Hajra Naz
Amazon stands as the largest global online retailer and enjoys the distinction of being the most favored affiliate network, with 58.5% of affiliate marketers opting for it, as indicated by affiliate marketing statistics.
In a world dominated by Amazon’s affiliate program, there’s a growing need for alternatives that provide fresh opportunities for affiliate marketers. Amazon’s affiliate program has long been the go-to choice for many, but changes in commission rates and policies have left some searching for greener pastures.
Whether you’re a seasoned affiliate marketer or just starting, exploring new options can diversify your income streams and boost your earnings. In this article, we’ll delve into the 12 best Amazon affiliate program alternatives in 2023.
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Let’s explore these affiliate programs.
12 Best Amazon Affiliate Alternatives in 2023
Following are the 13 Best Amazon affiliate alternatives in 2023;
- eBay
- Etsy
- The Home Depot
- AliExpress
- Kohl’s
- Walmart
- Target
- Lowe’s
- Wayfair
- ShareASale
- CJ Affiliate
- Awin
1. eBay
While Amazon’s vast product selection remains unmatched, eBay emerges as a strong contender, boasting an astounding 1.4 billion product listings spanning numerous categories.
Although eBay initially gained recognition as an auction platform for “pre-loved” items, times have evolved. Presently, a remarkable 80% of the items offered on the platform are brand new, and an impressive 90% can be purchased instantly without the need for an auction. This evolution positions eBay as a genuine alternative for Amazon affiliates.
eBay’s affiliate program, known as the eBay Partner Network, shares a common 24-hour cookie window with the Amazon Associates Program. However, its commission rates vary, surpassing Amazon’s rates in certain categories while falling short in others. For example;
| Product category | eBay commission | Amazon commission |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | 3% | 0% |
| Health | 4% | 1% |
| Physical books | 3% | 4.5% |
Prior to making a choice, ensure you review the commission rates for your specific niche.
- Website: eBay affiliate program
- Commission Range: 1% – 4% per sale
- Cookie Lifespan: 24 hours
- Payment Options: PayPal, electronic funds transfer
- Minimum Payout Threshold: $10
- Range of Products/Services: Consumer electronics, collectibles, home & garden, fashion, toys, health and beauty products, and more.
2. Etsy
While Etsy may not rival Amazon and eBay in terms of product quantity, it distinguishes itself by specializing in one-of-a-kind creative products. This unique focus has established it as the go-to destination for exceptional gift ideas.
It’s worth noting that Etsy still boasts an extensive selection by most online retailer standards, offering over 60 million products spanning 40+ categories, including jewelry, clothing, and party supplies.
Etsy’s affiliate program is managed through Awin and offers a competitive standard commission rate of 4% for online sales, which equals or surpasses most similar commission rates offered by Amazon.
However, where Etsy truly excels is with its generous 30-day cookie duration (or 7 days for in-app referrals). This extended timeframe provides visitors with ample consideration time for their purchases while still allowing them to earn a commission.
- URL: Etsy affiliate program
- Commission rate: 4% per sale
- Cookie duration: 30 days (or 7 days for in-app sales)
- Payment methods: SEPA, BACS, ACH, domestic payments, international wire transfer
- Payout threshold: $20
- Products/services sold: Unique and creative goods
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3. The Home Depot
Undoubtedly, Amazon boasts the largest inventory spanning numerous categories.
However, if your specific interest lies in home improvement goods and services, The Home Depot emerges as the clear champion. Its online store boasts an impressive selection of over one million DIY-related products, and it commands a substantial one-third share of the market in both online and offline home improvement sales.
The Home Depot offers two Amazon alternative programs, both of which are managed through the Impact affiliate network.
The “standard” version provides a 1% commission on appliances and an 8% commission on home decor and improvement products. The other option offers fixed cash payments for appointments and leads related to The Home Depot’s home improvement services, including HVAC and cabinet makeovers.
| Program | Commission | Payout threshold | Cookie duration |
| The Home Depot (standard) | 1% – 8% per sale | $50 | 1 day |
| The Home Depot services | $10 – $15 per appointment,
$10 – $30 per lead |
$50 | 30 days |
- Accepted Payment Methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
- Range of Products/Services: Home decor products, tools, home improvement services
4. AliExpress
Among the various alternatives to the Amazon affiliate program, AliExpress closely resembles it. This China-based online retailer offers an extensive array of products spanning numerous categories, from health and beauty to tools and home improvement.
AliExpress offers many of its products at remarkably low prices, though it’s worth noting that these exceptional deals are often not available for well-known brand names.
When considering AliExpress as an alternative to Amazon Associates, there are both advantages and disadvantages to weigh.
