[decryption]

Apple finally let us in to their Apple Store affiliate link program. What does this mean? It means that if you visit the Apple online store via this link:

Apple Online Store

Refurb Mac: The Apple Store (Australia)
Refurb iPod: The Apple Store (Australia)
Educational Discount Purchases: Apple - Education

and make a purchase within 30 days, MacTalk gets a percentage of your total purchase price on anything in the Apple store - accessories, software, refurb gear and of course, Macs.

So if you've come to MacTalk, received some good advice about purchasing a Mac or other Apple gear - you can show your thanks by visiting this link, clicking one of the Apple banners in our rotation. You may also see me linking to it a bit where appropriate (i.e links to the refurb store), and it's also in my sig.

It doesn't cost you any extra and comes out of Apple's marketing budget, but helps MacTalk

If you want to help out even further, add a link to the store in your forum signature! Use this code:

[b][url=http://www.s2d6.com/x/?x=c&z=s&v=936507][color="SeaGreen"]Support MacTalk by shopping at the Apple Online store via this link![/color][/url][/b]

Feel free to change the colour too. You can change your forum sig by clicking here (or going into your forum preferences)

[Huy]

Sweet deal.

I will do this the next time I buy some Macs (next 6-12 months for sure ... ).

[dinoo]

Nice, will be using this, and referring friends through this link to help an awesome site!

[watters]

Next step, get them to give us discounts (better ones than the edu discount ) haha

Nah seriously though, nice work and if it counts through the edu store I'll be happy to support you guys when I buy my macbook early next year.

[decryption]

Originally Posted by watters

Next step, get them to give us discounts (better ones than the edu discount ) haha

Nah seriously though, nice work and if it counts through the edu store I'll be happy to support you guys when I buy my macbook early next year.

Sure does work through the EDU store

[rickyd]

Fantastic. This should help you guys keep up the great work.

decryption - how about a link to this underneath the "Recent Topics" (even near the PayPal donation button) section so you don't have to rely on people to stumble on this thread in the future?

Ricky.

[El Guardo]

If it's not already there, can we get something obvious on the front page in case of urgent purchase...

[The Goat]

That's excellent & probably overdue by Apple Store - would've been good if that was intro'd 2 weeks ago when I bought my refurb iMac.

[stefanlod]

Put up a big button somewhere prominent - "Help support MacTalk for free: get to the Apple store via this link" or something along those lines.

[The Goat]

Couldn't you have it, (the Apple Store Link), in the menu bar at the top of the page; with reminder to support Mactalk as it's diverted..?

[Devil]

So there will be less "support your local reseller" talk when people ask where they should buy?

I think it there will be some careful consideration entered into now by members torn between building a relationship with a particular store (which has been heavily encouraged here in the past), and supporting MacTalk.

[edward_h]

Agree, in the menu bar "Apple Store - MacTalk"

[Aaron]

Originally Posted by Devil

So there will be less "support your local reseller" talk when people ask where they should buy?

I think it there will be some careful consideration entered into now by members torn between building a relationship with a particular store (which has been heavily encouraged here in the past), and supporting MacTalk.

If a member comes on here asking advice on a purchase, we shouldn't shove into their face where they should purchase that said item. Some members might not live near a reseller or would prefer purchasing from the online store - in that case, we should forward them to the affiliate link.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Devil

So there will be less "support your local reseller" talk when people ask where they should buy?

I think it there will be some careful consideration entered into now by members torn between building a relationship with a particular store (which has been heavily encouraged here in the past), and supporting MacTalk.

Not necessarily - you can do both. If there's something worth buying 'on special' at the Store, all it means is that you probably can't get it that good from the local shop. Some things are too xpensive online so the store would be best option. Everyone can be happy.

[Edd]

Originally Posted by edward_h

Agree, in the menu bar "Apple Store - MacTalk"

I don't think MacTalk people can change the name of the Apple store.

Anyway, good use of affiliate marketing, I'll be sure to click through for you next time I buy.

[Tom125]

Excellent, I'll buy my iPhone through it. Oh... wait.

[Huy]

Originally Posted by Tom125

Excellent, I'll buy my iPhone through it. Oh... wait.

My thoughts exactly.

No Apple iPhone on the Apple Store (Online)?

Think about how much money MacTalk could've made...

[rob05]

I will be hitting the apple store later this week for a couple of items.

This is a nice way to help the site out.

[decryption]

Originally Posted by Devil

So there will be less "support your local reseller" talk when people ask where they should buy?

I think it there will be some careful consideration entered into now by members torn between building a relationship with a particular store (which has been heavily encouraged here in the past), and supporting MacTalk.

I have often suggested to buy from the Apple online store as there are a couple of advantages. Search my previous posts - I've also recommended resellers if people are more comfortable buying from them.

If people are going to buy from Apple store anyway, they can also help MacTalk at the same time

[Huy]

Do you know what the cut is?

Something like 1-2%? (which could be a lot, if you have the volume and large $ orders).