Affiliate Disclosure

COMPREHENSIVE AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE POLICY

For GutSignals Newsletter - EU, US, and Australian Subscribers

Last Updated: June 2026

Effective Date: June 2026

1. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

1.1 Our Commitment to Transparency

At GutSignals ("we," "us," or "our"), we believe in complete transparency about how we generate revenue and maintain our free newsletter. This Affiliate Disclosure Policy explains our financial relationships with third-party companies whose products or services we may recommend. This policy is designed to comply with:

United States: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations, specifically 16 CFR Part 255 (Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials)

European Union/Germany: Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC), German Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG - Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb)

Australia: Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010), particularly provisions on misleading and deceptive conduct

1.2 Why This Disclosure Matters

Federal law requires us to disclose material connections between us (as endorsers/publishers) and companies whose products we recommend. A "material connection" is any relationship that might affect the credibility of our recommendations—particularly financial relationships. You have the right to know:

• When we receive compensation for recommendations
• How that compensation might influence our content
• What our actual experiences and opinions are
• Whether products are independently evaluated or commercially motivated

1.3 Our Philosophy

We only recommend products we genuinely believe are valuable for gut health and digestive wellness. However, we acknowledge that affiliate relationships create financial incentives that you should be aware of when evaluating our recommendations. This disclosure policy ensures you can make fully informed decisions about products and services we discuss.

2. WHAT AFFILIATE MARKETING MEANS

2.1 Definition of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing arrangement where we (the "affiliate" or "publisher") earn a commission when you:

• Click on a special tracking link we provide
• Make a purchase through that link
• Complete a specific action (sign up, subscribe, etc.)

The company (the "merchant" or "advertiser") pays us a percentage of the sale or a fixed fee for the referral.

2.2 How Affiliate Links Work

Technical explanation:

We join an affiliate program offered by a company (e.g., supplement manufacturer, testing service, book retailer)

We receive unique tracking links that identify referrals from GutSignals

We include these links in our newsletter, website, or social media when discussing relevant products

You click the link and are redirected to the company's website

A cookie or tracking parameter is placed on your device/browser to track your session

If you make a purchase during that session (or within a tracking window, typically 24 hours to 90 days), the company credits us with the referral

We receive a commission (a percentage of the sale or flat fee)

Important: The tracking link doesn't change what you pay. You pay the same price whether you use our link or go directly to the company's website.

2.3 What Information Is Shared

When you click an affiliate link: We receive:

• Notification that a click occurred
• Notification that a purchase was made (if you buy)
• Commission amount earned
• General transaction data (date, order value)
• We do NOT receive:
• Your name or contact information (unless separately provided)
• Your payment information
• Specific items purchased (in most cases)
• Your personal data beyond what's necessary for tracking
• The merchant receives:
• Information that you came from GutSignals
• Any data you provide during checkout
• Tracking data according to their privacy policy

See our Privacy Policy (www.gutsignals.com/privacy-policy) for more information about data handling.

2.4 Types of Affiliate Compensation

We may earn compensation through: Pay-per-sale (most common):

• Percentage of purchase amount (typically 5-30%)
• Example: 15% commission on $100 supplement = $15 earned
• Pay-per-click:
• Fixed amount per click on affiliate link (less common)
• Example: $0.50 per click regardless of purchase
• Pay-per-lead:
• Fixed amount when you complete an action (sign up, request info, etc.)
• Example: $5 when you sign up for free trial
• Recurring commissions:
• Ongoing percentage for subscription products
• Example: 20% monthly for as long as you maintain subscription
• Flat-fee commissions:
• Fixed amount per sale regardless of price
• Example: $25 per product sold
• Tiered commissions:
• Higher percentages for more sales volume
• Example: 10% for 1-10 sales/month, 15% for 11-50 sales/month
• Hybrid models:
• Combination of the above

3. OUR AFFILIATE RELATIONSHIPS

3.1 Current and Potential Affiliate Programs

We participate (or may participate in future) in affiliate programs with companies in the following categories:

3.1.1 Dietary Supplements and Nutrition

Product types:

• Probiotics and prebiotics
• Digestive enzymes
• Herbal supplements
• Vitamins and minerals
• Fiber supplements
• Gut health supplements
• Protein powders
• Specialty nutrition products
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Individual supplement brands (direct affiliate programs)
• Amazon Associates (for supplements sold on Amazon)
• Health supplement affiliate networks
• Commission range: Typically 10-30% per sale

3.1.2 Health Testing and Diagnostics

Product types:

• Gut microbiome testing kits
• Food sensitivity testing
• SIBO breath tests
• Comprehensive stool analysis
• At-home lab tests
• Health screening services
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Direct partnerships with testing companies
• Laboratory service affiliates
• Commission range: Typically $10-$100 per test or 10-20% of test cost

3.1.3 Books and Educational Resources

Product types:

• Gut health books
• Nutrition guides
• Scientific literature
• E-books and digital courses
• Audiobooks
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Amazon Associates (for physical and Kindle books)
• Individual author/publisher programs
• Educational platform affiliates
• Commission range: Typically 4-10% for physical books, up to 50% for digital products

3.1.4 Kitchen Equipment and Food Preparation

Product types:

• Fermentation equipment
• Food processors and blenders
• Kitchen tools for gut-healthy cooking
• Food storage solutions
• Specialty cooking equipment
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Amazon Associates
• Kitchen equipment retailers
• Specialty food equipment companies
• Commission range: Typically 3-10% per sale

3.1.5 Health and Wellness Apps

Product types:

• Food tracking apps
• Symptom trackers
• Meditation and stress management apps
• Sleep tracking apps
• Health journaling apps
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Direct app developer partnerships
• App subscription affiliates
• Commission range: Typically $5-$20 per subscription or 20-40% of subscription fees

3.1.6 Online Courses and Coaching Programs

Product types:

• Gut health courses
• Nutrition education programs
• Wellness coaching services
• Health practitioner training
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Course platform affiliates (Teachable, Kajabi, etc.)
• Direct partnerships with course creators
• Commission range: Typically 30-50% for digital courses

3.1.7 Subscription Services and Meal Kits

Product types:

• Gut-health focused meal kits
• Probiotic food subscriptions
• Health food delivery services
• Supplement subscription boxes
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Individual subscription service programs
• Meal kit affiliate networks
• Commission range: Typically $10-$50 per new subscriber or 10-20% of first order

3.1.8 Wellness Products and Services

Product types:

• Air and water filtration
• Non-toxic household products
• Personal care products
• Stress management tools
• Sleep aids and products
• Typical affiliate programs:
• Individual brand partnerships
• E-commerce platform affiliates
• Commission range: Varies widely, typically 5-25%

