Last Updated: February 26, 2026
RenFaire Directory (renfaireguide.com) is a labor of love built to help Renaissance faire enthusiasts discover events, plan trips, and find the gear they need. To keep this site free for everyone, we participate in affiliate marketing programs. This page explains how that works.
What Are Affiliate Links?
An affiliate link is a special URL that tracks when someone clicks from our site to a partner retailer and makes a purchase. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. The price you pay is exactly the same whether you use our link or go directly to the retailer.
Zero Extra Cost to You
Using our affiliate links doesn't increase the price you pay. Retailers pay us a percentage of the sale as a referral fee. You pay the same price (and sometimes even get exclusive discounts).
Our Affiliate Partners
Amazon Associates
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When you click an Amazon link on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission (typically 1-4% of the sale).
What we link to: Renaissance faire costumes, accessories, boots, camping gear, books, and other products we believe will genuinely help our readers prepare for faires.
Awin Network (Including ThredUp)
We participate in the Awin affiliate network, which includes partners like:
- ThredUp — Online secondhand clothing marketplace (15% commission for new customers, 1% for returning customers)
- Booking.com — Hotel and accommodation bookings near Renaissance faires
- Other travel, retail, and experience partners as they become relevant to our readers
Awin commissions help support the maintenance of our faire directory, blog content, and tools like our "Find Faires Near Me" feature.
How We Choose What to Recommend
Our affiliate relationships do not dictate our content or recommendations. We follow these principles:
- Honest reviews. We only recommend products and services we believe are useful for Renaissance faire-goers. If something isn't good, we won't link to it just because it pays a commission.
- Editorial independence. No brand or retailer pays us to write positive reviews or feature their products. All content decisions are made by our team.
- Transparency. When a link is an affiliate link, we disclose it (like we're doing right now).
- Alternatives matter. We often provide multiple options—including non-affiliate suggestions—so you can make the best choice for your needs.
You Are Not Obligated to Use Our Links
If you prefer to shop without affiliate links, you're free to search for products directly on Amazon, ThredUp, or any retailer. We'll still be here to help you find great faires and plan your trips!
FTC Compliance
We comply with the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, as well as the FTC's Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (16 CFR Part 255). This means:
- We clearly disclose when we have a financial relationship with a recommended product or service.
- Our reviews and recommendations reflect our honest opinions.
- We do not make false or misleading claims about products just to earn commissions.
IAB Guidelines Compliance (For ThredUp)
As required by ThredUp and the Awin network, we comply with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Guidelines for Affiliate Marketing. This includes:
- Clearly labeling affiliate content
- Not engaging in misleading advertising practices
- Not using affiliate links in ways that violate retailer terms (e.g., no coupon sites, no spam, no trademark bidding)
- Respecting cookie durations and attribution windows
Cookies and Tracking
When you click an affiliate link, the retailer may place a cookie on your device to track the referral. This is how they know we sent you and whether you made a purchase. Cookie durations vary:
- Amazon: 24-hour cookie window
- ThredUp (Awin): 14-day cookie window
- Booking.com (Awin): 30-day cookie window
This means if you click our link but don't buy immediately, we may still earn a commission if you return and complete your purchase within the cookie window. You can clear cookies in your browser settings at any time.
Other Revenue Sources
In addition to affiliate commissions, RenFaire Directory may earn revenue from:
- Sponsored listings: Renaissance faires or vendors may pay for enhanced placement in our directory (always labeled as "Sponsored" or "Featured")
- Direct advertising: Banner ads or display ads from faire-related businesses
- Partnerships: Collaborations with faire organizers, costume shops, or travel companies
All sponsored content and paid placements are clearly labeled. Our editorial content remains independent.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships or how we earn money, please contact us at hello@renfaireguide.com. We're happy to clarify anything.
Thank You for Supporting Us!
Every time you use our affiliate links, you help keep RenFaire Directory free and ad-light. It allows us to spend more time creating helpful guides, maintaining our faire database, and building tools that make planning your Renaissance faire adventures easier. We genuinely appreciate your support. ⚔️