: Rakuten already owned LinkShare (now Rakuten Advertising ), one of the world's largest affiliate networks. The original Buy.com affiliate program was merged into this much larger ecosystem.
: While the marketplace closed, the cash-back referral business (formerly Ebates) is still thriving.
If you are looking for a similar electronics-focused affiliate program today, many former Buy.com affiliates have moved to these platforms:
: Remains the industry standard with higher commission rates (up to 4%) for electronics compared to modern big-box retailers. Best Buy Affiliate Program + Geniuslink [Updated]
The story of the is a classic tale of the early internet's "dot-com" volatility, a massive international acquisition, and an eventual evolution into what we now know as Rakuten . The Rise and Fall of Buy.com
: Despite high hopes, the Rakuten.com marketplace (formerly Buy.com) struggled against Amazon’s dominance and was eventually shuttered in 2020 . Modern Alternatives