3.2 Specific Affiliate Networks and Programs

We may participate in: Amazon Associates:

Earn commissions when you purchase ANYTHING on Amazon after clicking our link (not just the specific product recommended)

Commission typically 1-10% depending on product category

24-hour cookie window (commission earned if purchase within 24 hours)

Supplements typically earn 4-10%

ShareASale:

• Affiliate network connecting publishers with merchants
• Various health and wellness brands
• Commission structure varies by merchant
• Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate):
• Large affiliate network
• Health, wellness, and supplement brands
• Variable commission structures
• Individual Brand Programs:
• Direct partnerships with supplement companies
• Testing service companies
• Course creators and educators
• Often higher commissions than networks
• Gumroad / Lemon Squeezy (Future):
• If we create our own products (ebooks, courses)
• May offer affiliate program to others
• Would be disclosed separately

3.3 Non-Affiliate Recommendations

Not everything we recommend is an affiliate relationship. We also discuss products/services where we receive NO compensation:

• Products with no affiliate programs available
• Local services or practitioners
• Free resources and tools
• Research studies and scientific publications
• Generic product categories without specific brand recommendations
• When a recommendation is NOT an affiliate link, we'll typically:
• Not provide a specific clickable link (just mention the general product type)
• Or clearly state "This is not an affiliate link—we don't earn commission"
• Or provide generic Amazon/Google search suggestions rather than direct links

3.4 Relationship Duration and Changes

Affiliate relationships may:

• Begin or end at any time
• Change commission rates
• Modify terms and conditions
• Be terminated by us or the merchant

We'll update this policy when significant affiliate relationships change, but we're not required to announce every minor program modification.

4. HOW AFFILIATE LINKS WORK

4.1 Identifying Affiliate Links

In our emails, you'll see affiliate links: Format:

• Often contain special tracking codes in the URL
• Examples: ?ref=gutsignals, ?affiliate=12345, /gs-affiliate/
• May redirect through affiliate network (e.g., shareasale.com/r.cfm)
• Sometimes shortened links (bit.ly, etc.) that mask tracking URLs
• Visual indicators:
• Typically underlined or colored text (like any hyperlink)
• Sometimes marked with * or † symbol
• May say "affiliate link" nearby
• Disclosure placement:
• At the top of emails containing affiliate links
• Near the specific affiliate link
• In the footer of the email
• Examples: "This email contains affiliate links" or "Links marked with * are affiliate links"

4.2 What Happens When You Click

Step-by-step process:

• You click link in our email or website
• Redirect may occur:
• Direct to merchant site (tracking parameter in URL)
• Through affiliate network first, then to merchant
• May see brief "redirecting" screen
• Tracking cookie placed:
• Small text file stored on your device
• Contains unique identifier linking you to our affiliate account
• Duration varies (24 hours to 90 days typically)
• You browse merchant site:
• Shop as normal
• Add items to cart
• Decision to purchase is entirely yours
• If you make purchase:
• Merchant's system checks for affiliate cookie
• Credits our account with the referral
• We receive commission (after return period typically)
• If you don't purchase:
• No commission earned
• Cookie remains until expiration or deletion
• We're not notified of non-purchases

4.3 Cookie Duration and Policies

"Cookie window" or "cookie life" is the period after clicking our link during which we receive credit for your purchase. Typical cookie durations:

• Amazon Associates: 24 hours (very short)
• Most supplement brands: 30-60 days
• Software/apps: 30-90 days
• Courses/digital products: Sometimes lifetime (as long as you eventually purchase)
• What this means:
• If Amazon cookie is 24 hours and you buy 25 hours later, we don't earn commission
• If supplement cookie is 30 days and you buy within 30 days, we earn commission
• If you clear your cookies, tracking is lost
• Multiple affiliate conflicts:

If you click our link, then another affiliate's link before purchasing, the LAST affiliate typically gets credit

"Last-click attribution" is standard

This means we only earn if our link was the final referral

4.4 Products Beyond What We Recommended

Important aspect of many affiliate programs: Some programs credit us for ANYTHING you purchase, not just the recommended product. Example with Amazon Associates:

• We recommend a specific probiotic supplement
• You click our link to that probiotic
• You decide not to buy the probiotic
• But you buy a book, some kitchen equipment, and a yoga mat
• We earn commission on ALL of those items (because you entered Amazon through our link)

This is standard practice but important for transparency. Your entire shopping cart may generate commission for us. Other programs:

• Some credit only the specific product recommended
• Some credit any products from that brand
• Policies vary by merchant

4.5 Price Comparison and Savings

Important guarantee: YOU PAY THE SAME PRICE whether or not you use our affiliate link. Merchant pricing:

• Affiliate commissions are paid by the merchant from their profit margin
• NOT added to your purchase price
• You won't see different pricing if you navigate directly vs. through our link
• Sometimes you may find better prices:
• Sales or promotions we weren't aware of
• Different sellers (if e-commerce marketplace)
• Coupon codes we didn't mention
• You're never obligated to use our link
• Discount codes we provide:
• Sometimes we negotiate special discount codes for our audience
• These may be affiliate-tracked codes
• You save money AND we earn commission
• Win-win situation—clearly disclosed

5. TYPES OF AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS

5.1 Standard Affiliate Relationships

Most common arrangement: Characteristics:

• We join publicly available affiliate program
• No special relationship with the company
• Same commission rates as other affiliates
• No input on product development or marketing
• Company doesn't know who we are beyond an affiliate ID

Example: "We participate in the Amazon Associates program. When you purchase products through our Amazon links, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you."

5.2 Direct Brand Partnerships

More established relationships: Characteristics:

• Direct communication with brand
• Potentially higher commission rates
• May negotiate special discount codes for our audience
• May receive product samples for review
• Still editorially independent

Disclosure example: "We have a direct partnership with [Brand Name]. We earn commissions from purchases and may have received products for review, but our opinions remain independent."

5.3 Sponsored or Paid Placements

When companies pay for mention or placement: Characteristics:

• Flat fee paid for including product in content
• May be in addition to or instead of affiliate commission
• Company may request specific messaging or positioning
• Always clearly labeled as "sponsored" or "paid partnership"

Disclosure example: "This section is sponsored by [Company Name], who compensated us for this placement. However, we only partner with companies whose products we believe are valuable for gut health."FTC requirements: Must disclose "clearly and conspicuously" at the beginning of the content.

