About Zappos

Zappos.com is an American online shoe and clothing retailer based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 1999 by Nick Swinmurn, it was initially launched as Shoesite.com and later changed its name to Zappos (derived from “zapatos,” the Spanish word for “shoes”).

The company has become renowned not only for its extensive selection of footwear, apparel, handbags, and accessories but also for its exceptional customer service and unique corporate culture, which centers around the motto “Deliver WOW.” Zappos was acquired by Amazon in 2009 and operates as a subsidiary of the e-commerce giant.

Zappos Affiliate Program Overview

The Zappos Affiliate Program invites partners to promote the Zappos brand and its diverse product selection to earn commissions on sales. Affiliates utilize trackable links, banner ads, and other methods to drive traffic to the Zappos website. The program is generally managed through a major third-party affiliate network.

Factor Detail
Industry Retail, E-commerce (Fashion, Footwear, Apparel, Accessories)
Product Type Physical Products (Shoes, Clothing, Handbags, Accessories, etc.)
Affiliate Program Type Cost Per Sale (CPS)

Zappos Affiliate Program Offers

The Zappos Affiliate Program provides affiliates with the necessary tools to promote their products and a clear structure for commissions and tracking. The program operates with a focus on the U.S. market, aligning with Zappos’ primary operational scope.

Factor Detail
Promotional Materials Text links, banner ads, high-quality product imagery, and a data feed are often provided.
Affiliate Cookie Duration Typically cited as 14 days (some sources suggest up to 30 days).
Accepted Traffic Source Websites, blogs, social media channels, email newsletters.
Accepted Countries Primarily focuses on the United States (as Zappos does not ship internationally). International affiliates are generally allowed if they can drive US-based traffic.
Explicit Content Generally not accepted (affiliate platforms often prohibit adult/objectionable content).
Religious or Political Content Typically not accepted (affiliate platforms usually prohibit content that is hateful, discriminatory, or political in nature).

Zappos Affiliate Commissions & Payments

The program offers a competitive commission rate within the fashion retail niche. Payouts are handled by the third-party affiliate network, which offers multiple options for receiving earnings.

Factor Detail
MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) No (Single-tier commission structure: affiliates only earn commission on the sales they directly generate).
Commission Rate 7% per sale on net sales (excluding returns and cancellations).
Commission Structure Fixed Percentage Commission. Non-commissionable items may apply (e.g., Zappos VIP sales, certain brand products like Birkenstock).
Payout Frequency Monthly (handled by the affiliate network).
Payout Methods Typically includes Direct Deposit, Check, or PayPal (via the managing affiliate network).
Minimum Payout None (or dictated by the affiliate network’s low threshold, often cited as no minimum payout).

Suitable Affiliates for Zappos Affiliate

The Zappos Affiliate Program is highly suitable for content creators and marketers whose audience is interested in fashion, footwear, and lifestyle products, particularly those targeting the U.S. market.

  • Bloggers: Highly suitable, especially for fashion, lifestyle, review, and deal/coupon blogs.
  • TikTokers: Highly suitable, particularly those creating engaging fashion hauls, outfit styling videos, and product reviews for a US-based audience.
  • KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Suitable, as personal product endorsements and reviews drive conversions.
  • KOL (Key Opinion Leaders)/Influencers: Highly suitable, especially fashion, lifestyle, and fitness influencers with engaged followers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
  • YouTubers: Highly suitable, for creating product reviews, “what’s in my closet,” or style guide videos.
  • Video editors: Suitable, by supporting the content creation of the other affiliate types (YouTubers, TikTokers).
  • Livestreamers: Suitable, for live styling sessions or product showcases on platforms like Amazon Live or other streaming platforms, targeting a U.S. shopping audience.

Zappos Affiliate Software

Zappos does not use an in-house affiliate management software. The Zappos Affiliate Program is managed through a well-known, third-party affiliate network.

  • Software Used: CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction).

3 Alternatives for Zappos Affiliate Program

Alternatives for the Zappos affiliate program are typically found within the general fashion and large e-commerce retail space. Here is a comparison with three strong alternatives: Nordstrom, Amazon Associates, and Revolve.

Comparison Factor Zappos Affiliate Program Nordstrom Affiliate Program Amazon Associates Program Revolve Affiliate Program
Average Bill High (Due to brand-name footwear/apparel). Very High (Luxury/High-end retail). Variable (Low to High, across all product categories). High (Trendy, contemporary fashion).
Entry Fees None None None None
Withdrawal Threshold No minimum payout (via CJ Affiliate). Set by the managing network (e.g., typically $50 for check/direct deposit). $10 (Direct Deposit/Gift Card) or $100 (Check). Set by the managing network.
Payment Frequency Monthly (via CJ Affiliate). Monthly Monthly (after a 60-day holding period). Monthly
Commission 7% fixed rate. Varies, typically 1% to 11% (higher for certain partners). Varies, typically 1% to 4.5% for fashion/shoes. Varies, can be up to 10% for certain products/tiers.
Conversion Strong (Trusted brand, excellent customer service, free shipping/returns). Strong (Trusted luxury brand, high-quality audience). Very High (High customer trust, massive selection, high traffic). Strong (Trendy audience, high brand loyalty).
Marketing Materials Text links, banners, product imagery, data feed. Unique links, banners, access to seasonal sales/events. SiteStripe tool, custom links, banners for millions of products. Custom links, banners, exclusive promotions, influencer collaborations.