Affiliate Program Agreement

We'd like to thank you for your interest in our affiliate program. So that things can progress smoothly, we'd like to outline some basic terms that we think are fair to both us as well as you.

Type of Websites / Businesses Accepted

We would like to extend an open invitation to all motorcycle related websites that have unique content (no link farms) and are free from pornography and hate speech. Now, we realize many biker sites will have a bit of T&A here and there and that's just fine - and most people can tell the difference between some, ahem, interesting ride photos and a site dedicated to pornography.

When you submit your application, a member of our team will quickly review your site and approve (or decline) it. If you are declined, you are welcome to appeal, but we do reserve the right to make any final decisions.

Not Acceptable Businesses / Websites

Sites that are simple link-farms with no useful content (unless specifically arranged for indexing and searching by visitors - something 'value added' if you will), sites that are nothing but advertisements and sites that are poorly maintained or very poorly designed (think lobotomized 5-year old with FrontPage) will probably be turned down.

Approved Practices - Generating Sales

We will provide materials (such as banners or text links) that can be used on your website. Although we are open to creative uses of these materials, there are a few practices that we would prefer you refrain, or use special precautions when implementing.

Broadcast Emails

If you have a real opt-in email list and use it to promote your website, then please read the following guidelines. a) The email must clearly be from you and cannot be disguised as being from us. Any links to us must be clearly marked as being advertising or 'sponsored'. In short, we want people to understand that this is your email, not ours. b) That you have clear and easy-to-follow policies on how to opt-out and follow the wishes of those who want to do so. c) The lists must be opt-in only to your website. Please do not include us if your list is shared, rented or the email addresses are purchased or obtained by other means than by direct opt-in.

Newsgroups and Message Boards

In general, we strongly discourage the use of message boards and/or newsgroups to promote us. Simply, we don't want people spamming the boards with links to us because it destroys our reputation and credibility. Any affiliate caught doing this will be suspended and all commissions forfeit. However, a simple link within a signature tag is fine as long as it is reasonable in size, not overly promotional in nature and added as a signature to posts that are relevant to the discussions. (In other words, if you normally participate in 'ABC Motorcycle forum' and your posts are answering questions in the thread, then the link in the signature is fine, otherwise, don't simply post so that the signature file / link gets exposure. However, don't do this if such practices are expressly forbidden or against the board's policies.

In short, though, when in doubt, just don't do it.

Own Materials or Modifiying Our Materials

You are welcome to create your own links and banners, if you feel something else will be more appropriate. We do ask, however, that such materials are designed to clearly state that the link will go to us and isn't otherwise deceptive - in short, people know it's a banner and there are no "tricks". If you wish to use the photos on the website, we ask that you obtain permission from us first. This is especially true as many photos are provided to us by our customers, and as such, we will probably restrict their use.

Payment and Frequency

Commissions are paid monthly, around the 15th of each month to Affiliates with a $25.00 or greater balance. If the balance is less than $25.00, then the amount will roll over to subsequent months until the $25.00 minimum payout threshold is reached. There is a clearing time for commissions - sales generated in one month will be paid on the 15th of the month following the next month (in other words, sales made in January would be paid out mid-March or sales made in August would be paid in mid-October - assuming the $25 minimum is met). If an item is returned or an order is cancelled, the sales figures will reflect this accordingly. Please keep in mind that returns may not happen in the same month that the original sale occurred. Any Affiliate can log into the status console with their login to see their sales status and other information.

PayPal Only

All affiliates must have a PayPal account as all commissions will only be paid via PayPal. It is the Affiliate's responsiblity to ensure that all contact information, including their email address and PayPal Account information, is kept up to date. We will not be responsible for lost, misplaced or late payments if this information is not accurate.

Termination

The affiliate program can end at any time, with or without advance warning. If your account is in good standing, we will pay any owed commissions (less returns / cancellations, if any). If your account is terminated for 'cause' (such as spamming or inappropriately promoting our program), then your commissions will be forfeit.