5.4 Free Product Relationships

When we receive complimentary products: Characteristics:

• Company sends free products for us to try
• No obligation to review positively (or review at all)
• May or may not also be affiliate relationship
• Considered "material connection" requiring disclosure

Disclosure example: "[Company Name] provided this product to us free of charge for evaluation. This does not influence our honest assessment."Why this matters:

• FTC considers free products as creating incentive to review favorably
• Even if we maintain objectivity, you deserve to know
• Distinguishes between products we purchased vs. received

5.5 Ambassador or Brand Representative Roles

Ongoing relationships with companies: Characteristics:

• Formal agreement to represent brand over time
• May receive ongoing compensation beyond affiliate commissions
• May have input on product development
• May attend company events or training
• Typically exclusive (can't promote competitors)

Disclosure example: "I am a brand ambassador for [Company Name], which means I have an ongoing professional relationship with them and receive compensation beyond affiliate commissions. This influences which products I recommend in this category."Current status: We do not currently have any brand ambassador relationships. If this changes, we'll clearly disclose it.

**5.6 Our Own Products (Future)

If we create and sell our own products: Characteristics:

• Ebooks, courses, meal plans, coaching services
• We receive 100% of revenue (minus platform fees)
• Obviously biased toward our own products
• May offer affiliate program for others to promote

Disclosure example: "This is our own product. We obviously have a vested interest in your purchase and receive the full revenue from sales."Why it's still disclosed: Even though obvious, transparency remains our priority.

6. OUR COMMITMENT TO HONEST RECOMMENDATIONS

6.1 Our Recommendation Standards

We only recommend products that:✓ Align with evidence-based health principles

Supported by scientific research (when available)

Consistent with current understanding of gut health

Not contradicted by reputable health authorities

• We genuinely believe are valuable
• Would recommend to friends and family
• Fill a legitimate need in gut health space
• Provide meaningful benefit relative to cost
• Meet minimum quality standards
• From reputable manufacturers
• Appropriate quality control and testing
• Reasonable safety profile
• Honest marketing and labeling
• Represent fair value
• Price reasonable for benefit provided
• Comparable or better than alternatives
• Not exploitative or overpriced
• Are legal and safe
• Comply with applicable regulations
• No dangerous or banned substances
• Appropriate for general adult use (with disclaimers for special populations)

6.2 What We Will NOT Do

We refuse to:❌ Recommend products solely because they offer high commissions

Commission rate does NOT determine recommendation

We'll recommend lower-commission products if they're better

We'll recommend non-affiliate products if they're best option

❌ Misrepresent product benefits or effectiveness

No exaggeration of results

No false or misleading claims

No hiding of limitations or drawbacks

❌ Endorse products we haven't researched

Must review available evidence

Must understand product composition and mechanism

Must consider safety profile and potential interactions

❌ Promote dangerous or fraudulent products

No products making illegal health claims

No products with serious safety concerns

No MLM or pyramid scheme products

No products that prey on desperate or vulnerable people

❌ Suppress negative information

Won't hide drawbacks or limitations

Won't ignore negative reviews or research

Won't present one-sided view to drive sales

❌ Create false urgency or scarcity

No fake countdown timers

No fabricated limited quantities

No manipulative sales tactics

❌ Recommend products we know are harmful

No products with known serious adverse effects

No products contraindicated for our general audience

No products with more risk than benefit

6.3 Our Research Process

Before recommending products, we:

• Review scientific literature
• Research studies on ingredients or protocols
• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Regulatory agency positions
• Expert consensus statements
• Evaluate product quality
• Third-party testing (if available)
• Manufacturer reputation and history
• Quality control measures
• Transparency of labeling
• Assess safety profile
• Known adverse effects
• Drug interactions
• Contraindications for special populations
• Regulatory warnings or recalls
• Consider alternatives
• Compare to similar products
• Evaluate cost-effectiveness
• Assess unique benefits or drawbacks
• Test when feasible
• Personal experience with products (when safe and appropriate)
• Not possible for all products
• Personal experience disclosed when relevant

6.4 Personal Use Disclosure

We'll tell you:

• When we personally use a recommended product
• When we haven't tried it but recommend based on research
• When we used it in the past but no longer do (and why)
• Examples:
• "I've been using this probiotic for 6 months and noticed [specific effects]"

"I haven't personally tried this product, but it contains [research-backed ingredients] and has strong third-party testing"

"I used this previously but switched to [alternative] because [reason]"

6.5 Ongoing Evaluation

We continuously monitor:

• New research on recommended products
• Product recalls or safety warnings
• Changes to product formulations
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Regulatory actions or warnings
• We'll update recommendations if:
• New evidence emerges showing harm
• Better alternatives become available
• Products are recalled or reformulated
• Safety concerns arise

We're not perfect and may miss information. If you're aware of concerns about products we recommend, please contact us: gutsignalsbusiness@gmail.com

7. DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS AND COMPLIANCE

7.1 Federal Trade Commission Requirements (US)

Under 16 CFR Part 255, endorsers (including us) must disclose material connections to advertisers.

7.1.1 What Constitutes "Material Connection"

Material connections include:

• Payment or compensation (affiliate commissions)
• Free products for review
• Discounts not available to general public
• Ongoing business relationships
• Employment or family relationships
• Any relationship that might affect credibility of endorsement

Even small commissions must be disclosed - there's no minimum threshold.

7.1.2 Disclosure Standards

Disclosures must be: Clear and conspicuous:

• In plain language anyone can understand
• Not in fine print or hidden
• Not requiring clicking or scrolling to see
• Visible without special knowledge
• Impossible to miss:
• Placed where consumers will see it before making decision
• Not separated from claim or endorsement
• Not requiring consumers to look for it
• In close proximity:
• Immediately adjacent to affiliate link or endorsement
• Not buried in footer or separate page (footer disclosures alone are insufficient)
• Unambiguous:
• Clear what relationship exists
• Can't use vague terms like "partner" without explanation
• Can't assume consumers understand affiliate marketing

7.1.3 Inadequate Disclosures (What NOT to Do)

FTC has ruled these are INSUFFICIENT:❌ "#ad" or "#affiliate" alone - Too vague without context

❌ Link to disclosure page only - Requiring click is insufficient

❌ Disclosure only in footer - Too far from endorsement

❌ Disclosure at end of long article - Consumers may have decided before seeing it

❌ "Thanks to [Brand] for sponsoring" - Doesn't clarify financial incentive

❌ "Some links may be affiliates" - Too vague and uncertain

❌ Disclosure in image alt-text only - Not visible to all users

7.1.4 Adequate Disclosures (What TO Do)

FTC has indicated these ARE sufficient:✓ "We earn a commission if you make a purchase through this link"

• "I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post"
• "If you buy this product using my link, I'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you"
• "This is an affiliate link. If you buy through it, we earn money"Key elements:
• Explain commission or payment relationship
• State it clearly at the beginning
• Make it unavoidable

