About ThriftBooks
ThriftBooks is a premier destination for book lovers seeking high-quality used books at affordable prices. Founded in 2003, it has grown into one of the largest independent online used booksellers in the world. Their mission focuses on giving books a “second life,” saving millions of titles from landfills each year while supporting literacy through various partnerships.
ThriftBooks Affiliate Program Overview
The ThriftBooks affiliate program is designed for bibliophiles and content creators who want to monetize their passion for reading. By joining, you help your audience find “rare, out-of-print treasures” and everyday bestsellers at a fraction of the retail cost.
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | E-commerce / Books & Media |
| Product Type | Used books, new books, DVDs, CDs, and Video Games |
| Affiliate Program Type | Cost Per Sale (CPS) |
ThriftBooks Affiliate Program Offers
The program is known for being accessible, though it maintains standards regarding the type of content it associates with to protect its brand reputation.
| Feature | Details |
| Promotional Materials | Banners, text links, customized coupon codes, and product feeds |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | 7 Days |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Blogs, websites, social media (Instagram, Facebook), and newsletters |
| Accepted Countries | Primarily USA (core audience), but accepts global affiliates |
| Explicit Content | Strictly prohibited (No adult or offensive content) |
| Religious or Political Content | Generally accepted if not “objectionable” or inciting hate speech |
ThriftBooks Affiliate Commissions & Payments
ThriftBooks offers a competitive structure, particularly for the used book niche, where profit margins are typically slimmer than for new retail items.
| Feature | Details |
| MLM (Multi-Level) | No (Single-tier program) |
| Commission Rate | 4% to 6.5% per sale (New vs. Existing users may vary) |
| Commission Structure | Percentage of the total sale amount |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (Net-30 to Net-60 depending on the network) |
| Payout Methods | Direct Deposit, Check, or Payoneer (via Impact/Partnerize) |
| Minimum Payout | Typically $50 |
Suitable Affiliates for ThriftBooks
This program is a “gold mine” for anyone whose audience values sustainability, budget-friendly shopping, or education.
- Bloggers: Book reviewers and “Bookstagrammers” who write long-form reviews.
- TikTokers/Influencers: Creators in the #BookTok community sharing “book hauls.”
- KOC & KOL: Key Opinion Consumers who share honest, budget-conscious recommendations.
- YouTubers: Great for “Bookshelf Tour” or “Monthly Reading Wrap-up” videos.
- Livestreamers: Creators who do “study with me” sessions or live book discussions.
- Video Editors: Those creating aesthetic “book trailers” or reading montages.
ThriftBooks Affiliate Software
ThriftBooks primarily utilizes Impact (and previously Partnerize) to manage its affiliate program. They do not use a purely in-house, custom-built system for general public affiliates, opting instead for these robust third-party platforms to provide affiliates with real-time tracking, deep-linking tools, and reliable reporting.
3 Alternatives for ThriftBooks Affiliate Program
If you are looking to diversify your book-related income, here is how ThriftBooks compares to other major players in the industry.
| Comparison Factor | ThriftBooks | Amazon Associates | Bookshop.org | AbeBooks |
| Average Bill | $25 – $40 | $30 – $50 | $35 – $50 | $40 – $60 |
| Entry Fees | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | $50 | $10 | $50 | $50 |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly | Monthly |
| Commission | 4% – 6.5% | 4.5% (Books) | 10% | 5% |
| Conversion | High (Used) | Very High | Moderate | Moderate (Rare) |
| Marketing Materials | Good | Basic | Excellent | Good |