Effective Date: November 2024
This Operating Agreement ("Agreement") governs your participation in the RunBuds Affiliate Programme (the "Programme") offered by RunBuds.com and its Partner Sites. By enrolling in the Programme, you agree to comply with this Agreement and its terms.
1. Definitions
- "Affiliate" or "You" refers to the individual or entity participating in the Programme.
- "RunBuds" or "We" refers to RunBuds.com and any affiliated entities.
- "Partner Site" is any third-party platform partnered with RunBuds for affiliate purposes.
- "Service Offerings" means any tools, features, content, or other resources provided by RunBuds or its Partner Sites for the Programme.
- "Coupon Affiliate" refers to affiliates whose primary purpose is to promote discount vouchers.
2. Enrollment and Eligibility
To join the Programme, you must submit an application. RunBuds reserves the right to accept or reject applications in its sole discretion. Affiliates must comply with all applicable laws and regulations to remain eligible.
3. Commission and Payment
RunBuds will pay commissions on qualifying sales generated through your unique referral links as outlined in this Agreement.
Commission Rates
- Content Affiliates: Receive higher commission rates based on the value provided through original content creation.
- Coupon Affiliates: May receive a lower commission rate due to the distinct role of coupon-driven sales in our strategy.
Payment Terms
Commissions will be paid based on the agreed-upon schedule. Payments are processed according to the methods specified in your affiliate dashboard.
4. Coupon Affiliate-Specific Restrictions
To ensure brand integrity and manage promotional impact, RunBuds applies specific terms to Coupon Affiliates.
a. Brand Term Bidding Restriction
Coupon Affiliates are prohibited from bidding on RunBuds’ branded keywords or other brand-related terms in any paid search campaigns. Unauthorised bidding may lead to reduced commissions or removal from the Programme.
b. Last-Click Attribution Limitations
In cases where multiple affiliates contribute to a sale, RunBuds may prioritise non-coupon affiliates, such as content creators, for commission. This alternative attribution model recognises the value of initiating customer interest.
c. Pre-Approval for Coupons
Coupon Affiliates must use only approved and valid coupon codes provided directly by RunBuds. Unauthorised or expired codes are not permitted and may lead to suspension from the Programme.
d. Tiered Commission Structure
To manage cost impacts, RunBuds applies a lower commission rate for coupon-driven transactions relative to content-based referrals.
e. Exclusivity of Influencer Codes
Influencer-specific codes are exclusive and may not appear on coupon sites. Affiliates listing such codes may be subject to reduced commissions or termination from the Programme.
5. Approved Marketing Channels
Affiliates may use websites, blogs, and other online properties to promote RunBuds products, provided they are registered in the Programme. Affiliates may not engage in unauthorised email marketing, SMS marketing, or other prohibited promotional methods.
6. Affiliate Content Standards
Affiliates must provide accurate, original, and relevant content that reflects RunBuds’ brand values. Misleading, inappropriate, or infringing content is strictly prohibited and may result in termination from the Programme.
7. Prohibited Activities
Affiliates must refrain from activities that may harm RunBuds’ reputation, including:
- Deceptive Marketing: Misleading advertising, false claims, or unauthorised representations of RunBuds’ products or services.
- Cookie-Stuffing or Forced Clicks: Engaging in tactics that artificially create tracking cookies or inflate referrals.
- Trademark Misuse: Unauthorised use of RunBuds’ trademarks or branding elements.
8. Intellectual Property
Affiliates receive a limited, non-transferable licence to use RunBuds’ branding solely to promote RunBuds products within the guidelines provided. Unauthorised use of RunBuds’ intellectual property may result in legal action.
9. Confidentiality
Any non-public information provided by RunBuds is considered confidential and may not be disclosed to third parties.
10. Termination
RunBuds reserves the right to terminate your participation in the Programme at any time for violations of this Agreement or any misuse of Programme resources.
Termination Process
Upon termination, you will no longer earn commissions on subsequent sales, and all use of RunBuds’ branding must cease immediately.
11. Limitation of Liability
RunBuds will not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your participation in the Programme. Our aggregate liability for any claims related to this Agreement will not exceed the total commission paid to you in the previous 12 months.
12. Disclaimers
The Programme is provided "as-is" without warranties of any kind. RunBuds makes no guarantees regarding the availability or uninterrupted operation of the Programme.
13. Governing Law and Disputes
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the United Kingdom, with disputes resolved in the courts of England and Wales.
14. Mobile Application Policy
Affiliates using mobile applications must comply with additional requirements:
- Free Access: Your app must be freely accessible.
- Original Content: Apps must contain original content.
- Functionality: Apps may not emulate RunBuds’ or Partner Sites’ functionalities.
- Approved Coupons Only: Apps may only display RunBuds-approved coupon codes.