7.2 European Union / German Requirements

7.2.1 Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC)

Prohibits misleading commercial practices including:

• Misleading omissions (failing to disclose material information)
• Disguising advertising as editorial content
• Hidden or unclear commercial intent
• Material information includes:
• Commercial intent of communication
• Financial relationship with advertiser
• Any condition affecting purchasing decision

7.2.2 German Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG)

§ 5a UWG requires clear identification of commercial content:

• Advertising must be clearly recognizable as such
• Commercial intent must not be disguised
• Source of advertising must be identifiable
• § 5 UWG prohibits misleading commercial practices:
• False or deceptive information
• Omission of material information
• Creating false impression of independence

7.2.3 German Compliance Standards

Disclosure must be:"Werbung" or "Anzeige" (Advertising):

• Commonly used terms to identify commercial content
• Must appear prominently
• Clear language:
• "Dieser Artikel enthält Affiliate-Links" (This article contains affiliate links)
• "Bei Kauf erhalten wir eine Provision" (We receive a commission for purchases)
• "Werbung / Affiliate-Links" (Advertising / Affiliate links)
• Placement:
• At the beginning of content
• Before any affiliate links
• Cannot be hidden or require scrolling

Our German compliance: "WERBUNG: Dieser Newsletter enthält Affiliate-Links. Wenn Sie Produkte über diese Links kaufen, erhalten wir eine Provision, ohne dass Ihnen zusätzliche Kosten entstehen."(Translation: "ADVERTISING: This newsletter contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, we receive a commission at no additional cost to you.")

7.3 Australian Consumer Law Requirements

7.3.1 Misleading and Deceptive Conduct

Section 18 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) prohibits conduct that is misleading or deceptive or likely to mislead or deceive. This includes:

• Failing to disclose material information
• Creating false impression of independence
• Hidden commercial relationships

7.3.2 ACCC Guidelines

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) requires: Clear disclosure of:

• Paid partnerships or sponsorships
• Commission-based relationships
• Free products received for review
• Any material connection to advertiser
• Disclosure must be:
• Upfront and prominent
• In plain language
• Unavoidable
• Specific about nature of relationship

Australian compliant disclosure: "We may earn a commission when you purchase products through links in this email. This helps support our free newsletter but doesn't affect the price you pay."

7.4 Our Disclosure Implementation

To comply with all jurisdictions, we:

7.4.1 Email Disclosures

At the top of ANY email containing affiliate links:"IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: This email contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe are valuable for gut health. Full disclosure policy: www.gutsignals.com/affiliate-disclosure"Additionally:

• Individual links may be marked with asterisks (*)
• Footer reminder of affiliate disclosure
• Link to full policy

7.4.2 Website Disclosures

On pages with affiliate links: Prominent statement at beginning: "This page contains affiliate links. We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. See our full Affiliate Disclosure Policy for details."Near specific links: "*This is an affiliate link. We earn a commission if you purchase through this link."Footer disclosure: Link to full Affiliate Disclosure Policy

7.4.3 Social Media Disclosures

If we share affiliate links on social media: Format:

• "#ad" or "#affiliate" at the BEGINNING of post (not buried at end)
• Plus explanation: "I earn commission from purchases through this link"
• Cannot rely on platform disclosure tools alone
• Instagram/TikTok:
• Use platform's branded content tools PLUS written disclosure
• Disclosure visible without clicking "see more"
• Twitter/X:
• Disclosure in the tweet itself, not just linked article

8. WHERE YOU'LL FIND AFFILIATE CONTENT

8.1 Newsletter Emails

Types of emails that may contain affiliate links: Weekly newsletter (Sunday):

• Educational content with product mentions
• Affiliate links clearly disclosed at top of email
• Mix of affiliate and non-affiliate recommendations
• Mid-week emails (Wednesday):
• May include sponsor integrations
• Clearly labeled if sponsored
• Affiliate disclosures when applicable
• Promotional emails:
• Product-focused emails
• Heavy disclosure (both at top and throughout)
• Clear identification as promotional content
• Format:
• Subject: gut health insights + product recommendations
• [Email header]
• ⚠️ DISCLOSURE: This email contains affiliate links. We earn

commissions from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Full policy: www.gutsignals.com/affiliate-disclosure

[Content with affiliate links marked with *]

---

Footer:

• Some links in this email are affiliate links. We may earn

commissions from qualifying purchases.

8.2 Website Content

Pages that may contain affiliate links: Blog posts / articles:

• Product reviews
• Best-of lists ("Top 5 Probiotics for...")
• How-to guides with product recommendations
• Disclosure at top of each page
• Resource pages:
• Recommended products page
• Tools and testing page
• Books and courses page
• Heavy disclosure throughout
• Landing pages:
• Product-specific review pages
• Comparison pages
• Disclosure prominent and unavoidable

8.3 Social Media

Platforms where we might share affiliate links:

• Instagram posts and stories
• Twitter/X posts
• Facebook posts
• TikTok videos
• YouTube videos (if created)
• Disclosure on each platform:
• FTC requires disclosure in the post itself
• Cannot rely only on bio or profile disclosure
• Must be visible without clicking or scrolling
• Platform tools (like Instagram's "paid partnership" tag) used in addition to written disclosure

8.4 Types of Content With Affiliate Links

8.4.1 Product Recommendations

Direct product recommendations:

• "I recommend [Product Name] for [specific gut health purpose]"
• Affiliate link provided
• Disclosure clear
• Category recommendations:
• "Look for probiotics with these strains: [list]"
• May link to Amazon search or specific products
• Still disclosed as affiliate

8.4.2 Product Reviews

In-depth reviews of specific products:

• Features, benefits, drawbacks
• Scientific evaluation of ingredients
• Personal experience (if applicable)
• Comparison to alternatives
• Affiliate link with disclosure

Format: "Full disclosure: This is an affiliate link. If you purchase through this link, we earn a commission. However, this doesn't influence our honest assessment."

8.4.3 Comparison Content

"Best of" or comparison articles:

• "Top 5 Digestive Enzymes"
• "Probiotic A vs. Probiotic B"
• "Budget vs. Premium Gut Testing"

All products may be affiliate links, or some may be and others not. Clear disclosure: "Some or all of the products in this comparison have affiliate relationships. We've marked affiliate links with (*). We evaluate all products objectively regardless of affiliate status."

8.4.4 Resource Lists

Curated lists of tools and resources:

• Recommended books
• Testing services
• Apps and trackers
• Kitchen equipment

Mixed affiliate and non-affiliate: Some items may have affiliate programs, others may not. We disclose which are which.

