonuses.
You can’t negotiate with Amazon’s rate card. With Impact, you can.
Link Strategy That Improves Your Odds
- Use comparison tables on-page with 2–3 buying options: Amazon, Brand (Impact), and sometimes a second retailer. This catches buyers who prefer different stores.
- Default to the higher EPC link but include a secondary option in a “Where to buy” module.
- For global traffic, auto-localize Amazon links and show Impact links only where shipping is sane.
- Keep a lightbox or flyout that confirms region when helpful; nothing spooky, just helpful.
Example table you can use:
| Retailer | Price | Shipping | Return Policy | Cookie Window | Your Commission | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $69.99 | Prime 2-day | 30 days | 24h | 3% | Easiest checkout |
| Brand (Impact) | $74.00 (10% off with YOURCODE) | Free over $50 | 30 days | 30 days | 12% | Higher AOV with bundles |
Give the reader agency. You’ll earn more by choice, not force.
A Worksheet for Your Own Numbers
Grab these variables:
- Conversion rate (C)
- AOV (V)
- Commission rate (R)
- Cookie window (W)
- Reversal rate (RR)
- Recurring months (M), if any
- Monthly clicks (K)
Formulas:
- One-time EPC = C × V × R × (1 − RR)
- Recurring EPC = C × V × R × M × (1 − RR)
- Monthly revenue = EPC × K
Make two columns: Amazon vs Impact. Plug in your real data, not company promises. The winner is your next default link for that product.
A Reality Check on Returns and Reversals
- Amazon returns are usually handled before your payout finalizes; volatility is lower.
- Impact reversals vary; fashion and electronics can see higher return rates.
- Some SaaS trials never convert; count only paid conversions when comparing EPC.
If you notice a program with generous rates but lots of reversals, you’re not unlucky—you’re seeing the margin disappear in the wash. Adjust.
What About Content Type?
- Reviews and best-of lists: Mix both; default to higher EPC but provide alternatives.
- Tutorials and how-tos: If the product is a commodity, Amazon; if it’s specialized or premium, test brand via Impact.
- Email and newsletters: Longer cookies on Impact matter because readers return later.
- Social: Amazon often performs better unless you pair Impact with a strong welcome discount code.
Building a Long-Term Moat
If your goal is stability and compounding growth:
- Add at least one recurring-revenue program via Impact.
- Negotiate incremental bumps with top DTC partners each quarter.
- Keep Amazon for breadth, trust, and seasonal spikes.
- Maintain a link library so you can swap in updated links quickly when offers change.
One good recurring program can turn your floor into a foundation. It’s less exciting than a viral post, but it’s the difference between “I hope this month works” and “I know next month will.”
A Simple Decision Tree
- Is there a strong SaaS or subscription fit? If yes, join via Impact; prioritize recurring or high CPA.
- Is the item inexpensive and bought fast? Default Amazon; test Impact if a brand offers 10%+ and converts.
- Is your audience US-only and brand-loyal? Impact likely wins with better rates.
- Is your audience global and convenience-driven? Amazon likely wins with trust and shipping.
- Do you need cash this month? Favor higher upfront payouts (Amazon and Impact CPAs over recurring).
- Are you okay building over time? Mix in recurring programs aggressively.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Money
- Linking only to Amazon because it’s easy. You leave margin on the table in DTC-heavy niches.
- Linking only to Impact brands without checking conversion. You can have wonderful rates and no sales.
- Ignoring mobile checkout friction on brand sites. If Apple Pay/Shop Pay aren’t present, expect lower conversion.
- Forgetting to retest after a rate change. Your champion last quarter might be losing today.
- Letting coupon partners snag last-click credit. Use closed codes or talk to the program manager.
Negotiating With Yourself (The Only Fight You’ll Win)
Ask yourself:
- Do you want the highest payout on each individual link, or a simpler setup that’s “good enough” everywhere?
- Are you willing to run tests and switch links once a quarter?
- Do you prefer consistent income or the highest theoretical maximum?
There’s no wrong answer, but there’s definitely a better one for your temperament. Your strategy should match how you like to work; otherwise, you won’t stick to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you use both Amazon and Impact on the same page? Yes. It’s smart. Put both in a “Where to buy” block and let EPC data guide which link you surface more prominently.
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Does Amazon still pay bounties for services? In many regions, yes, but these change. Check the current bounty list in your locale and test carefully.
