Affiliate/Marketer Agreement
Commission structure, FTC disclosure requirements, prohibited marketing methods, and program terms.
1. Introduction and Relationship
This Affiliate/Marketer Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between QuantumCampus LLC, a California Limited Liability Company ("Company," "We," or "Us"), and an individual or entity promoting DentistJourney.com services ("Affiliate," "You," or "Your").
By applying for, being approved for, or participating in the DentistJourney.com Affiliate Program, Affiliate acknowledges that You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
1.1 Independent Contractor Status
Affiliate is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, partner, or representative of the Company. This relationship is governed by California's ABC Test under Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), codified in California Labor Code § 2750(b) et seq. Affiliate confirms that:
(A) Affiliate is free from the control and direction of the Company in the performance of marketing and promotional services, both as to result and as to the means and manner of accomplishment.
(B) Affiliate performs services that are outside the usual course of the Company's business operations, OR Affiliate is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of marketing, brand promotion, or content creation of the same nature as the services provided.
(C) Affiliate is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business of marketing, promotion, content creation, or media services.
Affiliate acknowledges that the Company will not provide employment benefits, withhold taxes, provide workers' compensation insurance, or treat Affiliate as an employee under any state or federal law.
2. Affiliate Program Overview
2.1 Program Description
The DentistJourney.com Affiliate Program allows Affiliate to earn commissions by promoting DentistJourney.com services (Personal Statement Writer packages, Mock Interview packages, Application Bundles, All-Access Passes, Advisor sessions, and related offerings) to potential customers and referring them to the Platform.
2.2 Program Approval
Participation in the Affiliate Program is subject to Company approval. The Company reserves the right to:
- Accept or reject applications at its sole discretion
- Require additional information or documentation
- Approve specific promotional channels and methods
- Revoke approval at any time for cause
Approval is not guaranteed and does not create any right to participate in the program.
3. Commission Structure and Payment Terms
3.1 Commission Rates
Commission rates are tiered based on Affiliate performance volume, as follows:
| Tier | Monthly Referral Volume | Commission Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1–10 referrals/month | 10% of purchase price |
| Silver | 11–25 referrals/month | 15% of purchase price |
| Gold | 26+ referrals/month | 20% of purchase price |
Commission is calculated as a percentage of the referred customer's purchase price (excluding taxes and processing fees). Advisor add-on purchases are excluded from affiliate commission calculations.
3.2 Attribution Window
A referral is attributed to Affiliate if the referred customer clicks Affiliate's unique affiliate link and completes a purchase within 30 days (the "Attribution Window"). Attribution uses a last-click model — if a customer clicks multiple affiliate links, the last affiliate link clicked before purchase receives credit. Only purchases made within the Attribution Window are eligible for commission.
Affiliate link format: dentistjourney.com/?ref={affiliate_code}
Purchases made outside the Attribution Window are not attributed to Affiliate and no commission will be earned.
3.3 Commission Structure
Commissions are earned on a one-time basis per qualifying purchase. The Platform operates a package-based pricing model (not a recurring subscription model). Accordingly:
- Commissions are earned once per referred customer transaction at the applicable tier rate
- If a referred customer makes multiple separate purchases, the Affiliate earns commission on each qualifying purchase within the Attribution Window
- Volume-based tier advancement (Standard → Silver → Gold) is calculated based on total annual referral revenue as described in Section 3.1
3.4 Commission Exclusions
No commission is earned on:
- Refunded, disputed, or reversed transactions
- Free trial offerings or promotional giveaways (unless otherwise specified)
- Student discounts, promotional codes, or non-standard pricing
- Internal testing or Affiliate's own purchases
- Chargebacks or failed payments
- Payments made outside the Attribution Window
3.5 Payment Processing via Stripe Connect
- Affiliate must create and maintain an active Stripe Connect account to receive commission payouts. The Company is not responsible for payment delays caused by Affiliate's Stripe account issues, incomplete onboarding, or banking problems
- Commissions are calculated and reported on a monthly basis
- Minimum payout threshold: $25 per period
- Payments are processed via Stripe Connect to Affiliate's designated bank account
- Payment is made within 30 days (net-30) of the end of the calendar month in which commission was earned
- Unpaid balances below the minimum threshold carry forward to the next period
- Affiliate is responsible for any Stripe Connect fees or bank transfer fees applicable to their payout
3.6 W-9 Requirement and Tax Reporting
- Affiliate must complete and submit Form W-9 (IRS Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) before receiving any commission payments
- The Company will issue Form 1099-NEC (or other applicable form) to US Affiliates earning $600 or more in a calendar year
- Affiliate is solely responsible for all tax obligations, including self-employment taxes, income taxes, and compliance with state and local tax requirements
4. Prohibited Marketing Methods and Practices
4.1 Spam and Unsolicited Communications
Affiliate is strictly prohibited from:
- Sending unsolicited emails, SMS messages, or direct messages promoting the Platform
- Using email addresses obtained without consent
- Violating the CAN-SPAM Act (15 U.S.C. § 7701 et seq.) or equivalent laws in other jurisdictions
- Purchasing email lists and using them for promotion
- Engaging in any form of spam marketing
Violation of CAN-SPAM or anti-spam laws may result in immediate termination and legal action.
