Affiliate & Partner Disclosure Policy

Crown Engine Oils Distributors operates affiliate marketing programs, brand partnerships, and strategic business alliances designed to expand market reach and provide mutual business benefits. This Affiliate & Partner Disclosure Policy ("Policy") establishes transparent guidelines for affiliate relationships, sponsored content, brand partnerships, and financial arrangements.

This Policy is designed to ensure compliance with advertising disclosure requirements, consumer protection standards, and industry best practices. The Policy applies to all parties involved in affiliate relationships with Crown Engine Oils Distributors, including independent affiliates, brand ambassadors, influencers, resellers, and strategic partners.

Crown Engine Oils Distributors is committed to transparent disclosure of affiliate relationships and financial arrangements. All parties are required to clearly disclose affiliate relationships and any compensation received in connection with Product promotion or endorsements.

2.1 Program Description: Crown Engine Oils Distributors's affiliate program allows qualified partners to earn commissions by promoting our Products and referring customers to our website. Affiliates direct potential customers to our website using unique affiliate links or promotional codes. When customers make purchases through these links or codes, the affiliate earns a commission based on the transaction value.

2.2 Commission Structure: Commission rates vary based on: (i) Product category (standard rate 5-10% of sale price); (ii) Sales volume (tiered commission increases for high-volume affiliates); (iii) Program tier or affiliate level (standard, preferred, premium); (iv) Special promotions (temporary enhanced rates during campaigns). Current commission rates are provided in affiliate program documentation. Commission rates are subject to change at Crown Engine Oils Distributors's discretion with thirty (30) days written notice.

2.3 Commission Exclusions: Commissions are NOT earned on: (i) returned or refunded products; (ii) sales exceeding MOQ thresholds (wholesale orders typically have reduced or eliminated affiliate commissions); (iii) invalid or fraudulent transactions; (iv) orders placed through promotion codes but not using affiliate links; (v) bulk orders at discounted rates; (vi) products purchased using store credit or coupons.

2.4 Payment Terms: Affiliate commissions are paid monthly, typically within thirty (30) days of the end of the calendar month in which sales occurred. Minimum commission threshold is KES 1,000 per month; payments below this amount are held for the following month. Payment is made via bank transfer, M-Pesa, or cheque at Crown Engine Oils Distributors's discretion. Affiliate must provide valid payment details for commission remittance.

2.5 Cookie Duration: Affiliate tracking cookies remain active for thirty (30) days from click, meaning purchases made within 30 days of clicking an affiliate link shall qualify for commission. Cookies are device-specific; purchases on different devices may not be attributed to the affiliate.

3.1 Transparency Requirement: All affiliates must clearly and conspicuously disclose their affiliate relationship with Crown Engine Oils Distributors and the fact that they earn commissions or compensation for referred sales. Disclosure must be made in a manner that is: (i) immediately visible to the audience; (ii) easily understood by the average consumer; (iii) unambiguous about the commercial relationship; (iv) placed in proximity to affiliate links or promotional content.

3.2 Disclosure Language: Acceptable disclosure language includes: (i) "I earn a commission as an affiliate partner of Crown Engine Oils Distributors"; (ii) "This link is an affiliate link. I receive a commission if you make a purchase through this link"; (iii) "Affiliate Disclosure: I earn commissions from qualifying purchases"; (iv) "As an affiliate partner, I may earn compensation for purchases made through my links". Vague language like "I may be compensated" or "disclosure at the end of content" is insufficient.

3.3 Placement Requirements: Disclosures must be placed: (i) immediately before or after affiliate links (not at the end of a lengthy document); (ii) in the same medium as the promotional content (text disclosure in text content, visual disclosure in video content); (iii) in clear, readable font at least as prominent as surrounding text; (iv) on social media posts, disclose in the caption or first comment (not in hidden replies); (v) in email marketing, place disclosure above the fold (visible without scrolling).

3.4 Video Content Disclosure: For video content featuring Product recommendations, disclosure must be made: (i) verbally at the beginning of the video; (ii) displayed on-screen as text overlay; (iii) include affiliate program and compensation structure. Video thumbnails or titles suggesting "review" or "honest opinion" must include affiliate disclosure upfront.

