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.

FeatureDetails
IndustryE-commerce / Books & Media
Product TypeUsed books, new books, DVDs, CDs, and Video Games
Affiliate Program TypeCost 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.

FeatureDetails
Promotional MaterialsBanners, text links, customized coupon codes, and product feeds
Affiliate Cookie Duration7 Days
Accepted Traffic SourceBlogs, websites, social media (Instagram, Facebook), and newsletters
Accepted CountriesPrimarily USA (core audience), but accepts global affiliates
Explicit ContentStrictly prohibited (No adult or offensive content)
Religious or Political ContentGenerally 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.

FeatureDetails
MLM (Multi-Level)No (Single-tier program)
Commission Rate4% to 6.5% per sale (New vs. Existing users may vary)
Commission StructurePercentage of the total sale amount
Payout FrequencyMonthly (Net-30 to Net-60 depending on the network)
Payout MethodsDirect Deposit, Check, or Payoneer (via Impact/Partnerize)
Minimum PayoutTypically $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 FactorThriftBooksAmazon AssociatesBookshop.orgAbeBooks
Average Bill$25 – $40$30 – $50$35 – $50$40 – $60
Entry FeesFreeFreeFreeFree
Withdrawal Threshold$50$10$50$50
Payment FrequencyMonthlyMonthlyMonthlyMonthly
Commission4% – 6.5%4.5% (Books)10%5%
ConversionHigh (Used)Very HighModerateModerate (Rare)
Marketing MaterialsGoodBasicExcellentGood