Walmart vs Amazon Affiliate Program: A Detailed Comparison

Key Takeaways

• Commission Rates: Amazon pays 1%–20%, while Walmart offers 1%–8%. Amazon covers more products, but Walmart pays more in select categories.
  
• Cookie Duration: Walmart’s 3-day cookie lasts longer than Amazon’s 24-hour window, giving you a better chance to earn.
• Conversion Rates: Amazon has higher conversions thanks to its global reach and one-click checkout.
• Approval Process: Amazon requires three sales in 180 days, while Walmart has a stricter, selective application process.
• Audience & Reach: Amazon is global, while Walmart is U.S.-focused with strong brand loyalty.
• Best For: Walmart works well for household essentials and in-store pickup, while Amazon dominates with variety and global sales.
• Winning Strategy: Use both! Diversify your links to maximize earnings from both platforms.
  

Affiliate marketing has emerged as an effective way for blog owners to earn substantial income while providing value to their audience. Being an affiliate marketer implies promoting products or services on behalf of reputable brands, subsequently earning commissions from each successful sale. 

Two industry giants offering popular affiliate programs are Amazon and Walmart. With their massive product offering and established reputation, aspiring affiliate marketers often find themselves at a crossroads when choosing between these platforms. This blog aims to provide an in-depth comparison of the Walmart and Amazon Affiliate Programs, highlighting their unique features, pros, cons, and everything you need to know to make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and clear this fog of confusion!

What is the Walmart Affiliate Program?

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The Walmart Affiliate Program is a performance-based initiative that allows bloggers and website owners to earn commissions by promoting Walmart products. Once you've signed up and got accepted into the program, you embed Walmart's links and banners on your site. When your audience clicks through these links and makes a qualifying purchase, you receive a commission. The program benefits both parties; users can buy what they need while you earn some extra cash.

How to Join

The Walmart Affiliate Program allows content creators, bloggers, and website owners to earn commissions by promoting Walmart products through affiliate links. Here’s how to join:

1. Sign Up

• Visit the Walmart Affiliate Program page
• Click “Join Now” and create an account on Impact, Walmart’s affiliate platform.

2. Complete Your Profile

• Provide details about your website, social media, or other promotional platforms.
  
• Submit your application for review.

3. Wait for Approval

• Walmart reviews applications based on content quality and relevance.
  
• Approval can take a few days.

4. Access Affiliate Links

• Once approved, log into your Impact dashboard.
  
• Generate unique affiliate links for Walmart products.

5. Start Promoting

• Share affiliate links on your website, blog, or social media.
  
• Earn commissions on qualifying sales

Requirements

The Walmart Affiliate Program is free to join, but applicants must meet specific criteria for approval. Here’s what you need to know:

• Genuine Website Requirement – Your site must feature high-quality, relevant content.
  
• Family-Friendly Content – Walmart prohibits explicit or illegal material promotion.
  
• Adherence to Terms of Service – Your platform must comply with Walmart’s guidelines.
  
• Content Relevance – Ensure Walmart’s products align with your audience’s interests.
  
• Risk of Rejection – Applying with irrelevant or inappropriate content may lead to disapproval.

Approval Process

Walmart typically reviews affiliate applications within 24 hours, but approval is not guaranteed. Here’s what they evaluate:

• Content & Website Alignment – Your platform must align with Walmart’s values and product offerings.
  
• Compliance with Terms – Your content must be high-quality, family-friendly, and meet Walmart’s guidelines.
  
• Target Audience Relevance – Walmart assesses whether your audience is likely to engage with its products.
  
• No Guaranteed Approval – Even if you meet basic requirements, your application may still be rejected.
  
• Review Before Submission – Double-check your application and content to improve approval chances.

Commission Structure

Walmart's commission structure, specifically Walmart’s commission structure, varies with the product category, typically ranging between 1% to 4%. Extra earnings are possible through sales contests and other unique opportunities that Walmart offers throughout the year. If you are promoting Walmart links through other programs like LTK or Sovern, commissions can range between 1% to 8%.

Cookie Duration

The duration of affiliate cookies is an important factor to consider. Cookies track the purchases that customers make after clicking your affiliate links. Walmart affiliate links have a 3-day cookie duration. This means that when an individual clicks on your link, they have three days to make a qualifying purchase for you to get the credit. Any purchase made post this period won't earn you credit, unless they revisit Walmart via your link.

Tools and Resources

Walmart provides its affiliates with a range of tools to facilitate the promotion of products and augment their earning potential. These tools are designed to seamlessly integrate into your website, enhancing user experience while increasing chances of conversions. Here's a quick look at some tools you get:

• Banners: High-quality, interactive banners that can be easily embedded in your site.
• Buttons: These clickable resources redirect users directly to Walmart's platform.
• Text Links: Including deep links that direct to specific Walmart product pages.
• Dynamic Rich Media Links: Advanced affiliate linking equipment that brings diversity to your promotional efforts.

