MLM Directory

Are you allowed to link through your own affiliate account to purchase something?

Hi I'm new to the blog and affiliate marketing world, and i'm trying out a blog and using commission junction , and have a few questions, that may sound simple, or even amateurish, but i've tried looking for anwers, and maybe i'm using the wrong terminology. 1) am I allowed to click my own link to buy a product i am promoting, and get the affiliate money, much the same as, clicking someone Else's blog to buy through their link 2) am I allowed to post a link to a product on sale, via a deal site, such as slickdeals, with my affiliate info embedded, so If i am the one posting the news about the deal, I could also cash in on affiliate money? 3) If I advise shoppers to get cashback by linking through cashback sites (bing, ebates etc..) , does that create for them a new affiliate link (from the cashback site), thereby eliminating my link? If someone could enlighten me i would really appreciate it

Public Comments

1. It's a No No to click your own affiliate links, it potentially muddies the water they are monitoring for fraud, it no big deal to have a fried with a different ip and an unrelated credit card to make the purchase. I don't know tat a place like slickdeals would let your affiliate link stand. Some CJ programs don't allow incentive marketing (bribing customers) while others don't seem to care.
2. In short it depends entirely on each affiliate program or affiliate network. Clickbank are notorious for allowing affiliates to buy through their own links and it's perfectly acceptable to do so. Places like CJ you need to be a lot more careful because many networks and individual affiliate programs forbid the practice. Best advice. You need to read the terms and conditions of all affiliate networks and individual programs and when joining them - if you can't find the answer you're looking for, use their contact form/email and ask them :-)
3. It doesn't do you any good to click on your own links, it doesn't do any good for you and the affiliate detects if it is you and doesn't give you anything for it. So a good idea is to go and get vouchers which are a cheaper way to purcahse something from adwords.