What is the Backwash Affiliate Program?

The Backwash Affiliate Program will pay you a 10% commission made by any customer you refer to our site. Plus, you will receive a 2% commission for any purchase made from by a customer referred to Backwash from a website that became an affiliate as a result of your work (2nd tier program). Joining the Backwash Affiliate Program is not only a way to make money, but it can also add value to your site with our Backwash Search Engine. It is a search engine unlike any other on the Internet, featuring only links to specific content that have been hand-selected and reviewed for quality.

How do I get started with the affiliate program?

It's a simple three-step process: read the Operating Agreement, fill out the Affiliate Application, and then link to us and start earning money.

Can I participate if I live outside the U.S.?

Absolutely, but keep in mind you must have a PayPal account and that all payments to affiliates will be made in U.S. dollars only.

Why do I have to provide my social security number?

We need this information for tax filing purposes. If you are an individual (as opposed to a business/corporation), we need your Social Security number, because if your calendar-year commissions exceed $600, Backwash must issue you a Form 1099MISC at the end of the calendar year that must be filed with Form 1040.

Does my Web site qualify for the Backwash Affiliate Program?

Anyone can apply for the program. However, Backwash reserves the right to refuse any site. We encourage sites that contain adult contain to link to Backwash Adult and sites catering to children to link to Backwash Kids.

I don't have a Web site yet. Can I still apply to be an affiliate with Backwash?

No, you must have an existing Web site in order to become a Backwash affiliate.

Commission Fees and Payment

How does Backwash track members coming from my Web site?

Backwash uses MyAffiliateProgram software from Kowabunga Marketing, Inc. to track members whom you refer to Backwash.

How can I keep track of how many people visit and register with Backwash?

Simply log in to your Backwash account at www.Backwashaffiliates.com to access a variety of online reports, where you can track not only your click-throughs and commissions but also other activity to help increase sales.

How does Backwash track members coming from my Web site?

Backwash uses MyAffiliateProgram software from Kowabunga Marketing, Inc. to track members whom you refer to Backwash.

How much will I earn from each sale?

You will receive 10% of the total price if the customer was referred from your site. You will receive 2% of the total price if the customer was referred from a 2nd Tier site - a website that became a Backwash affiliate as a result of your efforts.

When and how do I get paid?

You will be paid monthly by PayPal when your Backwash account reaches a minimum of $20. If your earnings are less than $20, the amount will be carried over to the next month. Commission Payments are issued within 35 days of the end of each month. Please note we will not send checks. We have a large number of International Affiliates and have found PayPal to be the best solution for guaranteeing quick payment to our affiliates, wherever they may be located. If you do not have a PayPal account and you exceed the $20 minimum, your earnings will continue to accrue until you have set up a PayPal account.

How long does the Backwash cookie last?

The Backwash cookie, a small file stored on the computer of somebody that clicks your affiliate link, last for 60 days. That means that if somebody clicks on your link and doesn't make a purchase right away, they will have a cookie with your referral ID on their computer, so if they purchase anything within the next year, you will get credit.

What kind of products does Backwash offer?

Backwash offers subscriptions to individuals which give them special features and privileges on the site. For webmasters, we offer text ads, link submissions and premium webfeeds. The costs of the products we offer range from a minimum of $5 to over $1,000.

Setting Up My Affiliate Links

Where will I find Backwash banners, buttons, and text links?

Simply log in to your Backwash account at www.Backwashaffiliates.com to access the variety of linking options. We offer a variety of banner ads, buttons and most importantly, our search engine

How can I download graphics and logos from Backwash to my Web site?

All the graphics and logos are hosted on the Backwash server, and the linking codes at www.Backwashaffiliates.com include the code for the graphics. Feel free to download any of our graphics and load them on your server. You may also modify the look and feel of the search engine form. Just be sure that you modify the code as necessary and keep your affiliate ID as part of the code so that you receive credit for your referrals.

May I link to Backwash from more than one Web site?

Yes. You are welcome to link to Backwash from multiple Web sites. You may either have the referral credits applied to your existing account, or you may open a separate account for each unique website. It is up to you, but if you want a specific breakdown of credits from each site, you will need to have separate accounts.

Maintaining My Backwash Affiliate Account

How can I promote Backwash?

Backwash will provide banners, buttons, and text links that you can use on your site. You are also free to create your own text links or banners, buttons, etc. Again, just be sure you include your affiliate ID. In addition to your Web site, you may promote Backwash through an opt-in mailing list.

How can I change my affiliate account information?

Simply log in to www.Backwashaffiliates.com, and scroll to the bottom of the page to update your account information.

Promoting My Web Site

Can I change or personalize the images provided by Backwash?

Yes.

Can I use Backwash in my URL or in the name of my site?

No. The use of Backwash or any variation thereof in your URL or in the name of your site will be cause for your immediate dismissal from the affiliate program. In such a case when you breach the affiliate agreement, you thereby forfeit any earned commissions.

What kind of advertising is prohibited?

You cannot send unsolicited email (aka spam) in any way. There will be no leniency in cases of unsolicited email, and affiliates in violation of this policy will forfeit their commissions and be removed from the program.

Can I do a press release or other kind of announcement regarding my affiliation with Backwash?

No. Backwash will issue any announcements to the media.

Questions? Contact us at affiliates@backwash.com