Originally Posted by
roadwarriorintraining
Qualifying Purchases exclude, and we will not pay advertising fees on any of, the following:
* any Product purchased through a Special Link by you or on your behalf, including Products you purchase through Special Links for yourself, friends, relatives, or associates (e.g., personal orders, orders for your own use, and orders placed by you for or on behalf of any other person or entity);
I can personally vouch for the fact that this is enforced.
you can't purchase stuff using your associate account, BUT your friends and family can purchase through your links and a-stores. I have only had one mystery purchase in two years of being an associate the rest have been from my immediate family and friends, as long as it is a different household on a different account it is normally counted as a good sale with between 4 and 6 % back depending on how many purchases that month (on performance scale). So if your "friend" was to purchase something from your store, you will more than likely get the money from the advertising fees, so if you have a blog or page then it makes sense to apply to become an associate.