Many affiliates believe copying text from Amazon’s Operating Agreement is enough. However, the FTC has its own standards for "clear and conspicuous" placement. Meeting a company's terms is a contract requirement, but it does not satisfy federal law.
The FTC focuses on the consumer’s journey. If a reader must scroll to the footer to see your status, the disclosure is insufficient. The Amazon blurb is often buried where users rarely look, failing the proximity test. A compliant disclosure must be unavoidable and appear before the affiliate link.
Vague terms like "Associate" can be confusing. Use plain language explaining the financial relationship. Phrases like "I earn from qualifying purchases" work best when placed near the recommendation, rather than hidden in a site-wide footer.
Always pair mandatory program text with a visible statement at the point of interaction. Compliance depends on the user’s immediate understanding.
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Using only the standard Amazon Associate disclosure puts your site at FTC risk
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