These tools allow you to target and capture a broader audience segment, thereby increasing opportunities to maximize your income.

What is Amazon Affiliate Program: A Detailed Overview

Amazon Affiliate Program, known as Amazon Associates, allows individuals to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products through affiliate links. To join, applicants need a website or social media presence, complying with program policies. With a wide product range and high commission rates, it appeals to diverse content creators and influencers. The program offers text links, banner ads, and product widgets for promotion. Amazon's well-known brand and robust online presence enhance conversion rates for affiliates. Affiliates benefit from a wide array of product categories and a competitive commission structure.

How to Join

Joining the Amazon affiliate program involves a simple process. The Amazon Associates Program allows content creators, bloggers, and influencers to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products. Here’s how to join:

1. Sign Up

• Go to the Amazon Associates website.
  
• Click "Sign Up" and log in with your Amazon account or create a new one.

2. Provide Your Website or Social Media Details

• Enter your website, blog, YouTube channel, or social media profile.
  
• Ensure your platform has quality content and meets Amazon’s eligibility criteria.

3. Set Up Your Profile

• Choose a store ID (usually your website name).
  
• Describe how you plan to promote Amazon products.

4. Enter Payment and Tax Information

• Provide bank details for commission payments.
  
• Complete the tax information form.

5. Get Approved and Start Earning

• Amazon will review your application.
  
• Once approved, access your affiliate dashboard to generate links.
  
• Share affiliate links on your platforms and earn commissions on qualifying purchases.

Requirements

To become an affiliate for Amazon or Walmart, you must meet certain basic requirements. Here’s what you need to know before applying:

• Website or Social Media Presence – You must own a website, blog, or active social media account.
  
• Amazon’s Requirements – Requires details about your primary traffic sources and promotional strategies.
  
• Walmart’s Requirements – Needs approval for affiliate link placement and prohibits promoting explicit content.
  
• Compliance with Policies – Both programs require strict adherence to their terms and ethical promotion guidelines.
  
• Understanding Program Rules – Knowing these prerequisites helps ensure a smooth application and long-term success.

Approval Process

After signing up for the Amazon Associates Program, your account undergoes a review process. Here’s what you need to know:

• Three Qualifying Sales – You must make at least three qualifying sales within 180 days.
  
• Application Review – Once the sales requirement is met, Amazon evaluates your website and content.
  
• Content Compliance – Your site must be active, up-to-date, and adhere to Amazon’s guidelines.
  
• No Guaranteed Approval – Even after meeting the sales requirement, approval is not automatic.
  
• Preparation is Key – Ensure your site, content, and marketing approach align with Amazon’s standards before applying.

Commission Structure

Amazon's commission structure varies significantly depending on the product category. While commissions range between 1% to 20%, most sales come under the 10% range. Here’s a breakdown of some of the Amazon Associate program commission rates:

Do note that these commissions are subject to change, so it's prudent to keep an eye on Amazon's official commission page.

Cookie Duration

Once you make three qualifying sales within 180 days of signing up, the Amazon team reviews your application. They verify if your web content, including your YouTube channel, is up-to-date and abides by their guidelines. 

Although Amazon has a more lenient approval process compared to many other platforms, there's no guarantee for approval post the qualifying sales. So ensure that your site, content, and marketing strategy align with Amazon's expectations before you apply.

Tools and Resources

As an Amazon Associate, you'll obtain access to various tools designed to boost promotion and grow your earnings. These tools allow ease of linking, ensure compliance, and amplify your marketing efforts. Amazon's key affiliate tools include:

• Product links via SiteStripe: This tool lets you link directly to appropriate items, simplifying the tracking process.
• Banners: Similar to display ads, you can position banners on your site to earn money.
• Native Shopping Ads: If you're unsure what to link, native shopping ads serve as a solution.
• Mobile Popovers: Designed specifically for mobile apps, these popovers facilitate smoother earnings.
• Amazon Bounty Program: Offering flat rate earnings for distinct campaigns, this tool is excellent for capitalizing on Amazon services like Prime Video and Music.

Two Biggest Players in eCommerce Market

Amazon and Walmart dominate the US eCommerce market, though Amazon's lead is significantly larger. For many, these two platforms are the go-to choices for launching an affiliate marketing journey. Here’s the market share of leading retail e-commerce companies in the United States as of June 2022

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Pros and Cons of Walmart vs Amazon Affiliate Program

Both Amazon and Walmart's affiliate programs have their unique strengths and potential drawbacks. While Amazon's wide product range and high conversion rates make it an attractive option for many, Walmart's longer cookie duration and less crowded affiliate space offer a competitive edge. 