8.4.5 Educational Content

Science-based educational content may mention products:

• "Studies show that [specific probiotic strain] helps with..."
• May link to products containing that strain
• Still disclosed as affiliate even though primary purpose is education

8.4.6 Personal Stories and Testimonials

If we share personal experiences:

• "I tried [Product] and experienced [results]"
• Affiliate relationship disclosed
• Clear distinction between personal experience and general recommendation
• No guarantees you'll experience same results

9. NO GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES

9.1 Products and Results

WE MAKE NO GUARANTEES, REPRESENTATIONS, OR WARRANTIES REGARDING:❌ Safety, quality, or efficacy of any recommended product

Products are evaluated to best of our ability

We cannot test every aspect or know every individual's response

Manufacturer quality control is outside our control

Formulations may change without our knowledge

❌ Results you will experience

Individual results vary dramatically

What works for one person may not work for another

Factors beyond product affect outcomes (diet, lifestyle, genetics, etc.)

Testimonials or personal experiences are not typical results

❌ Suitability for your specific circumstances

We don't know your medical history

We don't know your current medications or conditions

We don't know your specific sensitivities or allergies

Products may be inappropriate or dangerous for certain individuals

❌ Accuracy or completeness of our research

We research to best of our ability

We may miss important information

New information may emerge after we recommend a product

Scientific understanding evolves

❌ Ongoing availability or pricing

Products may be discontinued

Prices may change

Formulations may be modified

Companies may go out of business

❌ Customer service or fulfillment by merchants

We don't control shipping, customer service, or policies

We don't handle returns or refunds

We can't resolve disputes with merchants

Merchant policies are between you and them

9.2 Medical Disclaimer Integration

IMPORTANT: All product recommendations are subject to our Medical Disclaimer (www.gutsignals.com/medical-disclaimer).Key points:

• Products discussed are NOT medical advice
• NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease
• NOT a substitute for professional medical care
• Supplements have not been evaluated by FDA/EMA/TGA
• ALWAYS consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement

You must read our Medical Disclaimer before purchasing any health-related products we recommend.

9.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:We are NOT liable for:

• Adverse reactions or side effects from products
• Allergic reactions or sensitivities
• Drug interactions or contraindications
• Product quality issues, contamination, or mislabeling
• False or misleading marketing by manufacturers
• Changes to products after our recommendation
• Injuries or health complications from product use
• Financial loss from purchasing products
• Merchant errors, fraud, or misconduct
• Shipping issues, delays, or lost packages
• Dissatisfaction with product performance
• Any damages whatsoever arising from product purchases
• Your sole recourse:
• Contact the merchant for refunds or complaints
• Report safety issues to regulatory authorities (FDA, FTC, etc.)
• File disputes with payment processor or credit card company
• We are a publisher of information, not:
• A retailer or seller of products
• A guarantor of product quality or safety
• A party to transactions between you and merchants
• Liable for merchant actions or products

9.4 Your Responsibilities

Before purchasing any recommended product, YOU must:✓ Read product labels and descriptions carefully

Verify ingredients and dosages

Check for allergens or sensitivities

Understand proper use and warnings

• Consult your healthcare provider
• Especially if you have medical conditions
• Especially if taking medications
• For personalized medical advice
• Research the product independently
• Read customer reviews
• Check for recalls or warnings
• Verify company reputation
• Compare alternatives
• Verify current pricing and availability
• Prices we mention may be outdated
• Products may be out of stock
• Better deals may exist elsewhere
• Understand merchant policies
• Return and refund policies
• Shipping costs and timeframes
• Customer service contacts
• Warranty or guarantee terms
• Use products as directed
• Follow manufacturer instructions
• Don't exceed recommended dosages
• Discontinue if adverse effects occur
• Seek medical attention if necessary

10. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

10.1 You Are Never Obligated

Important reminders:✓ You are NEVER required to use our affiliate links

You can navigate directly to merchant websites

You can search for products independently

You can shop at local retailers instead

You can choose different products or brands

• You will pay the SAME price regardless
• Using our link doesn't increase your cost
• Not using our link doesn't save you money
• Affiliate commissions are paid by merchant, not by you
• You can support us in other ways
• Share our newsletter with friends
• Engage with our content
• Provide feedback
• Simply continue reading (valuable to us!)

10.2 Finding Better Prices

We encourage you to shop smart:✓ Compare prices across retailers

Our link may not be the cheapest option

Check multiple sellers

Look for sales or promotions

• Search for coupon codes
• We may not always have the latest codes
• Coupon websites may have better deals
• Merchant websites may have sales we don't know about
• Wait for sales if appropriate
• Products often go on sale
• Timing your purchase can save money
• Health decisions shouldn't be rushed just to use affiliate link
• We'd rather you:
• Get the best deal possible
• Make informed purchasing decisions
• Be satisfied with your purchases

...than maximize our affiliate revenue.

10.3 Direct Website Navigation

To avoid using affiliate links: Option 1: Navigate directly

Type merchant website URL directly into browser

Use search engine to find merchant

Go through merchant's own advertising

Option 2: Remove tracking parameters

Most affiliate links have tracking codes in URL

Example: website.com/product?ref=gutsignals

Remove everything after the ? to eliminate tracking

Becomes: website.com/product

Option 3: Clear cookies before purchasing

Delete browser cookies after clicking our link

Merchant can't track back to us

We won't receive commission

We won't know and we don't mind. Your choice is respected.

10.4 Supporting Our Work

If you value our content and want to support us:✓ Using affiliate links helps us

Commissions support our free newsletter

Enables us to invest in better content

Allows us to dedicate more time to research

• But there are other valuable ways to support:
• Subscribe and stay engaged
• Forward newsletters to interested friends
• Reply with feedback and questions
• Share on social media
• Suggest topics you'd like to see

Your engagement is valuable even without purchases.

