Affiliate links include unique ID information that shows where they came from. When you turn a regular URL into a ShopMy link, we add that ID information so it can be traced back to your account.
When someone purchases an item with that link, the tag is recorded and linked back to you so the retailer knows who sent the customer and can properly distribute the commission.
Affiliate links are fragile by nature, and the tagging can be interrupted by numerous things, such as
- If someone clicks another person's affiliate link in between clicking yours and completing the purchase/checking out (including search engine ads, links through ads/social media/newsletters, etc.)
- If someone were to change devices in the midst of a purchase (i.e. to switch from a phone to a computer)
- If a different individual's coupon code is used amidst a purchase using your affiliate link
- If someone uses a coupon browser extension like Honey (or even have it installed) or if they have Rakuten installed
- If someone made a purchase in a mobile app. Most but not all retailers have tracking for mobile app purchases.