3.5 Social Media Disclosure: For social media posts, disclosure must include: (i) #ad or #affiliate hashtag (for Instagram/Facebook); (ii) Disclosure in caption before cutoff ("... more"); (iii) Link disclosure for TikTok and YouTube videos. Simply using hashtags without explicit affiliate disclosure is insufficient.

3.6 FTC Compliance: All disclosures must comply with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255). While Crown Engine Oils Distributors is based in Kenya, affiliate partners should comply with advertising regulations in their jurisdictions and applicable international standards.

4.1 Prohibited Activities: Affiliates are strictly prohibited from engaging in the following conduct:

• Undisclosed Affiliate Links: Using affiliate links without clear disclosure of affiliate relationship
• False or Misleading Claims: Making false statements about Products, benefits, or results; misrepresenting Product specifications or performance
• Trademark Bidding: Bidding on Crown Engine Oils Distributors's branded keywords or trademark terms in paid advertising (unless authorized)
• Email Spam: Sending unsolicited bulk emails promoting Products (spam mailing is prohibited)
• Cookie Stuffing: Placing affiliate cookies on visitors' devices without their knowledge or explicit consent
• Fraudulent Activity: Generating fraudulent clicks or sales through bots, click farms, or artificial methods
• Incentive Violations: Offering incentives for clicking affiliate links or making purchases through misleading representations
• Comparative Advertising: Making negative comparisons or disparaging statements about competitor products
• Brand Misuse: Using Crown Engine Oils Distributors branding or trademarks in domain names, social media handles, or advertising without authorization
• Impersonation: Impersonating Crown Engine Oils Distributors employees or official representatives
• Misleading Testimonials: Using fake reviews, testimonials, or endorsements; misrepresenting personal experience with Products
• Location Misrepresentation: Representing Products as being available in regions where they are not available

4.2 Violation Consequences: Violation of these prohibitions may result in: (i) immediate suspension of affiliate account; (ii) forfeiture of earned but unpaid commissions; (iii) loss of affiliate benefits and discounts; (iv) permanent termination of affiliate program participation; (v) legal action for fraud or trademark violations; (vi) reporting to regulatory authorities if applicable.

4.3 Monitoring & Compliance: Crown Engine Oils Distributors monitors affiliate activity for compliance with this Policy. Monitoring methods include: (i) review of affiliate promotional content; (ii) analysis of click patterns and conversion rates; (iii) customer feedback regarding affiliate conduct; (iv) periodic audits of affiliate websites and social media accounts. Suspected violations shall be investigated, and the affiliate shall be given opportunity to explain.

5.1 Content Authenticity: All promotional content must reflect the affiliate's genuine experience and honest opinion regarding Products. Content must be factual and evidence-based. Any claims regarding Product benefits must be supported by: (i) Product documentation; (ii) scientific evidence or testing; (iii) manufacturer specifications; (iv) personal experience supported by evidence.

5.2 Prohibited Claims: Affiliates shall not claim that Products: (i) will cure, prevent, or treat medical conditions (unless Products are approved medical devices with proper labeling); (ii) have been tested or approved by government agencies unless verified; (iii) are risk-free or have no negative effects; (iv) are suitable for all users or all applications (must include appropriate disclaimers regarding limitations); (v) offer guaranteed results or outcomes.

5.3 Testimonials & Reviews: If promoting Products through testimonials or reviews, affiliates must: (i) clearly identify themselves as affiliate partners; (ii) disclose that they receive compensation; (iii) only make claims based on actual use; (iv) include balanced information including any limitations or negatives; (v) not use fake names or fabricated personas; (vi) not substantially rewrite manufacturer claims without adding genuine insight.

5.4 Comparative Claims: When comparing our Products to competitors: (i) comparisons must be factually accurate based on verifiable information; (ii) sources for comparative claims must be cited; (iii) competitor products must not be unfairly disparaged; (iv) disclaimers should note that comparisons are affiliate opinion; (v) avoid suggesting that competitor products are unsafe or inferior without evidence.

5.5 Disclaimer Language: Affiliate promotional content should include appropriate disclaimers such as: (i) "Results may vary"; (ii) "Individual experiences may differ"; (iii) "See Product page for full specifications"; (iv) "For professional use only" (if applicable); (v) "Not suitable for [specific applications or users]" (where applicable).

6.1 Sponsored Content Definition: Sponsored content includes any promotional material created by a partner or influencer where Crown Engine Oils Distributors has provided compensation, free Products, or other consideration beyond standard affiliate commissions. Sponsored content may include articles, videos, social media posts, reviews, or blog entries created specifically for Crown Engine Oils Distributors.

