Affiliate Disclosure & Earnings Statement

Effective Date: December 10, 2025
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
Version: 1.0

🔍 Important Legal Disclosure

READ THIS CAREFULLY: SaaS Verdict (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “the Website”) participates in affiliate marketing programs and earns commissions from purchases made through links on this website. This disclosure is required by law under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 16 CFR Part 255 (Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising).

By using this website, you acknowledge and accept the terms of this affiliate disclosure.

1. What This Means for You

Plain Language Summary

When you click on certain links on SaaS Verdict and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the product or service provider. This does not cost you anything extra. In many cases, you may even receive exclusive discounts through our affiliate links.

Key Points

âś… No Additional Cost - You pay the same price (or less with our exclusive deals)
âś… Transparent Disclosure - All affiliate relationships are clearly disclosed
âś… Editorial Independence - Commissions do not influence our honest opinions
âś… Your Choice - You can always visit vendor websites directly
âś… Legal Compliance - We follow all FTC guidelines and regulations

2. How We Earn Money

Affiliate Commission Structure

SaaS Verdict earns revenue through several methods:

A. Cost Per Sale (CPS)

We receive a percentage of the sale price when you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Commission rates typically range from 10% to 50% depending on the product category and vendor agreement.

B. Cost Per Action (CPA)

We earn a fixed commission when you complete specific actions such as:

  • Signing up for a free trial
  • Creating an account
  • Requesting a demo
  • Subscribing to a service

C. Recurring Commissions

For subscription-based services, we may earn ongoing commissions for the duration of your subscription or a specified period (typically 12-24 months).

D. Tiered Commission Programs

Some vendors offer performance-based commission structures where our rates increase based on the volume of referrals we generate.

What We Do NOT Receive Payment For

  • Writing negative reviews
  • Removing negative information about products
  • Ranking products in specific positions
  • Excluding competing products from comparisons

3. Affiliate Programs We Participate In

Direct Affiliate Partnerships

We maintain direct affiliate relationships with software companies in categories including:

  • VPN & Security Services: NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, IPVanish, ProtonVPN, and others
  • Web Hosting & Cloud: Bluehost, SiteGround, HostGator, DreamHost, A2 Hosting, Cloudways, WP Engine, Kinsta
  • Email Marketing: Mailchimp, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, GetResponse, AWeber, Constant Contact
  • Project Management: Monday.com, Asana, Trello, ClickUp, Notion, Airtable
  • Cloud Storage: Dropbox, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, pCloud, Sync.com
  • eCommerce Platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix, Squarespace
  • Productivity Tools: Grammarly, Canva, Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams
  • Marketing & SEO: SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, HubSpot, Hootsuite
  • Accounting & Finance: QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Xero, Wave
  • CRM Software: Salesforce, HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive

Affiliate Networks

We also participate in third-party affiliate networks:

  • ShareASale - Multi-vendor affiliate network
  • CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) - Global performance marketing network
  • Impact Radius - Partnership management platform
  • Awin - International affiliate network
  • Rakuten Advertising - Marketing and loyalty solutions
  • FlexOffers - Performance marketing network
  • PartnerStack - SaaS affiliate platform

Note: This list is not exhaustive and changes regularly as we add or remove partnerships.

4. Our Editorial Independence Policy

Core Principles

Our reviews and recommendations are editorially independent. We maintain a strict separation between our commercial relationships and editorial content.

What This Means in Practice:

  1. Commission Rates Do Not Influence Rankings

    • Products with higher commissions are not automatically ranked higher
    • Our “best of” lists are based on objective criteria, not payment
    • Lower or non-commission products can and do rank at the top

  2. Honest Pros and Cons

    • Every review includes both advantages and disadvantages
    • We highlight limitations, bugs, and customer complaints
    • Negative aspects are disclosed even for high-commission products

  3. Testing & Research Requirements

    • Products must meet minimum quality standards to be reviewed
    • Reviews are based on hands-on testing when possible
    • User feedback and third-party data inform our assessments

  4. No Pay-for-Placement

    • Vendors cannot pay for better ratings or rankings
    • Sponsored content is clearly labeled and separate from reviews
    • Editorial decisions are made by our review team, not advertisers

  5. Comparison Integrity

    • Head-to-head comparisons include non-affiliate products
    • Competitors are fairly represented regardless of commission status
    • We recommend the best product for specific use cases, not highest payout

Editorial Review Process

Our review process follows these steps:

