How to Avoid Promoting Scammy Affiliate Products (A Simple Guide for Beginners)

When you’re just starting out online, one of the fastest ways to shoot yourself in the foot is promoting low-quality, scammy products.

It’s tempting — especially when you see big commissions, flashy sales pages, and impressive EPC numbers.

But here’s the reality:

One bad promotion can do more damage than ten good ones can fix.

Let’s talk about how to avoid that mistake.

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It’s Not Just About the Numbers

Yes, stats matter.
Conversion rates, EPCs, commissions — all important.

But they’re not the whole picture.

If a product doesn’t deliver on what it promises, you’re the one who takes the hit — not the vendor.

Your subscribers don’t blame the product.
They blame you.

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The Refund Rate Rule (This Matters More Than You Think)

If a product has been around for a while, the easiest quality check is the refund rate.

Here’s a simple guideline:

• Over 15% ? big red flag

• Under 10% ? usually acceptable

• 5–6% ? often a solid product

High refunds usually mean:

• over-hyped claims

• poor support

• low actual value

And yes — even products with great conversion rates can still have terrible refund numbers.

Those are the ones that quietly kill your business.

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What About New Product Launches?

New launches don’t have refund data yet, so you need to dig a little differently.

Start with the vendor’s track record.

Check their profile on platforms like:

• WarriorPlus

• JVZoo

Look at:

• feedback from previous launches

• refund history

• reputation among affiliates

Over time, you’ll naturally build a shortlist of vendors who consistently create quality products.

Those relationships also make it much easier to get review access in the future.

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The Sales Page Test (Trust Your Gut)

Sometimes the warning signs are obvious.

If the sales page is full of:

• outrageous income claims

• “push-button” promises

• countdown timers everywhere

• hype that sounds too good to be true

…it usually is.

You don’t need to be cynical — just realistic.

Good products don’t need ridiculous claims to sell.

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When in Doubt, Skip It

Here’s a simple rule that’s served me well:

If you’re unsure about a product, promote something else.

There is always another offer.

Putting your name and reputation on the line for a bad product will cost you money long-term — even if it looks profitable in the short term.

Trust is slow to build and very fast to lose.

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Why Reviewing Products Properly Pays Off

Taking the time to review a product properly does three things:

1. Makes it easier to promote (you actually know what it does)

2. Builds trust with your subscribers

3. Helps you create better bonuses

When you reference specific features or insights from inside the product, people can tell it’s a real review — not just a copy-and-paste promo.

That difference matters.

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The “Don’t Buy This” Email (Use Sparingly)

Some marketers occasionally email their list telling them not to buy a product — and explain why.

When done honestly (and rarely), this can build huge trust.

But remember:

You’re here to make money by recommending good products, not to police the entire industry.

Use that tactic carefully.

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The Real Payoff: A Smaller List That Makes More Money

When you consistently promote quality offers:

• your list becomes more responsive

• you need fewer subscribers to earn well

• your reputation works for you

That’s the long game — and it’s the one that lasts.

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Final Thought

You will occasionally make a mistake.

It happens to everyone.

If you ever promote something that turns out worse than expected:

• acknowledge it

• learn from it

• move on

Be honest with your subscribers and they’ll stick with you.

Be true to your list, and your list will look after you.

 

 

 

 

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