frequently asked questions (FAQs) - TripShock! Affiliate Program

• Do I get my own unique affiliate URL?

  Yes, you get your very own unique affiliate link that you can immediately use on all of your promotions. Add it to your website, outgoing emails, or even your Facebook and LinkedIn profiles.  

  Each and every click that is generated from your unique affiliate link will be tracked by our affiliate marketing system.  You'll be able to view all of your traffic in the members area at any time.

  Upon activation of your account, a "General Affiliate” link will be automatically generated. This URL will direct users to the Tripshock.com homepage while tracking all clicks and sales.

  Learn more about the "General Affiliate” link here: TripShock Start-Up Guide

  ---

• If a customer makes a purchase and I am credited with the sale, but they don’t complete their tour, will I still get paid my commission?

  In most cases, you will not be eligible to receive the commission on an order that isn’t fulfilled by the customer. In short, if we don’t make money, you don’t make money!

  There are a few exceptions that may result in the cancellation of an order, but do not warrant a refund. These exceptions would likely result in you keeping your commission.

  • The customer pulls a no show
  • The customer cancels the tour after the cutoff time stated in the cancellation policy
  • The customer is ejected from the tour or attraction
  • The order is non-refundable

  ---

• Why was one of my sales not reflected in my payment?

  All of our affiliate-generated bookings require validation to assure the order was not canceled. Once the booking is marked "complete” in our system, you will be eligible to receive your commission on the next pay period (providing you have reached the $50 threshold).

  Keep in mind some orders are made months, or in some cases years, before the customer participates in the tour or activity they are purchasing.

  ---

• Who do I contact for help?

  Our affiliate support representatives are available via email at [email protected] To make sure we can best assist you, please provide your account or username and a detailed description of your inquiry.

  ---

• Are there any fees associated with joining the affiliate program?

  No, our affiliate program is completely free.

  ---

• Can I create an affiliate link for a specific page on Tripshock.com (not just the homepage)?

  Yes. This practice also known as "deep linking” is very important to many of our affiliates. Using our Ad Trackers marketing tool, it’s easy to create a unique link to any page on Tripshock.com.

  Learn more about Ad Trackers here: TripShock Start-Up Guide

  ---

• How long after a user clicks on one of my affiliate links do they have to purchase a tour on Tripshock.com before tracking expires?

  Our software tracks clicks for 7 days. The user must make a purchase within 7 days of clicking on your affiliate link for you to be credited with the commission.

  ---

• How do my affiliate links track clicks and commissions?

  We track clicks and commissions by placing a cookie on the user’s computer when they click on a valid affiliate link. This is a very common practice in modern web development and works across all devices and internet access platforms including web browsers, social media apps, and email inboxes.

  ---

• How do I get paid?

  We distribute payments using only direct deposit (effective July 2020). Once your account has been approved, we'll reach out to you with a direct deposit form to complete and return to us prior to the next payment cycle.

  Please refer to the payment section of our help guide for further questions: TripShock Start-Up Guide

  ---

• When do I get paid?

  We distribute payments during the second week of the month via direct deposit. 

  ---

• Is there a minimum amount I need to reach before receiving a payment?

  Yes. Your validated commissions must reach a $50 threshold before a payment is made.

  ---

• My affiliate link generated a sale. How do I know if the customer completed the tour or activity?

  To view the status of a sale, head to your affiliate member dashboard. Once on the dashboard, click the "Commissions” button to view the status of your commissions.

  If marked "Paid": We have already sent payment for that commission

  If marked "Unpaid": We have approved the commission and you will be paid at the next pay period (providing total commissions have reached the $50 threshold)

  If marked "Pending": The customer has not yet completed the tour, activity, or attraction that was booked -OR- we have not yet validated the commission (we check on the status of all of our pending commissions within 1 week of submitting monthly payments)

  ---

• Is there a cap on how much money I can make through the affiliate program?

  No! If you bring in the sales, we are more than happy to make you rich!

  ---

• Can I view reports on my sales, commissions, and clicks?

  Yes. Reports are available through the affiliate dashboard.

  Learn how to access Reports & Stats here: TripShock Start-Up Guide

  ---

• Can I use images or videos from Tripshock.com listings?

  Yes, any images or videos displayed on Tripshock.com are permitted for use by our registered affiliates.

  Keep in mind the following rules and regulations…

  1. The borrowed media must be used in conjunction with a TripShock affiliate campaign
  2. Images and videos cannot be altered or edited

  ---

• Do you provide any marketing materials like pre-made web banners?

  Yes. We offer a range of pre-made web banners to use at your disposal. These banners are made to set dimensions and are automatically programmed with a custom URL specific to each affiliate’s account. These banners are accessible from the "Marketing Tools” section of your affiliate dashboard.

  Learn more about our pre-made banners and how to use them here: TripShock Start-Up Guide

  ---

• As an affiliate, is it OK to utilize paid advertising?

  Yes. We are OK with any legitimate strategy that will encourage sales. Our Ad Trackers tool even provides analytics on paid ad campaigns!

  Keep in mind the following rules and regulations…

  1. You may not use the TripShock name, logo, or any TripShock-brand specific materials in your ads
  2. Tripshock.com will not be held liable for any funds lost as a result of an affiliate-perpetrated ad campaign. In other words, we are not responsible if your paid ads do not generate sales

  ---

• Where all can I use my affiliate link?

  You can use your affiliate link wherever people browse online! It can be inserted into web pages, graphics/banners, youtube videos, and social media posts.

  The following is a shortlist of the places our affiliates insert their affiliate links to drive clicks and sales…

  • Website homepages
  • Blogs and articles
  • Social media posts
  • Facebook groups
  • Email blasts and confirmation messages
  • Sidebar banners
  • Google ads
  • On behalf of a client (i.e. travel agent)

  Learn more about affiliate URLs and social media restrictions here: TripShock Start-Up Guide

  ---

• I manage a popular social media page. Can I work with TripShock on giveaways, contests, and cross-promotions?

  Absolutely! We love to work with our affiliates to grow brand awareness and drive revenue for everyone involved.

  If you are interested in working with us on a giveaway, contest, or promotion, please contact [email protected]

  ---

• Can I advertise Tripshock.com promo codes and deals on my own website?

  Yes. Our promo codes, deals, and offers are up for grabs when promoting our tours and attractions.

  Find an up-to-date list of promo codes online at: https://www.tripshock.com/promocodes.html

  If you are interested in learning more about a custom promo code tied to your account, please contact us at [email protected] 

  ---

• Can I reach out to TripShock tour providers and partners on my own to negotiate deals and offers?

  No. In no instance is it acceptable to contact our tour providers seeking special deals or offers. Doing so will result in immediate dismissal from the affiliate program.

  There are however instances where, as an affiliate, it would be OK to communicate with a TripShock tour provider. This includes...

  1. General questions about the tour or attraction for the purpose of promotion
  2. Request for images, video, or other media that Tripshock.com may not provide
  3. The affiliate is creating a piece of writing that necessitates an interview with a member of the staff or a tour participant

  If you would like to contact a TripShock tour provider for any reason, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

  ---