  1. Research Phase: Analyze features, pricing, user reviews, expert opinions
  2. Testing Phase: Hands-on testing of interface, features, performance (when applicable)
  3. Evaluation Phase: Score products based on 20+ objective criteria
  4. Verification Phase: Cross-reference with customer reviews and independent data
  5. Writing Phase: Create comprehensive, balanced review content
  6. Fact-Checking Phase: Verify all claims, pricing, and specifications
  7. Update Phase: Regular reviews to ensure information remains current

Clear and Conspicuous Disclosure

We identify affiliate links using multiple methods:

Visual Indicators

  • Button Labels: “Get Deal →”, “Visit Site”, “Try Free”, “See Pricing”
  • Link Styling: Some affiliate links may be styled differently
  • Disclosure Statements: Articles include disclosure notices at the top/bottom
  • Shortlink Format: Links using /go/product-name/ are affiliate redirects

Contextual Disclosures

Articles containing affiliate links include clear disclosures such as:

“Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure policy.”

Technical Implementation

  • All affiliate links include rel="sponsored" or rel="nofollow" attributes per Google guidelines
  • Links are properly tagged for search engine transparency
  • Cookie consent mechanisms comply with GDPR and privacy regulations

6. Sponsored Content & Paid Partnerships

Types of Sponsored Content

We occasionally publish sponsored content, which is separate from our affiliate reviews:

A. Sponsored Reviews

  • Clearly labeled with “Sponsored” badge at the top
  • Still maintain editorial independence in assessment
  • Include honest pros, cons, and limitations
  • Follow the same review criteria as organic content

B. Paid Placements

  • Banner advertisements (clearly marked as ads)
  • Featured listings in comparison tables (labeled “Sponsored”)
  • Newsletter sponsorships (disclosed in email)

C. Brand Partnerships

  • Long-term partnerships with specific brands
  • May include multiple content pieces or campaigns
  • Always disclosed at the beginning of content

Sponsorship Guidelines

Transparency Requirements:

  1. All sponsored content includes clear “Sponsored” or “Advertisement” labels
  2. Sponsors do not receive editorial control over content
  3. We reserve the right to include negative information even in sponsored content
  4. Sponsorship does not guarantee positive reviews or specific ratings
  5. We decline sponsorships that conflict with our editorial values

Editorial Standards:

  • Sponsored content meets the same quality standards as organic content
  • Factual accuracy is verified regardless of payment
  • We do not publish sponsored content that misleads readers
  • Competing products may still be mentioned or recommended

7. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Compliance

SaaS Verdict complies with the following U.S. federal regulations:

16 CFR Part 255 - Endorsements and Testimonials

We adhere to FTC guidelines requiring:

  • Clear and Conspicuous Disclosures: Affiliate relationships are disclosed prominently
  • Proximity to Claims: Disclosures appear close to affiliate links and recommendations
  • Plain Language: Disclosures are written in clear, understandable language
  • Visual Prominence: Disclosures are not hidden or obscured
  • Platform-Appropriate: Disclosures work on desktop, mobile, and all devices

Material Connection Disclosure

When we have a “material connection” to a product (financial, business, or personal relationship), we disclose it. This includes:

  • Receiving commissions for purchases
  • Receiving free products for review
  • Having business relationships with vendors
  • Any other relationship that could affect content objectivity

International Compliance

We also comply with international advertising standards:

  • GDPR (EU): Data protection and consent for European users
  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): Enhanced privacy rights for California residents
  • UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA): Clear and upfront disclosure requirements
  • Australian Consumer Law (ACL): Honest and accurate advertising standards
  • Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL): Email marketing compliance

8. Cookie Tracking & Data Privacy

How Affiliate Tracking Works

When you click an affiliate link on SaaS Verdict:

  1. Cookie Placement: A tracking cookie is stored in your browser
  2. Duration: Cookies typically last 30-90 days (varies by program)
  3. Purpose: Links your purchase back to our referral for commission credit
  4. Data Collected: Generally includes referral source, timestamp, and product clicked
  5. Personal Information: We do NOT collect your personal information through affiliate cookies

What Information is Shared

With Affiliate Programs:

  • That you clicked from SaaS Verdict
  • General location (country/region, not specific address)
  • Device type and browser (for fraud prevention)
  • Products you viewed or purchased

What We Do NOT Share:

  • Your name, email, or personal contact information
  • Payment details or credit card information
  • Individual browsing history outside the affiliate transaction
  • Any personally identifiable information (PII)

Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

  • Opt-Out: Disable cookies in your browser settings
  • Delete Data: Clear cookies at any time
  • Third-Party Tools: Use privacy extensions to block tracking cookies
  • Direct Navigation: Visit vendor websites directly without using our links

For comprehensive information about data handling, see our Privacy Policy.

