About Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is one of the world’s largest hardware retail cooperatives, famously known as “The Helpful Place.” Founded in 1924 in Chicago, it operates differently from typical corporate chains; most of its 5,000+ stores around the globe are independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs.
Ace focuses on providing personalized service and neighborhood convenience, stocking a wide variety of paint, tools, lawn and garden supplies, and home maintenance essentials. The brand is renowned for its high customer service standards and accessible locations, positioning itself as the go-to alternative to massive big-box home improvement warehouses.
Ace Hardware Affiliate Program Overview
The Ace Hardware affiliate program allows content creators to monetize their traffic by referring customers to acehardware.com. It is a standard retail affiliate program managed through a major affiliate network.
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | Home Improvement / Retail / Hardware |
| Product Type | Tools, Outdoor Gear, Paint, Grills, Home Goods, Gardening Supplies |
| Affiliate Program Type | CPS (Cost Per Sale) |
Ace Hardware Affiliate Program Offers
Ace Hardware provides affiliates with the necessary tools to promote their products, though they have strict geographic and content policies to protect their family-friendly brand image.
| Feature | Details |
| Promotional Materials | Banner ads, text links, product feeds, storefront logos, reporting tools. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | 10 to 14 days (Standard policy is often 14 days, but can vary by specific offer terms). |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Content sites, blogs, review sites, social media (must be disclosed and approved). |
| Accepted Countries | United States (Shipping is primarily US-based). |
| Explicit Content | Strictly prohibited (No pornography, violence, or offensive material). |
| Religious or Political Content | Generally prohibited if deemed controversial or divisive; the brand prefers neutral, family-safe environments. |
Ace Hardware Affiliate Commissions & Payments
The program offers a modest commission rate, which is standard for the low-margin hardware industry, but offers reliable payments through a trusted third-party network.
| Feature | Details |
| MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) | No (Direct affiliate program). |
| Commission Rate | Base rate of 2% on qualifying sales. |
| Commission Structure | Flat percentage on product sales (Exclusions apply: Gift cards, delivery, assembly services). |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (payments are processed approx. 45 days after the close of the month). |
| Payout Methods | Direct Deposit (ACH), Check, Wire Transfer (via Impact). |
| Minimum Payout | $10 (via Direct Deposit) / varies for other methods. |
Suitable Affiliates for Ace Hardware Affiliate
This program is best suited for creators who focus on DIY projects, home maintenance, and outdoor living.
- Bloggers: Especially those in the “Home & Garden,” “DIY,” or “Frugal Living” niches who write tutorials on fixing things or painting rooms.
- YouTubers: DIY channels that demonstrate tool usage, grill reviews (Traeger/Weber), or lawn care tips.
- Influencers: Instagram or Pinterest creators focusing on home decor, patio makeovers, or gardening.
- KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Experts in construction, carpentry, or landscaping who can recommend specific professional-grade tools.
- Review Sites: Websites dedicated to reviewing power tools, grills, or lawn mowers.
- Video Editors: Creators who compile “Best of” tool lists or home improvement hacks.
Ace Hardware Affiliate Software
Ace Hardware uses Impact (Impact Radius) to manage its affiliate program.
- Type: Network / SaaS
- This allows for accurate third-party tracking, real-time reporting, and reliable payment processing, rather than an in-house proprietary system.
3 Alternatives for Ace Hardware Affiliate Program
While Ace Hardware is great for “neighborhood” appeal, its competitors often have larger inventories (appliances/lumber) or different commission structures.
Top 3 Alternatives:
- The Home Depot: The largest home improvement retailer in the US.
- Lowe’s: The second-largest, often strong in appliances and decor.
- Amazon Associates: The most convenient option for general household goods and tools.
| Comparison Factor | Ace Hardware | The Home Depot | Lowe’s | Amazon Associates |
| Network | Impact | Impact | CJ Affiliate | In-House |
| Average Bill (AOV) | ~$60 – $100 | ~$100 – $150+ | ~$100 – $150+ | ~$40 – $60 |
| Commission Rate | ~2% | ~1% (up to 8% on niche decor) | ~0.8% – 2% | ~3% (Home/Garden categories) |
| Cookie Duration | 10 – 14 Days | 1 Day (24 Hours) | 1 Day (24 Hours) | 1 Day (24 Hours) |
| Entry Fees | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | $10 | $50 | $50 | $10 |
| Marketing Materials | Good (Banners/Feeds) | Excellent (Deep linking) | Good | Excellent (SiteStripe) |