4.2 False or Misleading Claims
Affiliate agrees to:
- Make only truthful, accurate statements about Platform features, services, and outcomes
- Not exaggerate results or guarantees (e.g., "guaranteed dental school admission," "guaranteed success")
- Not misrepresent student outcomes or advisor qualifications
- Include accurate descriptions of services, limitations, and realistic expectations
- Not make health or medical claims about the Platform
Any false, misleading, or deceptive marketing may result in immediate termination and the Company may pursue legal remedies.
4.3 Prohibited Technical Methods
Affiliate is prohibited from:
- Cookie stuffing (placing cookies on users' devices without their knowledge)
- Click fraud (artificially inflating clicks through bots or fake traffic)
- Pixel stuffing or hidden links
- Malware distribution or exploitation
- Ad injection or unauthorized ads
- Domain squatting or typosquatting (registering domains similar to DentistJourney.com)
4.4 Brand Keyword Bidding
Affiliate may not bid on or purchase Google Ads or search engine keywords containing the Company's brand names, including:
- "DentistJourney"
- "Dentist Journey"
- "DentistJourney.com"
- Other Company trademarks or variations
Any keyword bidding on Company brand terms requires prior written approval from the Company. Unauthorized brand bidding may result in immediate termination and removal of affiliate status.
4.5 Contextual Placement Restrictions
Affiliate may not promote the Platform on:
- Adult content, pornography, or sexually explicit websites or forums
- Illegal activity websites or forums (drugs, weapons, hacking, etc.)
- Hate speech, violence, or extremism websites
- Gambling or illegal wagering sites
- Unmoderated forums or platforms with illegal content
- Websites or content that violates law or common decency standards
4.6 Misrepresentation of Advisor-Student Relationship
Affiliate may not:
- Claim to be an Advisor or offer advisory services
- Misrepresent the Platform's advisor services as something other than what they are
- Suggest that Affiliates are licensed professionals or can provide medical/dental advice
- Create confusion about what the Platform actually offers
5. Brand Assets and Approved Marketing Materials
5.1 Approved Use of Brand Materials
The Company provides Affiliates with approved logos, banners, promotional images, and copy ("Brand Assets"). Affiliate may use Brand Assets only:
- As provided by the Company in original form
- For promoting DentistJourney.com services
- On channels pre-approved by the Company
- With prior written consent for modifications
5.2 Prohibited Modifications
Affiliate may not:
- Modify, edit, or alter Company logos, banners, or marketing materials
- Change colors, fonts, or design elements
- Combine Brand Assets with competing services
- Imply Company endorsement of Affiliate's other products or services
5.3 Custom Materials
If Affiliate requests custom marketing materials, such materials:
- Must be approved in writing by the Company before use
- Become Company property upon creation
- May be used by the Company in future marketing without compensation to Affiliate
6. Platform Terms Compliance
6.1 Agreement with Platform Terms
Affiliate agrees to comply with all terms in the DentistJourney.com Terms of Service, including:
- Prohibited conduct
- Intellectual property restrictions
- User privacy and data handling
- Content standards
Violation of Platform Terms may result in Affiliate Program termination.