9. Product Review Methodology

How We Evaluate Products

Our review process uses a standardized framework to ensure consistency and objectivity:

Evaluation Criteria (20-Point System)

  1. Features & Functionality (20%): Completeness, innovation, use cases
  2. Ease of Use (15%): Interface design, learning curve, onboarding
  3. Performance (15%): Speed, reliability, uptime, stability
  4. Pricing & Value (15%): Cost-effectiveness, pricing transparency, ROI
  5. Customer Support (10%): Response time, quality, availability, channels
  6. Security & Privacy (10%): Data protection, compliance, encryption
  7. Integration Capabilities (5%): API quality, third-party connections
  8. Customization (5%): Flexibility, configuration options
  9. Documentation (3%): Quality of help resources, tutorials
  10. User Satisfaction (2%): Aggregate customer reviews and ratings

Data Sources

Our reviews incorporate data from:

  • Hands-On Testing: Direct experience with products (when possible)
  • User Reviews: Analysis of 1,000+ user reviews from multiple platforms
  • Expert Opinions: Industry analyst reports and expert assessments
  • Company Data: Official specifications, documentation, and disclosures
  • Third-Party Testing: Independent benchmarks and performance tests
  • Customer Support Tests: Mystery shopping of support channels
  • Security Audits: Published security certifications and audit reports

Testing Environments

  • Duration: Products tested for minimum 7-14 days
  • Use Cases: Real-world scenarios matching target audience needs
  • Devices: Testing across desktop, mobile, and tablet platforms
  • Browsers: Cross-browser compatibility verification
  • Team Testing: Multiple team members test to reduce individual bias

Rating System

5.0 Stars: Exceptional - Best in class, highly recommended
4.0-4.9 Stars: Excellent - Strong choice with minor limitations
3.0-3.9 Stars: Good - Solid option with some drawbacks
2.0-2.9 Stars: Fair - Usable but significant issues
1.0-1.9 Stars: Poor - Not recommended for most users
Below 1.0: Avoid - Serious problems or better alternatives exist

Review Updates

Reviews are updated on the following schedule:

  • Major Updates: Annually or when significant product changes occur
  • Price Checks: Quarterly verification of pricing information
  • User Feedback: Ongoing monitoring and incorporation of user comments
  • Feature Additions: Updates when new features are released
  • Security Issues: Immediate updates if security concerns emerge

No Guarantee of Results

We make no representations or warranties regarding:

  • Your ability to earn money using recommended products
  • Specific results you may achieve
  • Success rates or typical outcomes
  • Vendor claims about their products

Your results will vary based on your effort, budget, market conditions, competition, and countless other factors.

Not Professional Advice

Content on SaaS Verdict is for informational purposes only and does not constitute:

  • Legal advice
  • Financial advice
  • Professional consulting
  • Specific recommendations for your situation

Always consult qualified professionals before making business decisions.

Product Changes

  • Product features, pricing, and availability may change without notice
  • Vendors may discontinue services or modify terms
  • We strive to keep information current but cannot guarantee real-time accuracy
  • Always verify current details on the vendor’s official website

Third-Party Liability

  • We are not responsible for vendor actions, policies, or practices
  • Product quality, customer service, and fulfillment are the vendor’s responsibility
  • Disputes about purchases should be resolved directly with the vendor
  • We do not process payments or handle customer service for vendors

11. Your Rights & Responsibilities

As a Reader, You Have the Right To:

âś… Know About Affiliate Relationships: We disclose all material connections
âś… Access Free Content: All reviews and comparisons are freely accessible
âś… Make Informed Decisions: We provide comprehensive information to help you choose
âś… Choose Alternatives: You can visit vendor sites directly or choose competing products
âś… Voice Concerns: Contact us if you believe content is misleading or inaccurate
âś… Control Your Data: Manage cookies, tracking, and data collection preferences

Your Responsibilities:

đź“‹ Do Your Own Research: Our content is a starting point, not the only source
đź“‹ Read Vendor Terms: Review the vendor’s terms of service, privacy policy, and refund policy
đź“‹ Verify Current Information: Check vendor websites for the latest pricing and features
đź“‹ Consider Your Needs: What works for others may not work for your specific situation
đź“‹ Use Products Legally: Comply with software licenses and terms of use
đź“‹ Report Issues: Let us know if you find outdated or incorrect information

12. Ethical Standards & Conflicts of Interest

Our Commitment to Ethics

SaaS Verdict maintains the following ethical standards:

Editorial Ethics

  1. Truthfulness: All content is factually accurate to the best of our knowledge
  2. Fairness: Products are evaluated on merit, not commercial relationships
  3. Transparency: Material relationships are always disclosed
  4. Accountability: We correct errors promptly and visibly
  5. Independence: Editorial decisions are not influenced by advertisers

