Bear Grips Pro ShopsAffiliate Network vs Affiliate Program: What Is the Difference?
- An affiliate network is a third-party marketplace connecting many brands to many affiliates, taking a role in approval and payment.
- A direct affiliate program is run in-house by a single brand, with its own terms and no network in the middle.
- Bear Grips runs a direct, in-house program built into every account, with no separate network or application step.
- Joining the Bear Grips program is automatic: it is created the moment a Pro Shop account is created.
"Affiliate network vs affiliate program" is a common point of confusion for anyone new to referral marketing. The two are related but not the same thing, and knowing the difference explains why some affiliate programs take weeks to join while others, like the one built into Bear Grips, are active the same day.
What an affiliate network is
An affiliate network is a third-party marketplace, such as ShareASale, Rakuten, CJ, Impact, or Awin, that connects many different brands to a large pool of affiliates in one place. An affiliate signs up with the network first, then applies to individual brand programs listed inside it. The network usually takes a role in tracking, approval, and sometimes a cut of the commission structure.
What a direct affiliate program is
A direct, or in-house, affiliate program is run by a single brand on its own systems, without a third-party network in between. The affiliate applies directly on the brand's own site, and terms, approval speed, and payout structure are entirely set by that one brand.
Bear Grips Pro Shops: Custom Apparel for Your Team. No Minimums. Free Shipping.Where Bear Grips fits
Bear Grips runs a direct, in-house program. There is no separate network to join and no separate application: the affiliate link and terms come with every Pro Shop account automatically, whether the vendor is on the Free plan or a paid VIP plan. Full mechanics are in our affiliate program overview.
Comparing the two models
| Model | How you join | Who takes a cut | Approval | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affiliate network | Apply to the network, then apply to individual brand programs inside it | Network fee or cut, plus brand commission | Can be slow, per-brand approval | ShareASale, Rakuten, CJ, Impact, Awin |
| Direct in-house program | Apply directly on the brand's own site | Brand only, no network middleman | Varies by brand, some instant, some reviewed | Individual brand-run programs |
| Bear Grips built-in program | Automatic the moment a Pro Shop account is created | No network, no fee to join | Instant, no approval queue | Every Bear Grips vendor |
How to actually join the Bear Grips program
There is no separate "join affiliate program" step. Signing up for a Pro Shop, free or paid, at shops.beargrips.com creates the affiliate link automatically. See our no-minimums guide for what that means for someone starting from zero audience.
Join a Direct Program, No Network Needed
No third-party network, no separate application. Sign up free and your affiliate link is live today.
Start FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is the Bear Grips affiliate program part of a network like ShareASale or Rakuten?
No. It is a direct, in-house program built into every Bear Grips account, with no third-party network involved.
Do I need to apply separately to become a Bear Grips affiliate?
No. The affiliate link is created automatically at signup, with no separate application.
Is there a fee to join an affiliate network?
Joining a network itself is typically free for affiliates, though approval into specific brand programs listed inside it varies and can take time.
Which is better, an affiliate network or a direct program?
It depends on the brand. A direct program like Bear Grips is usually simpler since there is one set of terms and no separate approval step to clear.
