REI Affiliate Program Review: 8% Commission Rate (2023)
Looking to join the REI affiliate program and get paid to review their products? According to their website, "REI.com is the Internet's largest outdoor store, offering a broad selection of trusted gear as well as expert advice and in-depth information about products and outdoor recreation." They boast a customer and membership base of over 20 million people.
In this article, I'll be sharing my personal experience with REI affiliate marketing and answer frequently-asked questions such as how it works, how to sign up, commission rates, and more.
Does REI have an affiliate program?
Yes, Nordstrom has an official affiliate program which you can find on their website. The REI affiliate program is managed by the Avantlink affiliate network, requiring an account to join.
It is 100% legit and completely free to sign up and join.
How much do REI affiliates make?
The REI affiliate program pays an 8% commission rate per qualifying sale, depending on product category. REI affiliate links have between a short 15-day cookie period. This means that if a user clicks your link and makes a valid purchase within 12 hours, then you will receive a commission on the purchase price.
Pros and Cons of REI affiliate program
Pros
Earn up to 8% commission promoting wide-range of outdoor, camping, and sporting equipment products
15-day cookie period
Track your affiliate links and commissions on the Avantlink network
Cons
Avantlink network not as established as larger networks like Rakuten or Awin
How do you get approved for REI affiliate program?
In order to get approved for the REI affiliate program, you will need a website and Avantlink network account. Here is a list of the types of websites who they typically partner with:
Media
Editorial publications
Bloggers (they mention "outdoor blog" on their website)
If you need help creating a professional affiliate website quickly, check out my affiliate marketing for beginners guide.
My personal thoughts and experience with REI affiliate marketing
REI is arguably the largest outdoor, camping, sporting equipment brand in the world.
My initial thoughts are that their affiliate program is quite generous at an 8% commission rate, with a lengthy 15-day cookie window.
REI strikes me as a company that is very customer-centric, and the affiliate program is in line with that overall attitude.
If I were running a blog or brand in the outdoor and camping niche, or even sports like snowboarding, trail-running, hiking, and the like, then REI seems like a must-join program for me.
REI best alternatives and related affiliate programs in Outdoor, Camping, Sport niches
I've written about a few other programs you may be interested in for the Outdoor, Camping, Sport niches here: