The holiday season is here and there are many people wondering what they should give to their friends and family. There are some surprising gift giving options that shouldn’t completely take the place of normal gift giving but could supplement the gifts you’re able to give. For the frugal spender affiliate shopping is a great option.
Affiliate link referrals give initial sign-up money bonuses that can be found for almost every type of digital service.
What exactly is an affiliate link? Basically, an affiliate link is a link to a good or service that a friend, family member or trusted blogger recommends to another person. That link usually will offer a small or mid-sized monetary credit per referral.
You may come across these shared links via Facebook, Twitter, or emailed to a list of friends. You may have referral links that you can share with your friends and family and might not even know it. Please note: the referral links are typically for first-time customers.
Affiliate link referral programs
Here is a short list of companies that offer a range of different services and really nice initial referral credits:
- Uber. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Uber, it is the company that is driving taxi companies crazy. Users download an app and order a car to pick them up and drive them to whatever location they are going to. The great thing about Uber is: they have to pick you up! And, you can get an estimated price for the trip that you’re going on. There is no cash exchanged and you will have a picture of your driver and your driver’s car information is also given to you. If you share this link with friends new to Uber they will receive a $20 dollar credit toward their first ride. Referrers will receive a $20 credit as well.
- ThredUp. If you love clothes, then you’ll love ThredUp! ThredUp is an online thrift store with very high quality clothing items. They sell: shoes, coats, kids items, etc. You can also do what ‘s called a “closet clean out” where you are shipped a ThredUp bag and you can clean out your nice gently used items. Then ship them back to ThredUp. The current referral credit is $20 for new customers. Referrers receive a $20 credit as well.
- AirBnB. If you’re a traveler then you’ve probably heard of AirBnB, which is a great way to find local housing options when traveling. When first-time travelers use their friend’s referral link they will get $25 off their first AirBnB stay. Referrers will receive $25 once a referral completes their travel and $75 for a completed hosting gig.
You may already be using affiliate link programs
There are a number of other affiliate link programs that you might already be a part of and not even know it. Check out the different services that you’re currently using and see if there is a way to leverage their affiliate programs and help friends out at the same time.
Affiliate link programs are subject to change and the amounts listed as a referral bonus can change at anytime as well. Again, these affiliate bonuses should supplement and not take the place of gifts that you would normally give. Also, be aware of how and to whom you offer these referrals to.
This post was written by Michelle Jackson, a personal finance and lifestyle blogger sharing her story at The Shop My Closet Project. Her goal is to help people cultivate their best life. When she’s not blogging or podcasting for Girl Gone Frugal you can find her riding her bike, going for coffee, or hiking in the mountains.