11. PRODUCT REVIEWS AND COMPARISONS

11.1 Review Authenticity

When we review products: Our methodology:

• Research scientific evidence for ingredients or approach
• Evaluate manufacturer reputation and quality control
• Read customer reviews from multiple sources (including negative reviews)
• Assess value relative to cost and alternatives
• Consider safety profile and potential concerns
• Test personally when feasible and safe (but not always possible)
• Limitations:
• We can't test every product extensively
• Personal experience may not reflect typical results
• We can't verify all manufacturer claims
• Quality may vary between batches
• Formulations may change after our review

11.2 Balanced Reviews

We strive to provide balanced assessments:✓ Mention both strengths and weaknesses

Not all reviews are universally positive

We discuss limitations and drawbacks

We mention who products may NOT be suitable for

• Compare to alternatives
• Position products within competitive landscape
• Mention when other options may be better for certain purposes
• Provide context for recommendation
• Acknowledge uncertainty
• Clear when evidence is limited
• Honest about gaps in our knowledge
• Note when personal opinion vs. scientific consensus
• ❌ We avoid:
• Only highlighting positives to drive sales
• Hiding negative aspects
• Making exaggerated claims
• Creating false sense of urgency

11.3 Comparison Criteria

When comparing products, we consider: Ingredient quality:

• Active ingredient forms and dosages
• Bioavailability and absorption
• Fillers and inactive ingredients
• Allergens and sensitivities
• Scientific support:
• Research on specific ingredients
• Clinical studies on product (if available)
• Mechanism of action
• Strength of evidence
• Quality assurance:
• Third-party testing (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab)
• Manufacturing standards (GMP certification)
• Contamination testing (heavy metals, microbes)
• Label accuracy verification
• Value and pricing:
• Cost per serving
• Dosage relative to research
• Frequency of use required
• Comparison to alternatives
• Company reputation:
• Track record and history
• Customer service quality
• Transparency and communication
• Ethical business practices
• User experience:
• Ease of use
• Taste/palatability (for supplements)
• Form factor (capsules, powders, etc.)
• Convenience

11.4 Affiliate Influence Mitigation

How we prevent affiliate relationships from biasing reviews:✓ Review products without affiliate programs

Don't limit reviews only to products we can earn from

Mention non-affiliate alternatives when appropriate

• Recommend lower-commission products when better
• Commission rate does NOT determine ranking
• We'll recommend a 5% commission product over 30% commission product if it's superior
• Update reviews when circumstances change
• If better product becomes available
• If safety concerns emerge
• If our opinion changes based on new evidence
• Disclose commission differences when comparing

If applicable: "We earn a higher commission from Product A than Product B, but we rank Product B higher because..."

❌ We will NOT:

• Rank products by commission rate
• Omit better non-affiliate products
• Exaggerate differences to favor high-commission products
• Change rankings based on affiliate status

11.5 Negative Reviews

We may publish negative assessments of products: When products:

• Make unsubstantiated claims
• Have safety concerns
• Represent poor value
• Contain problematic ingredients
• Have misleading marketing
• Even if:
• They have affiliate programs available
• We could earn commissions
• Competitors might be upset

Integrity over income.

12. SPONSORED CONTENT AND PAID PARTNERSHIPS

12.1 Difference Between Affiliate and Sponsored

It's important to understand the distinction:

• Standard Affiliate Marketing:
• We independently create content
• We choose which products to recommend
• We mention products organically based on our judgment
• Company pays commission ONLY if you purchase
• No guaranteed payment to us
• Sponsored/Paid Content:
• Company pays us to create content about their product
• Flat fee regardless of whether you purchase
• May have creative input or approval rights
• Specific messaging or positioning required
• Guaranteed payment to us

Both require disclosure, but sponsorships have additional requirements.

12.2 Sponsored Content Disclosure

If we publish sponsored content, we will:✓ Label clearly at the top: "SPONSORED CONTENT: This article/email is sponsored by [Company Name], who compensated us for this feature."✓ Use unmistakable language:

• "Sponsored by [Company]"
• "Paid partnership with [Company]"
• "In partnership with [Company] (paid)"
• Distinguish from editorial content:
• Visual separation or different formatting
• Clear beginning and end of sponsored section
• Cannot be confused with our independent content
• Maintain editorial standards:
• Only partner with companies we respect
• Only promote products we believe are valuable
• Disclose our editorial independence (or lack thereof)

12.3 Our Sponsorship Standards

We will only accept sponsorships from:✓ Companies we genuinely respect

Reputable manufacturers

Ethical business practices

Quality products

• Products we believe are valuable
• Would recommend even without payment
• Meet our quality and safety standards
• Fill legitimate need in gut health space
• ❌ We will decline sponsorships from:
• Companies making fraudulent claims
• Products with serious safety concerns
• MLM or pyramid scheme operations
• Products that contradict evidence-based health principles

However, we acknowledge that even with these standards, sponsored content is inherently less objective than independent editorial content.

12.4 Editorial Independence

For non-sponsored content:

• Complete editorial independence
• No company influence on what we write
• No pre-approval by companies
• Our opinions only
• For sponsored content:
• May have some editorial restrictions
• Company may review content before publication
• May require specific messaging points
• We'll disclose level of control (if significant)

Example disclosure: "This sponsored article was written in partnership with [Company]. While they compensated us for this feature and reviewed the content, the opinions expressed remain our own and we would not have accepted this partnership if we didn't genuinely believe in the product."

12.5 Current Sponsorship Status

As of the date of this policy, we currently have NO paid sponsorship arrangements. All product mentions are:

• Independently chosen by us
• Based solely on our editorial judgment
• Affiliate-based only (commission if you purchase)
• If this changes:
• We'll update this policy
• Each sponsored piece will be clearly labeled
• We'll maintain list of current sponsors here

13. COMMISSION STRUCTURE AND EARNINGS

13.1 General Commission Ranges

Transparency about what we earn: Supplements and health products:

• Typical range: 10-30% of purchase price
• Amazon: 4-10% depending on category
• Direct brand programs: Usually 15-25%
• Books and educational materials:
• Physical books: 4-8%
• Ebooks and digital products: 30-50%
• Courses: 30-50%
• Testing and diagnostic services:
• Flat fees: $10-100 per test sold
• Percentage: 10-20% of test cost
• Subscriptions and recurring products:
• Initial sale: 10-30%
• Recurring: Sometimes ongoing percentage
• Apps and software:
• Flat fees: $5-20 per signup
• Percentage: 20-40% of subscription

13.2 Commission Rate Disclosure

We may mention specific commission rates when relevant: Example: "Full transparency: We earn a 20% commission on this product, which is higher than some alternatives we've recommended. However, we still believe it represents the best value because [reasons]."Why this matters:

• Helps you understand our financial incentive
• Allows you to evaluate potential bias
• Demonstrates our commitment to transparency

13.3 Variable Commissions

Important to understand: Some programs have tiered commissions:

• Higher rates as we generate more sales
• Example: 15% for 1-10 sales, 20% for 11-50 sales, 25% for 50+ sales
• This creates incentive to promote certain products more heavily. Our mitigation:
• We're aware of this bias risk
• We actively counteract it in our editorial process
• We'll disclose when product has unusually high commission

13.4 Special Promotions and Bonuses

Sometimes companies offer bonuses: Extra commission during promotions:

• "Double commission during Black Friday"
• "Bonus $50 for every 10 sales"
• Contests and competitions:
• "Top affiliates win prizes"
• "Leaderboard bonuses"

These create additional financial incentives. We disclose when applicable: "Full disclosure: [Company] is currently running a special promotion offering affiliates increased commissions. This provides extra incentive for us to recommend their products, which you should be aware of when evaluating our recommendation."