6.2 Sponsored Content Disclosure: All sponsored content must be clearly labeled with: (i) "Sponsored by Crown Engine Oils Distributors"; (ii) "Paid Partnership" (on social media platforms offering this feature); (iii) "Brand Partnership"; or (iv) similar language clearly indicating commercial relationship. Disclosure must appear at the beginning of content and be immediately visible to the audience.

6.3 Editorial Independence: While Crown Engine Oils Distributors may provide guidance regarding key messaging or Product features to highlight, sponsored content should maintain editorial integrity. The creator should retain creative control and be able to include balanced perspective, including any Product limitations or negatives they have personally observed.

6.4 Influencer Partnerships: For influencer partnerships, Crown Engine Oils Distributors shall: (i) provide clear scope of work and deliverables; (ii) specify disclosure requirements upfront; (iii) approve content prior to publication where applicable; (iv) provide accurate Product information and specifications; (v) respect influencer's audience and editorial voice. Influencers retain responsibility for ensuring their content complies with applicable advertising regulations and platform policies.

6.5 Free Products to Influencers: When Crown Engine Oils Distributors provides free Products to influencers or content creators, this constitutes compensation for promotional purposes and must be disclosed. Influencers receiving free Products must disclose: (i) that Products were provided for free; (ii) that they are affiliate partners or that the content is sponsored; (iii) that their opinion may be influenced by receiving free Products.

7.1 Reseller Program: Crown Engine Oils Distributors offers reseller relationships where authorized resellers purchase Products at wholesale rates and resell to end customers at retail or marked-up rates. Reseller relationships are formalized through written reseller agreements specifying: (i) territory (geographic area of resale); (ii) pricing and margin structure; (iii) exclusivity (if applicable); (iv) inventory requirements; (v) minimum purchase volumes; (vi) marketing support and resources.

7.2 Reseller Disclosures: Resellers must clearly identify themselves as independent resellers or authorized dealers of Crown Engine Oils Distributors Products. Resellers should not: (i) misrepresent themselves as Crown Engine Oils Distributors employees or official representatives; (ii) create confusion about their independent status; (iii) use Crown Engine Oils Distributors's branding in misleading ways (e.g., domain names suggesting they are the official Crown Engine Oils Distributors website).

7.3 Distributor Relationships: Distributors are wholesale partners who purchase Products in bulk for resale to other resellers or retailers. Distributor relationships include: (i) volume-based pricing; (ii) minimum purchase commitments; (iii) inventory management responsibilities; (iv) marketing support for B2B customers; (v) reporting and compliance requirements. Distributor relationships are governed by formal distribution agreements.

7.4 Conflict of Interest: If Crown Engine Oils Distributors enters into direct distribution or retail arrangements in a territory where a reseller or distributor operates, Crown Engine Oils Distributors shall provide advance notice and work collaboratively to manage potential channel conflict. Resellers and distributors agree that Crown Engine Oils Distributors may establish direct channels or work with multiple channel partners.

8.1 FTC Compliance: All affiliate promotional activities must comply with FTC Endorsement Guides (16 CFR Part 255), which require clear and conspicuous disclosure of material connections between endorsers and sellers. While Crown Engine Oils Distributors is based in Kenya, affiliate partners operating in the United States or marketing to US consumers should comply with FTC guidelines.

8.2 Kenya Advertising Standards: Affiliate promotional activities must comply with the Kenya Consumer Protection Act and advertising standards enforced by the Kenya Advertising Board and Communications Authority. Advertising must not be misleading, deceptive, or unfair to consumers.

8.3 Social Media Platform Policies: Affiliate promotional content must comply with terms of service and advertising policies of the platforms where content is published (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, etc.). Each platform has specific requirements for #ad, #affiliate, and sponsored content disclosures. Affiliates are responsible for ensuring compliance with platform-specific policies.

8.4 Anti-Spam Laws: Email marketing by affiliates must comply with applicable anti-spam and email marketing laws, including: (i) CAN-SPAM Act (US); (ii) GDPR (EU); (iii) Kenya anti-spam regulations. All marketing emails must include: (i) clear sender identification; (ii) unsubscribe mechanism; (iii) physical business address; (iv) disclosure of affiliate relationship.