On the positive side, AliExpress boasts a more extended cookie duration of three days and generally offers higher commission rates compared to Amazon. There’s even the opportunity to earn up to 90% per sale on “hot products,” although the average commission hovers around 4% per sale.
It’s important to keep in mind that Amazon is one of the most trusted brands in the United States, which may result in higher conversion rates compared to AliExpress.
- Website: AliExpress affiliate program
- Commission rate: Up to 90% per sale (4% average)
- Cookie duration: 3 days
- Payment methods: PayPal, bank transfer
- Payout threshold: $16
- Products/services sold: Fashion, electronics, jewelry, accessories, tools & home improvement, and more.
5. Kohl’s
As the largest department store chain in the United States, Kohl’s holds its own in terms of brand recognition, making it one of the few retailers capable of standing alongside Amazon. Convincing people to shop at Kohl’s shouldn’t pose much of a challenge.
Kohl’s targets many of the same product categories as Amazon, including fashion, homeware, toys, beauty products, and more, making it a suitable choice for a broad range of B2C affiliate niches.
One notable distinction is Kohl’s emphasis on offering products from well-known brands. Approximately two-thirds of its sales come from national brands, in contrast to Amazon, where nearly anyone can sell. The Kohl’s affiliate program is an ideal option if your audience has an affinity for prominent brands.
By signing up through the Impact affiliate network, you can earn a fixed 3% commission per sale, accompanied by a generous seven-day cookie duration, which is seven times longer than Amazon’s.
- Website: Kohl’s affiliate program
- Commission rate: 3% per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
- Payout threshold: $50
- Products/services sold: Clothing, shoes, bedding, kitchen products, toys, beauty, and more.
6. Walmart
While Walmart is primarily recognized as a brick-and-mortar retailer, its online presence has seen significant growth in recent years. In fact, it now ranks as the third-largest e-commerce site in the United States in terms of traffic, trailing only behind eBay and, unsurprisingly, Amazon.
There’s little that distinguishes Amazon and Walmart; even their website layouts bear a striking resemblance. Both platforms offer a vast array of products with competitive pricing and are highly reputable brands.
So, the question arises: which one should you promote?
Walmart’s affiliate program boasts a more extended cookie duration, allowing you three days to close a sale compared to Amazon’s 24-hour window. However, it’s worth noting that Walmart’s commissions are capped at 4%, while Amazon offers higher rates in certain categories, such as 4.5% on physical books and 10% on luxury beauty products.
Considering this, it’s a wise strategy to consider joining both affiliate programs to determine which one yields the most lucrative results.
- Website: Walmart affiliate program
- Commission rate: 1% – 4% per sale
- Cookie duration: 3 days
- Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
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- Payout threshold: $50
- Products/services sold: Groceries, fashion, home decor, electronics, baby products, and more.
7. Target
Similar to Walmart, Target is a dominant player in offline retail that has made significant strides in the world of e-commerce, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Amazon.
With a diverse inventory of over one million products spanning a wide array of consumer categories, all sourced from well-known brands, Target enjoys strong brand recognition, making it an attractive proposition for affiliate marketers.
Now, let’s delve into Target Partners, the retailer’s affiliate program. Is it among the top alternatives for Amazon affiliates? Perhaps.
Target offers commission rates based on sales volume in specific categories, allowing high-performing affiliates the opportunity to increase their earnings substantially. For instance, commissions in the “Home & Outdoor Living” category kick off at 5% and rise to 8% for affiliates generating monthly net orders of 10,001 or more.
Furthermore, Target’s affiliate program offers a generous seven-day cookie duration, a notable improvement compared to Amazon’s offering, along with impressive Earnings Per Click (EPC) ranging from $12 to $13.
However, it’s important to note that Target’s commission rate is 0% for several popular categories, including sporting goods, video games, and toys.
- Website: Target Partners affiliate program
- Commission rate: Up to 8% per sale
- Cookie duration: 7 days
- Payment methods: PayPal, check, wire transfer, direct deposit, ACH transfer
- Payout threshold: $50
- Products/services sold: Groceries, fashion, furniture, kitchen & dining, and more.
8. Lowe’s
Lowe’s and Amazon engage in a persistent rivalry, vying for the position of The Home Depot’s primary competitor in the U.S. home improvement market, with both having occasionally claimed the #2 spot in recent years.
Lowe’s boasts an inventory of approximately two million products related to home improvement, encompassing everything from paint and tools to appliances and furniture. Therefore, if you’re in search of DIY or home improvement affiliate programs, Lowe’s emerges as a credible alternative to Amazon.
You can enroll in Lowe’s affiliate program through two affiliate networks — CJ Affiliate and FlexOffers.
| Network | Commission | Payout threshold | Cookie duration |
| CJ Affiliate | 2% | $50 | 1 day |
| Flexoffers | 2% | $25 | 1 day |
However, it’s worth noting that both networks offer lower commissions compared to Amazon’s home improvement category, which pays 3%, and they share the same one-day cookie duration. As a result, for most affiliate marketers, Amazon may be the more favorable choice.