6.2 Affiliate's Responsibility
Affiliate is solely responsible for:
- Understanding and complying with all terms
- Ensuring referred customers understand what they are purchasing
- Not misleading customers about services or outcomes
- Handling customer complaints or disputes regarding referred customers
7. Non-Compete, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disparagement
7.1 No Non-Compete Clause
Affiliate is not subject to any non-compete or business restriction. Under California Business & Professions Code § 16600, any such restriction is void and unenforceable.
7.2 Non-Solicitation of Customers
For a period of 12 months following termination of this Agreement, Affiliate agrees not to:
- Directly solicit referred customers to purchase alternative services
- Direct referred customers to competing platforms or services
- Encourage referred customers to abandon their DentistJourney.com accounts or request refunds
- Offer affiliate commissions or incentives to defect to alternative platforms
This restriction is enforceable under California law as a reasonable protection of the Company's legitimate business interests and customer relationships.
7.3 Non-Disparagement
Affiliate agrees not to make disparaging, false, or negative statements about the Company, Platform, Advisors, or services that could damage reputation or business relationships.
8. Fraud Detection and Termination
8.1 Fraud Monitoring
The Company monitors for fraudulent activity, including:
- Fake traffic or artificial referrals
- Commission manipulation schemes
- Unauthorized use of Company assets
- False claims or deceptive marketing
- Use of prohibited methods (Section 4)
8.2 Suspected Fraud
If the Company suspects fraudulent activity, Affiliate:
- Grants the Company right to investigate
- Agrees to cooperate fully with investigation
- Authorizes the Company to review Affiliate's promotional methods and traffic sources
- Understands that investigation may require 30+ days
8.3 Fraud Termination
Upon confirmation of fraudulent activity:
- Affiliate's account is immediately terminated
- All unpaid commissions are forfeited and retained by Company
- Affiliate is permanently banned from the Affiliate Program
- The Company may pursue legal action or refer matter to law enforcement
No refund of any kind is provided for fraud-related terminations.
9. FTC Disclosure Requirements
9.1 Mandatory Disclosure
Affiliate MUST include a clear, conspicuous, and unavoidable disclosure on ALL promotional content indicating the affiliate relationship and potential financial benefit, consistent with the FTC's updated Endorsement Guides (16 CFR Part 255, revised June 2023).
Approved Disclosure Language (use one of the following or substantially similar language):
- "Ad — I earn a commission if you sign up through my link. #DentistJourneyAffiliate"
- "Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link to DentistJourney.com. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you."
- "Paid partnership with DentistJourney.com. I receive a commission for referrals."
- "#ad #affiliate — I'm a DentistJourney.com affiliate and may earn a commission from this link."
Disclosure must NOT be limited to: standalone hashtags at the end of a long caption (e.g., "#ad" buried among other hashtags), "thank you to DentistJourney.com" without specifying the financial relationship, or ambiguous language like "collab" or "partner" without clarifying the paid nature.