8.5 Trademark Law Compliance: Affiliate promotional content must not violate trademark, copyright, or intellectual property laws. Affiliates must: (i) respect Crown Engine Oils Distributors's trademarks and branding; (ii) only use authorized Crown Engine Oils Distributors logos and materials; (iii) not create derivative works without permission; (iv) not use Crown Engine Oils Distributors trademarks in domain names or social media handles without authorization.

8.6 Privacy Law Compliance: Affiliate marketing activities must comply with applicable privacy laws, including: (i) obtaining proper consent for data collection; (ii) protecting consumer personal data; (iii) providing privacy disclosures; (iv) respecting opt-out preferences. Affiliates must not collect or use personal data beyond what is necessary for affiliate program operation.

9.1 Independent Status: Affiliates are independent contractors, not employees or agents of Crown Engine Oils Distributors. Affiliates are responsible for: (i) their own business operations and costs; (ii) all applicable taxes and business licenses; (iii) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in their jurisdictions; (iv) liability insurance for their activities; (v) compliance with this Policy and applicable laws.

9.2 Tax Responsibility: Affiliates are responsible for reporting affiliate income to tax authorities and paying all applicable taxes. Crown Engine Oils Distributors does not withhold taxes from affiliate commissions; affiliates must make their own estimated tax payments. Affiliates earning above specified thresholds may receive tax reporting documentation (e.g., 1099 forms in US, P9 forms in Kenya).

9.3 Confidentiality: Affiliates must maintain confidentiality of Crown Engine Oils Distributors business information including: (i) commission rates and payment terms (unless publicly disclosed); (ii) Product pricing not publicly available; (iii) marketing strategies and plans; (iv) customer information; (v) proprietary systems and tools provided for affiliate use. Confidentiality obligations survive termination of affiliate relationship.

9.4 Promotional Compliance: Affiliates warrant that all promotional activities comply with applicable laws and regulations and do not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights. Crown Engine Oils Distributors is not responsible for legal violations committed by affiliates.

9.5 Performance Standards: Crown Engine Oils Distributors expects affiliates to: (i) maintain high-quality promotional content; (ii) respond promptly to program inquiries; (iii) comply with disclosure requirements; (iv) achieve reasonable sales performance (minimum performance thresholds may apply); (v) maintain professional conduct and reputation. Affiliates failing to meet performance standards may be subject to commission reduction or program termination.

10.1 Termination by Crown Engine Oils Distributors: Crown Engine Oils Distributors may terminate affiliate relationships at any time, with or without cause, upon thirty (30) days written notice. Crown Engine Oils Distributors may immediately terminate (without notice) for: (i) violation of this Policy or affiliate agreement; (ii) fraudulent activity or false claims; (iii) compliance violations; (iv) trademark or intellectual property violations; (v) conduct damaging to Crown Engine Oils Distributors's reputation.

10.2 Termination by Affiliate: Affiliates may terminate participation in the program by providing written notice to Crown Engine Oils Distributors. Upon termination, the affiliate shall immediately cease using Crown Engine Oils Distributors affiliate links and promotional materials. Final commission payment shall be processed for valid sales prior to termination date.

10.3 Post-Termination Conduct: Upon termination, affiliates must: (i) remove all Crown Engine Oils Distributors promotional content from websites and social media; (ii) cease using Crown Engine Oils Distributors trademarks and branding; (iii) return all Crown Engine Oils Distributors materials and resources; (iv) comply with confidentiality obligations; (v) maintain professional conduct regarding Crown Engine Oils Distributors and its Products.

10.4 Dispute Resolution: Disputes regarding commission payments, program termination, or policy violations shall be resolved through: (i) informal discussion and good-faith negotiation; (ii) written documentation of dispute and proposed resolution; (iii) mediation by Crown Engine Oils Distributors management or designated mediator; (iv) binding arbitration if informal resolution is unsuccessful. Disputes must be raised within ninety (90) days of the disputed transaction or event.

For questions regarding affiliate partnerships, disclosure requirements, or program participation, please contact Crown Engine Oils Distributors:

• Email: info@crownoils.com
• Phone: 0712 012 113
• Address: Nairobi, Kenya
• Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EAT

We maintain dedicated support for affiliate partners and aim to respond to inquiries within one (1) business day. Affiliate program documentation and resources are available on our affiliate portal.