- Products/services sold: Home improvement and home decor products
9. Wayfair
Furniture is an area where Amazon may not excel. While it offers tens of thousands of furniture products, these items often lean towards functionality rather than aesthetics.
Enter Wayfair, one of the world’s largest online furniture retailers, consistently presenting a wide array of desirable and stylish products. With a catalog boasting over 22 million items spanning home furnishings, decor, home improvement, and homeware, Wayfair stocks products capable of satisfying even the most discerning interior designers.
Wayfair’s affiliate program, accessible through FlexOffers and CJ Affiliate, offers more generous terms than Amazon Associates, granting affiliates the potential to earn up to 6% per sale. In contrast, Amazon offers only 3% off furniture.
Furthermore, Wayfair provides a substantially longer cookie duration: seven days through FlexOffers and up to 45 days via CJ Affiliate (though it’s worth noting that the CJ program is not available in the United States).
| Network | Commission | Payout threshold | Cookie duration |
| CJ Affiliate | 6% for new customers, 4% for returning customers | $50 | 30-45 days |
| Flexoffers | 5.6% | $25 | 7 days |
- Products/services sold: Furniture and home decor
10. ShareASale
Comparing Amazon to a ‘regular’ affiliate program can be somewhat unfair due to Amazon’s vast product offerings and category-based commissions. Therefore, it’s worth exploring alternative affiliate platforms such as ShareASale and other affiliate networks.
ShareASale collaborates with 25,000 brands spanning 39 primarily consumer-facing sectors, which aligns well with the types of products typically found on Amazon.
While most of these brands may not be household names, this can be advantageous. Smaller advertisers often provide more appealing affiliate terms, including extended cookie durations and higher commission rates.
In 2022, the network paid out a remarkable $1.3 billion in commissions and boasts over 270,000 active publishers, indicating their effectiveness and reliability.
- Payout threshold: $50
- Payment frequency: Monthly
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, international direct deposit, wire transfer, Payoneer
- Notable Brands: Allbirds, Etsy, Reebok
11. CJ Affiliate
Naturally, ShareASale isn’t the sole affiliate network available. There are numerous other affiliate networks, with CJ Affiliate, formerly known as Commission Junction, being one of the largest.
While some networks tend to focus on less-known brands, CJ Affiliate boasts an extensive roster of prominent names. In fact, it collaborates with twice as many IR500 advertisers as its closest competitor.
If your audience leans toward household names, CJ Affiliate may be a more fitting choice than Amazon.
CJ Affiliate offers the ability to filter advertisers by EPC (Earnings Per Click) and network earnings, simplifying the process of discovering high-paying affiliate programs. This approach appears to be effective, as the network disburses over $1.8 billion in annual publisher commissions.
- Payout threshold: $50
- Payment frequency: Monthly
- Payment methods: Check, direct deposit, Payoneer
- Notable Brands: Barnes & Noble, J.Crew, Office Depot
12. Awin
In addition to being ShareASale’s parent company, Awin operates its affiliate network, offering affiliate programs across four primary niches: finance and insurance, retail and shopping, telcos and services, and travel.
The retail category aligns most closely with the kind of products you would find on Amazon, and it features a variety of appealing brands, including Burton Snowboards, Under Armour, and Warby Parker.
Moreover, Awin collaborates with brands selling a wide range of both physical and digital products, providing an opportunity to diversify your affiliate revenue sources—an advantageous strategy.
There’s only one drawback to note: Awin is the only network we can think of that doesn’t offer free membership. There’s a $5 fee during the application process; however, this fee will be refunded with your initial commission payment.
- Payout threshold: $20 / £20 / €20
- Payment frequency: Twice a month
- Payment options: International wire transfer, SEPA, BACS, ACH, domestic payments,
- Notable Brands: Etsy, HP, Under Armour
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while Amazon remains the dominant force in the world of affiliate marketing, numerous viable alternatives can offer fresh opportunities for affiliate marketers. As the landscape of affiliate programs evolves and Amazon adjusts its commission rates and policies, exploring these alternatives can be a strategic move to diversify income streams and maximize earnings.
The 12 best Amazon affiliate alternatives in 2023, each with its unique strengths, include eBay, Etsy, The Home Depot, AliExpress, Kohl’s, Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Wayfair, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate, and Awin. These alternatives cater to various niches and preferences, offering competitive commission rates, diverse product categories, and extended cookie durations.
Depending on your audience and niche, one of these alternatives may prove to be a more lucrative and suitable option for your affiliate marketing endeavors. Explore these programs and choose the one that aligns best with your goals and target audience.