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Is link cloaking allowed? Amazon prohibits certain cloaking behaviors. Read the operating agreement. Impact programs vary; many are fine with clean, branded redirects.
-
What about cookie stuffing or shady tactics? Don’t. Besides being unethical, you’ll lose accounts and relationships you worked to build.
-
How do you handle price comparisons? Avoid showing static prices if you can’t keep them updated. Use “as of” notes or focus on discount percentages and benefits instead.
The Case for a Hybrid Strategy
You don’t need to choose a religion. You need to choose a portfolio. Keep Amazon as your baseline—reliable, global, and quick to convert. Layer Impact programs where:
- You can secure 8–20% commissions or recurring payouts
- The brand site converts acceptably
- Cookie windows capture delayed decisions
- You can negotiate codes and promos that your audience loves
This blended approach balances short-term cash with long-term growth.
A Month-by-Month Starter Plan
Month 1:
- Identify your top 10 pages by traffic and 10 by revenue.
- For 5 of those pages, add a secondary Impact link to a relevant brand. Use sub-IDs to track.
- Set a calendar reminder to review performance in 4 weeks.
Month 2:
- Evaluate EPC for each link pair. Promote the winner to the primary position.
- Reach out to two brand programs on Impact to ask for a small commission bump and a unique code.
- Add an Impact SaaS or subscription program that fits your audience, even if small.
Month 3:
- Expand Impact winners to more pages. Create a “Where to buy” component you can drop sitewide.
- Negotiate seasonal promos with brand partners.
- Add an email segment that features your highest EPC products, testing Amazon vs Impact links inside the newsletter.
By the end of Quarter 1, you’ll know which channel pays you more for your audience—not in theory but in practice.
Real-World Mini Case Studies
-
Kitchen gadgets blog:
- Started 90% Amazon, 10% Impact. After testing, 20% of pages moved to Impact-first because those products had strong brand discounts and AOV. Net revenue rose 18% with no extra traffic.
-
Productivity newsletter:
- Added a single SaaS tool via Impact with 30% recurring. After six months, recurring covered hosting and tools, reducing stress and allowing more content investment.
-
Fashion micro-influencer:
- Mixed Amazon for basics and two Impact DTC programs with 12–15% commissions. EPC doubled on brand-heavy posts; Amazon still held its own for staples.
The pattern repeats: the best performing setup is usually a blend tailored to your niche.
What to Watch Over the Long Run
- Program drift: Rates, cookies, and terms change. Set quarterly check-ins.
- Conversion decay: If a brand’s checkout breaks or shipping slows, your EPC will tell you before they do.
- Audience shift: As your readers change (new regions, new interests), retest baseline assumptions.
- Your time: Build systems (templates, link libraries, reusable tables) so swapping links is a two-minute job, not a day-long odyssey.
Final Recommendations
- If you publish mostly commodity product reviews with quick-buy behavior: keep Amazon as your default but test one higher-paying Impact brand per category. Promote whichever link wins on EPC.
- If you publish premium, niche, or style-driven content: prioritize Impact brands with 10–20% commissions and offer codes, while still offering Amazon as a backup option.
- If you can include at least one high-fit SaaS or subscription: do it through Impact, and favor recurring if you can wait for cash to accumulate.
- Always run small, controlled tests, and let numbers, not imagination, decide winners.
A Quick Checklist You Can Screenshot
- Do you know your current EPC with Amazon for top pages?
- Do you have at least one Impact program per core category?
- Are you testing Impact vs Amazon on high-traffic pages right now?
- Do you use sub-IDs and track placements?
- Do you have an Impact program with recurring commissions?
- Have you negotiated at least one rate bump this quarter?
- Do you have a “Where to buy” block offering both options?
- Are your links geo-aware where needed?
- Did you calendar a quarterly audit for rates and policies?
If you can tick most of these boxes, you’re already past the point where simple commission tables decide your fate.
Parting Thought You’ll Remember While Making Coffee
Amazon gives you conversion on tap; Impact lets you tailor the faucet, the water pressure, and the fancy lemon slices. You’ll usually get the best glass by using both and measuring which sip actually quenches your revenue thirst.
In other words, the network that pays you more in the long run is the one you keep testing, tuning, and—when appropriate—negotiating. Your future self will thank you, possibly with a nicer coffee machine you bought using your own affiliate link.