13.5 Income Transparency

We believe in income transparency: If we achieve significant affiliate income from newsletter:

• We may publish periodic reports on affiliate earnings
• Show which categories generate most income
• Discuss how this might influence content
• This level of transparency is rare but valuable:
• Helps you understand our business model
• Allows evaluation of potential bias
• Demonstrates our commitment to honesty

Current status: As a new newsletter, we have generated [amount] in affiliate income to date. We'll update this as we grow.

14. INDEPENDENCE AND EDITORIAL CONTROL

14.1 Our Editorial Independence

Core principle: NO company, advertiser, or affiliate partner has control over our editorial content (except clearly labeled sponsored content with full disclosure).

What this means:

• We decide what to write about — content topics chosen based on reader value, not influenced by which products have affiliate programs or by commission rates
• We decide which products to recommend — based on quality, value, and scientific merit, not based on commission potential or relationships with companies
• We decide how to present information — balanced, objective assessments that include drawbacks and limitations and compare to alternatives honestly
• We can criticize products — even from companies we have relationships with, even if it costs us affiliate income, even if the company complains

14.2 Firewall Between Editorial and Commercial

We maintain separation. Editorial decisions — what topics to cover, which products to mention, how to evaluate products, whether to recommend or not — are made independently from affiliate program availability, commission rates, company relationships, and revenue considerations.

This is a principle we're committed to, even when costly.

14.3 Company Influence Attempts

Companies sometimes try to influence content: Attempts we've experienced (or may experience):

• Requests to remove negative statements
• Pressure to rank their product higher
• Offers of higher commissions for better reviews
• Threats to terminate affiliate relationship over criticism
• Our response:
• We refuse to modify content to please advertisers
• We'll terminate affiliate relationships before compromising integrity
• We may publicize attempted influence (depending on severity)

Your assurance: If you see a negative statement about a product in our content, you can trust we're not being influenced by that company—even if they're an affiliate partner.

14.4 When We Might Remove or Update Content

We will modify content when:✓ New scientific evidence emerges

Studies showing previously unknown risks

Research supporting or refuting efficacy

Consensus changes in scientific community

• Products change formulations
• Ingredient modifications
• Quality concerns
• Regulatory issues
• Safety issues arise
• Recalls or warnings
• Reports of adverse effects
• New contraindications discovered
• We made factual errors
• Mistakes in our research
• Misunderstanding of evidence
• Incorrect information
• ❌ We will NOT modify content because:
• Company is unhappy with our assessment
• We want to increase affiliate earnings
• Company threatens to terminate affiliate relationship
• Other affiliates are ranking product higher

14.5 Terminating Affiliate Relationships

We will end affiliate relationships if:

• Company pressures us to modify editorial content
• Product quality declines significantly
• Safety concerns emerge
• Company engages in unethical practices
• Conflict with our values arises

Revenue is not worth compromising integrity.

15. PRIVACY AND DATA SHARING

15.1 What Affiliate Programs Know About You

When you click our affiliate link: We receive:

• That a click occurred (no personal information)
• That a purchase occurred (if you buy)
• Sale amount and commission earned
• Date and time of transaction
• We do NOT receive:
• Your name or email address (unless you separately provide it to us)
• Your payment information
• Your shipping address
• Specific items purchased (in most programs)
• Any other personal information
• The merchant receives:
• That you came from GutSignals
• Any information you provide during checkout
• Whatever their own tracking collects

15.2 Data Sharing with Affiliates

We do NOT:

• Share our email list with affiliate partners
• Provide subscriber information to companies
• Allow affiliates to email our subscribers directly
• Sell or rent our list to anyone
• Your subscription to GutSignals is separate from:
• Any purchases you make through affiliate links
• Any accounts you create with merchants
• Any relationships with companies we recommend

See our Privacy Policy (www.gutsignals.com/privacy-policy) for complete information about how we handle your data.

15.3 Cookies and Tracking

Affiliate tracking uses cookies: What cookies do:

• Store unique identifier linking you to our affiliate account
• Allow merchant to track back to us when you purchase
• Remain for defined period (24 hours to 90 days typically)
• You can control cookies:
• Block cookies in browser settings
• Clear cookies before purchasing (breaks affiliate tracking)
• Use privacy-focused browsers that limit tracking
• Use browser extensions that block affiliate cookies

We respect your choice to block affiliate tracking.

15.4 Third-Party Privacy Policies

Each merchant and affiliate network has own privacy policy: Your data may be subject to:

• Merchant's privacy practices
• Affiliate network's privacy practices
• Third-party analytics and tracking
• We are not responsible for:
• How merchants handle your data
• Third-party privacy practices
• Data breaches at merchant or affiliate network
• Changes to third-party privacy policies

Always review merchant privacy policies before making purchases.

16. CHANGES TO PRODUCTS OR SERVICES

16.1 Product Formulation Changes

Manufacturers may change products after our recommendation: Possible changes:

• Ingredient modifications
• Dosage adjustments
• New additives or fillers
• Quality control changes
• Manufacturing location changes
• We cannot:
• Monitor all products continuously for changes
• Update recommendations immediately when changes occur
• Guarantee products remain as originally evaluated
• Your responsibility:
• Check current product labels
• Verify ingredients haven't changed
• Read updated product descriptions
• Don't rely solely on our dated recommendations

16.2 Discontinuation of Products

Products may be discontinued: When this happens:

• Affiliate links may break or redirect elsewhere
• Product may be out of stock permanently
• Alternative products may be substituted
• We may:
• Update content to remove discontinued products
• Suggest alternatives
• Leave content as historical reference with notation

We're not always immediately aware of discontinuations.