Conflicts of Interest

We Disclose When:

  • We have financial relationships with vendors
  • We receive free products or services for review
  • We have personal relationships with company employees
  • We hold equity or ownership stakes in companies
  • There are other relationships that could create bias

We Decline to Review When:

  • We have direct financial stake in a company’s success
  • Personal relationships would compromise objectivity
  • We cannot provide honest, critical assessment

Advertising Standards

We follow the principles of the Coalition for Better Ads and the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB):

  • No misleading or deceptive advertising
  • No malicious ads or malware
  • No ads that obstruct content or create poor user experience
  • Clear distinction between editorial content and advertising

13. Corrections & Content Updates

Error Correction Policy

When we discover errors or receive reports of inaccurate information:

  1. Immediate Review: We investigate claims within 48 hours
  2. Prompt Correction: Substantiated errors are corrected immediately
  3. Transparent Updates: Significant corrections include update notices
  4. Archive Integrity: We do not remove historical content without disclosure

How to Report Issues

If you find inaccurate, outdated, or misleading information:

📧 Email: [email protected]
đź“‹ Subject Line: “Content Correction Request”
đź“ť Include: URL, specific issue, and supporting evidence

We typically respond within 48 hours and make corrections within 7 days.

14. Changes to This Disclosure

Modification Policy

We may update this affiliate disclosure to reflect:

  • Changes in our business practices
  • New affiliate relationships or programs
  • Updates to legal requirements
  • Improvements to transparency and clarity

Notification of Changes

Material Changes: We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page
Major Revisions: Significant policy changes will be announced on our homepage
Your Responsibility: Review this page periodically to stay informed

Version History

Current Version: 1.0 (December 10, 2025)
Previous Versions: None (initial publication)

15. Contact Information

Questions About This Disclosure

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback about our affiliate practices:

📧 Email: [email protected]
đź“„ Subject: “Affiliate Disclosure Inquiry”
⏱️ Response Time: Within 48-72 hours

General Inquiries

General Questions: [email protected]
Legal Matters: [email protected]
Privacy Issues: [email protected]

Mailing Address

SaaS Verdict
Legal Department
[Your Business Address]
[City, State ZIP]
United States

16. Supporting Our Work

Why Affiliate Marketing Matters

Your support through affiliate links allows us to:

  • âś… Keep all content 100% free to access
  • âś… Maintain editorial independence from vendors
  • âś… Invest in thorough testing and research
  • âś… Update reviews regularly with current information
  • âś… Expand coverage to more products and categories
  • âś… Improve website features and user experience

How You Can Help

Use Our Links: When you’re ready to purchase, use our affiliate links
Share Content: Help others discover our reviews and comparisons
Provide Feedback: Tell us what content you find most valuable
Report Issues: Let us know about errors or outdated information

No Obligation

You are never obligated to use our affiliate links. You can:

  • Visit vendor websites directly
  • Use search engines to find deals
  • Compare prices across multiple sources
  • Choose products we don’t have affiliate relationships with

We appreciate your support, but honest recommendations come first.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • We are not liable for decisions made based on our content
  • We do not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information
  • We are not responsible for third-party product issues or vendor actions
  • Your use of affiliate links is at your own risk

Warranty Disclaimer

CONTENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING:

  • Warranties of merchantability
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement
  • Accuracy or reliability

Indemnification

By using SaaS Verdict, you agree to indemnify us from claims arising from:

  • Your use of products purchased through affiliate links
  • Your violation of vendor terms of service
  • Your misuse of information on our website

For comprehensive information about our practices, please review:

Acknowledgment & Acceptance

By using SaaS Verdict, you acknowledge that:

  1. You have read and understood this affiliate disclosure
  2. You understand we earn commissions from affiliate links
  3. You accept that affiliate relationships exist but do not compromise editorial integrity
  4. You are making purchases based on your own research and judgment
  5. You agree to the terms outlined in this disclosure

Summary Checklist

âś… We participate in affiliate programs and earn commissions
âś… Affiliate links cost you nothing extra
âś… All relationships are clearly disclosed
âś… Editorial content is independent and honest
âś… We comply with FTC regulations
âś… Your privacy is protected
âś… You can always choose alternatives
âś… We’re committed to transparency

Thank you for trusting SaaS Verdict as your resource for software reviews and comparisons. Our commitment is to provide honest, comprehensive information to help you make informed decisions—while being completely transparent about how we operate and earn revenue.

If you have any questions or concerns about this disclosure, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

This affiliate disclosure was last updated on December 10, 2025, and is version 1.0 of our policy.