9.2 Disclosure Placement (FTC "Clear and Conspicuous" Standard)
Per the FTC's 2023 guidance, disclosures must be unavoidable — meaning a reasonable consumer cannot miss them. Specifically:
- Proximity: The disclosure must appear immediately adjacent to the claim or endorsement it qualifies — not separated by links, images, or other content
- Prominence: The disclosure must be in the same font size and color as the surrounding content (not smaller, lighter, or less visible)
- Unavoidability: The disclosure must be presented so that consumers cannot avoid seeing it (not behind a "see more" fold, in a footnote, or at the bottom of a long post)
Platform-Specific Requirements:
For social media (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn):
- Use the platform's built-in paid partnership or sponsored content tools when available
- Place disclosure at the beginning of the caption text — before any "see more" truncation
- "#ad" must be the first hashtag and clearly separate from other hashtags (not buried in a list)
- For Stories/Reels: display disclosure text on screen for the entire duration (or use the paid partnership label)
For emails and newsletters:
- Include disclosure in the subject line (e.g., "[Ad]") OR as the first sentence of the email body
- Do NOT bury the disclosure at the bottom or in fine print
For websites and blogs:
- Include disclosure above the fold and before the first affiliate link or call-to-action
- Use a clearly labeled "Affiliate Disclosure" box or banner
- A site-wide disclosure page alone is NOT sufficient — each page with affiliate links must have its own disclosure
For videos (YouTube, TikTok, Podcast):
- State the disclosure verbally within the first 30 seconds of the content
- Include written disclosure in the video title OR as on-screen text within the first 5 seconds
- Include in the video description as the first line
9.3 FTC Compliance
Affiliate acknowledges understanding of and compliance with:
- FTC Endorsement Guides (16 CFR Part 255, as revised June 29, 2023)
- FTC Act Section 5 prohibitions against unfair or deceptive practices
- State and local consumer protection laws
- The FTC's requirement that endorsers (including affiliates) may be individually liable for deceptive endorsements, not only the sponsoring company
- The FTC's position that platform-specific disclosure tools do not replace the obligation to include clear disclosure in the content itself
9.4 Non-Compliance Consequences
Failure to include required disclosures:
- Violates FTC rules and potentially state law
- Results in immediate termination of Affiliate Program participation
- May lead to forfeiture of unpaid commissions
- May result in the Company reporting Affiliate to the FTC or state attorney general
- May trigger legal action by the Company
10. Termination and Suspension
10.1 Termination for Cause
The Company may terminate this Agreement immediately if Affiliate:
- Violates any provision of this Agreement
- Engages in fraudulent or deceptive practices
- Violates FTC or other legal requirements
- Uses prohibited marketing methods (Section 4)
- Fails to include required disclosures (Section 9)
- Violates Platform Terms of Service
- Engages in misconduct that damages the Company's brand or reputation
10.2 Termination for Convenience
The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time for convenience with 14 days' written notice to Affiliate.
10.3 Affiliate Termination
Affiliate may terminate this Agreement at any time by providing 14 days' written notice to the Company.
10.4 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Affiliate's access to the Affiliate Program and unique affiliate links is immediately revoked
- Affiliate loses the right to use Brand Assets
- Outstanding commissions are processed according to payment terms (Section 3.5)
- Non-solicitation obligations (Section 7.2) remain in effect for 12 months
- Non-disparagement obligations remain indefinitely
- Affiliate may not represent themselves as a DentistJourney.com Affiliate after termination
10.5 Suspension
The Company may temporarily suspend Affiliate's account (without terminating the Agreement) for:
- Investigation of potential violations
- Correcting compliance issues
- Periods of zero or suspicious activity
Suspension may remain in effect for up to 90 days pending investigation.
11. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
11.1 Affiliate Indemnity
Affiliate agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company, its owners, officers, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:
- Affiliate's marketing, promotional, or advertising activities
- Affiliate's violation of this Agreement or applicable law (including FTC Act, CAN-SPAM, and state consumer protection laws)
- Affiliate's false, misleading, or deceptive statements about the Platform
- Claims by third parties (including customers) based on Affiliate's promotion
- Intellectual property infringement related to Affiliate's marketing
- Affiliate's use of prohibited methods (spam, click fraud, etc.)
11.2 Liability Limitation
Affiliate's total liability to the Company under this Agreement shall not exceed the total commissions Affiliate received in the 12 months preceding the claim.
11.3 Company's Liability
The Company's liability to Affiliate under this Agreement shall not exceed the total commissions Affiliate received in the 12 months preceding the claim.