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your audience's needs and the ease of use of your marketing strategy. It's also worth mentioning that many bloggers opt to experiment with both platforms to determine the most profitable one.

Pros of Walmart Affiliate Program

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The Walmart Affiliate Program brings several advantages to the table, including Walmart's affiliate program:

• Higher per-item commissions: The department-style structure allows affiliates to earn higher commissions per item, which can significantly enhance earnings.
• Recognizable brand: As a globally recognized brand, Walmart instills trust in customers, consequently increasing the chances of conversion.
• Expanded Product Range: With thousands of items across various categories, Walmart's numerous products fit the needs of a wide spectrum of bloggers.
• Longer Cookie Duration: Offering a 3-day window, the longer cookie duration provides more opportunities to earn commissions, especially if your audience takes a bit longer to make buying decisions.

Cons of Walmart Affiliate Program

However, it's worth noticing some potential downsides:

• Low Conversion Rate: When compared to Amazon, Walmart generally exhibits lower conversion rates. The slightly higher commission rates may not always compensate for this gap.
• Extended Payout Time: Compared with other affiliate programs, Walmart's payout times are somewhat longer. Affiliates need to wait until the net commissions for a month are consolidated, followed by another 60 days for payment.
• Global Limitations: While Walmart Affiliate Program works fine in the US, its effectiveness drops outside North America. The lack of global reach can limit opportunities for affiliates targeting worldwide audiences.
  

  

Pros of Amazon Affiliate Program

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Amazon's affiliate program offers a wide range of products, making it attractive for affiliate marketers targeting various niches. With higher commissions and a competitive pricing strategy, affiliates can earn more through Amazon’s affiliate program.'. The extensive product catalog and brand recognition enhance conversion rates, benefiting online influencers and content creators. 

Amazon's reliable payment system, including direct deposits, ensures timely payouts for affiliates. Additionally, the program's cookie window is favorable for generating commissions from prolonged customer interactions, providing a lucrative opportunity for affiliate marketers.

Cons of Walmart Affiliate Program

Limited product range, particularly in niche categories, restricts opportunities for affiliate marketers. Walmart's lower commission rates compared to Amazon may deter potential affiliates seeking higher commissions. 

The short cookie window provided by Walmart limits the timeframe within which conversions can be attributed to the affiliate, potentially impacting earnings. Additionally, the lack of brand recognition and online presence compared to Amazon may affect trust and conversion rates for affiliates promoting Walmart products.

Commission Rates For Amazon and Walmart 

Amazon and Walmart offer affiliate programs that allow partners to earn commissions by promoting products. Below are the commission rates for each platform, organized by product category.

Amazon Affiliate Program Commission Rates

Walmart Marketplace Referral Fees

When to Use Walmart or Amazon

Here's a table comparing when to use Walmart vs. Amazon for different shopping and selling scenarios:

Walmart vs. Amazon: Feature Comparison

Here's a side-by-side comparison of Walmart and Amazon based on key features:

beBOLD Digital: Maximizing Your Earnings with Walmart & Amazon Affiliate Programs

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Conclusion

Amazon's affiliate program offers a wide range of products, making it attractive for affiliate marketers targeting various niches. With higher commissions and a competitive pricing strategy, affiliates can earn more through Amazon’s affiliate program. 

The extensive product catalog and brand recognition enhance conversion rates, benefiting online influencers and content creators. Amazon's reliable payment system, including direct deposits, ensures timely payouts for affiliates. Additionally, the program's cookie window is favorable for generating commissions from prolonged customer interactions, providing a lucrative opportunity for affiliate marketers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where you promote products or services on your platform, such as a blog or social media profile, often in collaboration with social media influencers. You earn commissions on sales, leads, or actions generated from your promotional efforts, tracked by affiliate links.

Which is the highest paying affiliate program?

The highest-paying affiliate programs vary based on industry and product category. However, some notable examples of high-paying programs include those offered by luxury brands, some tech companies, and certain subscription-based services. It's important to consider audience relevance when choosing an affiliate program.

Can I join both Walmart and Amazon affiliate programs?

Yes, you absolutely can join both Walmart and Amazon's affiliate programs. Many affiliates choose to experiment with multiple affiliate platforms to gauge which one works best for their specific audience, content niche, and marketing plan.

How long does it take to start earning with an affiliate program?

The timeline to start earning through an affiliate program depends largely on your website traffic, the relevance of the affiliate products to your audience, and the effectiveness of your marketing strategies. Some affiliates start seeing earnings within a month, while others may take longer.

Which affiliate niche is most profitable?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where you promote products or services on your platform, such as a blog or social media profile. , often in collaboration with social media influencers. You earn commissions on sales, leads, or actions generated from your promotional efforts, tracked by affiliate links.

Want to make more money using Walmart and Amazon affiliate programs? Get started with beBOLD Digital now!