16.3 Price Changes

Prices mentioned in our content:

• Reflect prices at time of writing
• May be significantly out of date
• Are not guaranteed to be current
• May vary by location and retailer
• Always verify current pricing before purchasing. Sales and promotions:
• May end without notice
• May not be available in your location
• May have terms and conditions

16.4 Merchant Policy Changes

Shipping, returns, and policies may change: Verify current policies for:

• Return and refund terms
• Shipping costs and options
• International availability
• Warranty or guarantee terms
• Customer service contacts
• We're not responsible for:
• Changes to merchant policies
• Disputes over returns or refunds
• Shipping issues or costs
• Merchant customer service quality

17. JURISDICTION-SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

17.1 United States (FTC Compliance)

This Affiliate Disclosure complies with:

• 16 CFR Part 255 (Endorsements and Testimonials)
• FTC's ".com Disclosures" guidance
• CAN-SPAM Act (for email disclosures)
• Material connections disclosed:
• All affiliate relationships
• Free products for review
• Paid sponsorships
• Any financial incentive
• Disclosure standards:
• Clear and conspicuous
• Close to endorsements
• Unavoidable
• In plain language
• California residents:
• Disclosures comply with California consumer protection laws
• No "Do Not Sell" issues (we don't sell data)

17.2 European Union / Germany

This Affiliate Disclosure complies with:

• Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC)
• German UWG (Act Against Unfair Competition)
• E-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC)
• GDPR privacy requirements (see Privacy Policy)
• German-specific compliance:
• "Werbung" or "Anzeige" labels for advertising
• Clear identification of commercial content
• Prominent placement of disclosures
• Consumer protection standards

For German subscribers: "Diese Mitteilung dient der Erfüllung der gesetzlichen Kennzeichnungspflicht nach § 5a UWG für Werbung."(Translation: "This notice fulfills the legal labeling requirement under § 5a UWG for advertising.")Consumer rights:

• Right to information about commercial relationships
• Protection against misleading practices
• Clear identification of advertising

17.3 Australia (ACCC Compliance)

This Affiliate Disclosure complies with:

• Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of Competition and Consumer Act 2010)
• ACCC guidelines on endorsements
• Spam Act 2003 (for email compliance)
• ACCC requirements:
• Clear disclosure of material connections
• No misleading or deceptive conduct
• Prominent placement of disclosures
• Plain language explanations
• Australian consumer guarantees:
• Nothing in this disclosure excludes statutory consumer guarantees
• Consumers have rights under ACL that cannot be waived
• See Section 18(1) ACL for misleading conduct prohibition

For Australian subscribers: "We comply with the Australian Consumer Law. This disclosure provides transparency about our commercial relationships to help you make informed decisions."

17.4 Other Jurisdictions

If you're located outside EU, US, or Australia: This disclosure is designed for compliance with the most stringent standards (FTC, German UWG, ACL). However:

• We make no representation that disclosures comply with your local laws
• Your jurisdiction may have additional requirements
• You're responsible for understanding your local consumer protection laws
• If our disclosures don't meet your jurisdiction's standards:
• We still strive for maximum transparency
• Contact us with concerns: gutsignalsbusiness@gmail.com

18. HOW TO CONTACT US

18.1 General Inquiries

Questions about this Affiliate Disclosure Policy: Email: gutsignalsbusiness@gmail.com

Subject Line: "Affiliate Disclosure Question"

Website: www.gutsignals.com

Response time: We'll respond to general inquiries within 7 business days.

18.2 Product Concerns

If you have concerns about a product we've recommended: Contact us:

• Email: gutsignalsbusiness@gmail.com
• Subject: "Product Concern - [Product Name]"
• Include: Details of concern, source of information, how it affects you
• We take concerns seriously:
• We'll investigate thoroughly
• We'll update recommendations if warranted
• We'll notify subscribers if safety issue identified

18.3 Disclosure Issues

If you believe our disclosures are inadequate: Contact us:

• Email: gutsignalsbusiness@gmail.com
• Subject: "Disclosure Issue"
• Explain: Where disclosure was missing or unclear
• We appreciate feedback:
• Helps us improve transparency
• Ensures regulatory compliance
• Builds trust with our audience

18.4 Reporting to Authorities

You also have the right to report concerns to: United States:

• Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/complaint
• For false advertising or inadequate disclosures
• Germany:
• Wettbewerbszentrale (Competition Center): www.wettbewerbszentrale.de
• For violations of UWG
• Australia:
• ACCC: www.accc.gov.au/contact-us/report-a-concern
• For misleading conduct or ACL violations

We prefer you contact us first so we can address concerns directly.

19. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

19.1 Right to Modify

We reserve the right to update this Affiliate Disclosure Policy at any time to reflect:

• Changes in our affiliate relationships
• New regulatory requirements
• Feedback from readers or authorities
• Changes to our business practices
• New types of partnerships

19.2 Notice of Changes

We'll provide notice of material changes: Material changes include:

• New types of affiliate relationships
• Significant changes to disclosure practices
• Changes affecting how we earn commissions
• Notice methods:
• Update "Last Updated" date at top
• Email notification to subscribers
• Prominent notice on website
• Announcement in newsletter
• For minor changes:
• Update date modified
• No separate notification
• Changes reflected in policy text

19.3 Effective Date

Changes take effect immediately upon posting unless otherwise stated. Your continued engagement after changes (clicking affiliate links, reading content with affiliate links) constitutes acceptance of updated policy.

19.4 Regular Reviews

We commit to:

• Reviewing this policy at least annually
• Updating for accuracy
• Ensuring continued compliance with regulations
• Incorporating reader feedback
• Next scheduled review: Annually

20. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

BY CLICKING ON AFFILIATE LINKS, PURCHASING THROUGH AFFILIATE LINKS, OR CONTINUING TO READ CONTENT CONTAINING AFFILIATE LINKS AFTER THIS DISCLOSURE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

• You have read and understand this Affiliate Disclosure Policy
• You understand we earn commissions from qualifying purchases
• You understand affiliate relationships may influence our recommendations
• You are aware of our financial incentives
• You've been given opportunity to navigate directly to merchants
• You understand you pay the same price regardless of using affiliate links
• You accept that we are not responsible for products, merchants, or transactions
• You've read our Medical Disclaimer and understand products are not medical advice
• You make all purchasing decisions at your own risk
• You've been provided with full transparency about our commercial relationships

IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THIS AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE POLICY:

Do not click on affiliate links

Navigate directly to merchant websites

Do not purchase through our recommendations

Contact us with concerns

FINAL STATEMENT

Our Commitment to You

We built GutSignals to provide valuable gut health education to people who need it. Affiliate marketing allows us to offer this content for free while supporting our work. We take this responsibility seriously:

• Maximum transparency about our financial relationships
• Honest evaluations regardless of commission potential
• Your interests prioritized over our revenue
• Continuous improvement of our disclosure practices
• Your trust is our most valuable asset, worth far more than any affiliate commission. We promise:
• To never recommend products we don't believe in
• To disclose all material connections clearly
• To update you if circumstances change
• To value integrity over income

Thank you for reading this disclosure and for supporting our work. Your informed decision-making is important to us. Questions? Concerns? Feedback?

gutsignalsbusiness@gmail.com

Last Updated: June 2026

Version: 1.0

Next Review: June 2027

© 2026 GutSignals. All rights reserved.

END OF AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE POLICY