12. Confidentiality
12.1 Confidential Information
Affiliate acknowledges that the Affiliate Program terms, commission structures, marketing strategies, customer data, and Company financial information constitute confidential information. Affiliate agrees to:
- Maintain confidentiality of all Company information
- Not disclose information to third parties without prior written consent
- Not use Company information for any purpose other than promoting the Platform
- Return or destroy confidential information upon request or termination
12.2 Exceptions
Confidentiality obligations do not apply to information that:
- Is publicly available or becomes public through no fault of Affiliate
- Is independently developed without use of Company information
- Is required to be disclosed by law or court order (provided Affiliate gives prompt notice)
- Is disclosed to professional advisors (accountants, attorneys) under confidentiality obligations
13. Taxes and Compliance
13.1 Affiliate's Tax Responsibility
Affiliate is solely responsible for:
- Paying all self-employment taxes, income taxes, sales taxes, and other applicable taxes
- Maintaining tax records and documentation
- Complying with federal and state tax filing requirements
- Claiming business deductions and expenses
- Sales tax collection and remittance (if applicable based on jurisdiction)
13.2 Form 1099 Reporting
- The Company will issue Form 1099-NEC to US Affiliates earning $600 or more in a calendar year
- The Company will report this to the IRS and applicable state tax authorities
- Affiliate is responsible for reporting all income to tax authorities, regardless of 1099 status
13.3 W-9 Requirement
Affiliate must complete and submit Form W-9 (IRS Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) before the Company processes any commission payments.
13.4 International Affiliates
International Affiliates (non-US residents) may be required to:
- Complete Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner)
- Comply with their home country's tax reporting requirements
- Provide tax identification number or equivalent
14. Warranties and Disclaimers
14.1 Affiliate Warranties
Affiliate represents and warrants that:
- Affiliate has the legal right and capacity to enter into this Agreement
- Affiliate will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- All information provided to the Company is accurate and truthful
- Affiliate's marketing will be truthful and non-deceptive
14.2 Company Disclaimer
The Company makes no guarantee that:
- Referred customers will complete purchases
- Commissions will reach any specific amount
- The Affiliate Program will generate profit for Affiliate
- The affiliate link or tracking will function without error
Affiliate assumes all risk associated with participation in the Affiliate Program.
15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
15.1 Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any references to statute shall be to California statutes unless otherwise specified.
15.2 Jurisdiction and Venue
Affiliate consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal courts located in Sacramento County, California for any disputes arising under this Agreement.
15.3 Arbitration
Notwithstanding the above, any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement (including claims for breach, fraud, misrepresentation, or any other cause of action) shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. Arbitration shall:
- Be conducted by a single neutral arbitrator
- Take place in Sacramento County, California
- Be governed by California law
- Exclude jury trial and class action rights
- Be binding and enforceable in court
Either party may seek injunctive relief in court to prevent irreparable harm (e.g., breach of confidentiality, non-solicitation, or fraud).
15.4 Attorney's Fees
In any arbitration or legal proceeding, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
16. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, unenforceable, or contrary to law, such provision shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or if not possible, severed from this Agreement. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The parties' intent is that non-enforceable provisions be severed rather than reformed unless reformation can be accomplished without material alteration.
17. Entire Agreement
This Agreement, together with the DentistJourney.com Terms of Service and Platform Usage Policy, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding the Affiliate Program and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements, whether written or oral.
18. Amendments and Modifications
The Company may modify this Agreement at any time by providing 30 days' written notice to Affiliate. Continued participation in the Affiliate Program after the effective date of modifications constitutes acceptance of the modified Agreement. If Affiliate does not accept modifications, Affiliate may terminate this Agreement under Section 10.3.
19. Notices
All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to:
For the Company: QuantumCampus LLC legal@dentistjourney.com (650) 240-0799
For Affiliate: To the email address registered with the Affiliate Program
20. Acknowledgment and Acceptance
By applying for the Affiliate Program, clicking "I Agree," or otherwise indicating acceptance of this Agreement, Affiliate acknowledges and confirms:
- Affiliate has read and understood this Agreement in its entirety
- Affiliate is authorized to enter into this Agreement
- Affiliate agrees to be legally bound by all terms and conditions
- Affiliate understands the prohibited marketing methods and FTC disclosure requirements
- Affiliate commits to including the mandatory FTC disclosure on ALL promotional content
- Affiliate confirms independent contractor status under California's ABC Test
- Affiliate will comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including FTC Act, CAN-SPAM, and state consumer protection laws
QuantumCampus LLC Authorized Representative Date: March 24, 2026
This Agreement is a legal document. If Affiliate has questions or concerns about any provision, Affiliate is encouraged to seek independent legal counsel before accepting or participating in the Affiliate Program.
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