Beware of Affiliate Link Scams: Mars Hydro and Similar Programs

In the world of online content creation, many creators and influencers turn to affiliate marketing as a way to monetize their platforms. For cannabis creator’s who cannot be monetized online, this is basically the only way to make money which is why it is no surprise that cannabis content is riddled with “buy this” jargon. Promoting products through affiliate links can provide a passive income stream, and it’s particularly appealing to a niche market like growing cannabis because the initial start up costs can get close to $1000.00. However, not all affiliate programs are created equal, and some can leave creators high and dry after putting in hard work to generate sales.

This article aims to shed light on some of the bullshit I been through and yet another reason why I am long gone from this industry of deception and schemes. Mars Hydro, a popular grow equipment brand specializing in LED grow lights and hydroponic equipment runs an affiliate program that is nothing short of a scam. The same similar programs are often run by other Chinese companies such as Bestva (In 2023, I have generated $10K in sales, ID: 7897796), yet never received a dime. The light is great, so I dont feel guilty recommending it. Regardless, If you’re a content creator considering affiliate partnerships, here’s why you should proceed with caution.

The Affiliate Program Trap

Mars Hydro and other Chinese-based companies often approach creators with promises of commissions on purchases, lucrative sales potential, and the opportunity to partner with a well-known brand in their niche. They provide you with personalized affiliate links and incentivized coupon codes, which you then embed in your YouTube videos, blog posts, or social media accounts.

The process seems straightforward:

1. You promote their products.
2. Your audience clicks the links and makes purchases.
3. You earn a percentage of the sales as commission.

But here’s the catch: many creators are reporting that they never receive the promised commissions, even after generating significant sales. The video above shows 200 direct links that were made for their products within a single month. Historical data shows that my conversion rates through my platforms are around 10% with a average ticket price of $80.00(data from amzn associates and other brands who actually pay). Mars Hydro said NONE of these direct links resulted in sales, even though I literally had multiple one on one chats with new growers who in real time used a deal I found with my direct link and coupon code. They subsequently received the products. This is what they had to say when I addressed the issue:

The Red Flags Creators Should Watch For

Other Creators who have worked with Mars Hydro’s affiliate program often describe the same troubling pattern:

• Lack of Transparency: Affiliate dashboards show incomplete or vague data, making it difficult to verify sales and commissions. You could see the links that they clicked in, but zero transactions?
• Unpaid Earnings: Despite seeing sales, creators report never receiving payment, even after reaching payout thresholds.
• Dodgy Communication: Customer service either ignores inquiries about missing payments or provides noncommittal, evasive answers. You’ll often get no response after all work is done.
• Misleading Terms: Some programs include fine print that makes it nearly impossible for affiliates to meet the criteria for payouts. Examples include Blackout periods (black friday or cyber monday), Deceptive practices like providing you with a 5% coupon code only to have a splash page that has a coupon code for 10% which disqualifies your earning potential.

Affiliate link scams like this are not only unethical but also harmful to the creator economy. Here’s why:

1. Exploitation of Labor: Creators invest significant time, effort, and resources into creating content, expecting fair compensation.
2. Damaged Reputation: Promoting a company that doesn’t honor its commitments can alienate your audience, who may feel duped by your recommendation. The same lack of customer service is almost always apparent in their other departments such as warranties and claims.
3. Opportunity Cost: Time spent promoting a fraudulent affiliate program could have been spent building relationships with reputable brands.

Protecting Yourself from Affiliate Link Scams

If you’re considering joining an affiliate program, take these steps to protect yourself:

1. Research the Company: Unfortunately, there really aren’t many places to search for quality information. My advice as seen in the video is: If they start a conversation with “Dear Sir”, ask for free products and don’t spend any additional effort unless they prove they are legitimate.
2. Test the Waters: Start small and track your links with sites like bitly.com to verify conversions and payments before committing fully.
3. Read the Fine Print: Ensure you understand the payout terms, including thresholds, timeframes, and exclusions. I never signed any contract with ANY company but even if you do, these chinese companies have no way to prosecute you under foreign jurisdictions.
4. Choose Reputable Programs: Partner with well-established companies that have a proven track record of supporting their creators and paying their affiliates.

Alternatives to Questionable Programs

Not all affiliate programs are scams. Many reputable companies like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and specialized gardening retailers offer transparent and reliable affiliate opportunities(mostly in the US). These platforms provide clear tracking systems, regular payouts, and robust support for their affiliates.

Final Warning

If you’re a creator on YouTube or any other social platform, don’t fall for the promises of companies like Mars Hydro, Bestva and the affiliate programs that anyone can qualify for. Even if you are contacted directly by them, the effort you put in to create content should not exceed anything more then a simple mention of their product until they prove themselves. Recognize that all it takes is 3 sales of the same exact item(s) they comp for them to break even. If the product is junk, have some ethics and don’t promote it at all. Let them know that it’s junk and that you prefer not to put out content that makes them look bad. There are also unfortunate repercussions to bad mouthing a brand.

The bottom line: if a company approaches you with an affiliate offer, do your homework. Receiving free items is the only benefit from most brand partnerships. You should not feel obligated to provide sales and only recommend them if they are really are exceptional quality products. This is my honest experience as a content creator and it’s not going to break me that Mars Hydro didn’t pay me for my efforts. At least I had a custom coupon code to provide my fans so they could save more on a Mars Hydro deal worth recommending. Some of their products have proven to be great. The only regret I really have is that I learned their customer service is flat out terrible, just like their marketing reps. If you had an issue, then you probably experienced the same quality service as I did with marketing. If you are looking to be a creator or influencer in the cannabis space, recognize that brands will take advantage of you and often ghost you after you do your “work”. Time is money and opportunity costs exists. Unfortunately, there is no authority to contact in the event that you do not get paid for your efforts so just be aware. Beware and Best of luck.