DRINKS ASSURE vs Simple Affiliatefor Shopify (2026)
DRINKS ASSURE and Simple Affiliate, while both categorized under 'Finances' and 'Taxes' in the Shopify app store, cater to vastly different merchant needs. DRINKS ASSURE focuses exclusively on alcohol producers and retailers seeking real-time tax and regulatory compliance for online sales, integrating directly into the Shopify checkout. Its core strength lies in automating complex alcohol-specific tax calculations and compliance rules, potentially saving merchants significant time and resources while minimizing legal risks. Simple Affiliate, on the other hand, provides a platform for managing affiliate marketing programs, enabling merchants to drive sales through influencer and referral marketing. It streamlines affiliate onboarding, commission tracking, and payouts, primarily focusing on expanding reach and customer acquisition. The key differentiator lies in their problem domains. DRINKS ASSURE solves a highly specialized compliance issue, ensuring adherence to alcohol-related regulations. Simple Affiliate tackles the challenge of effective affiliate marketing management. While DRINKS ASSURE promises 'set-it-and-forget' tax compliance, Simple Affiliate offers features like flexible reward structures and automated tax form generation for affiliates, focusing on the management and incentivization of a sales force beyond the merchant's direct control. The small number of reviews for DRINKS ASSURE, despite a perfect rating, could indicate a newer app or one serving a very niche market, while Simple Affiliate's higher review count suggests wider adoption.
At a Glance
DRINKS ASSURE
14 reviews
Simple Affiliate
82 reviews
Detailed Overview
DRINKS ASSURE
The only real time alcohol tax and compliance App for alcohol producers and retailers.
Key Features
- Real-time tax and compliance seamlessly integrated into Shopify checkout
- Hundreds of pre-configured compliance rules, all automatically updated
- Capture all applicable taxes and fees including Excise, Alcohol, CRV and more
- POS integration with verified compliance and proper alcohol tax for all orders
- Detailed reports for state filings and optional integration with ShipCompliant
Simple Affiliate
Drive Sales With an Automated Affiliate Platform to Manage Influencer & Referral Marketing Programs
Key Features
- New Customer Accounts: Register & sign in directly from your store
- Track Sales & Payouts: Affiliates can track commission rates & total sales
- Flexible Reward Structures: Based on products, variants, categories, codes, etc.
- Manage Taxes: All 1099 tax forms are easily handled, automated & consolidated
- Reward Payout: Manually or auto-pay sales commissions based on your preferences
Feature Comparison
| Rating | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Rating DRINKS ASSURE5/5 Simple Affiliate5/5 | ||
| Reviews | 14 | 82 |
Reviews DRINKS ASSURE14 Simple Affiliate82 | ||
| Primary Function | Alcohol Tax & Compliance | Affiliate Marketing Management |
Primary Function DRINKS ASSUREAlcohol Tax & Compliance Simple AffiliateAffiliate Marketing Management | ||
| Target Audience | Alcohol Producers and Retailers | Merchants Seeking to Leverage Affiliate Marketing |
Target Audience DRINKS ASSUREAlcohol Producers and Retailers Simple AffiliateMerchants Seeking to Leverage Affiliate Marketing | ||
| Key Feature: Tax Focus | Real-time Alcohol Specific Tax Calculation (Excise, CRV etc.) | Automated 1099 Tax Form Generation for Affiliates |
Key Feature: Tax Focus DRINKS ASSUREReal-time Alcohol Specific Tax Calculation (Excise, CRV etc.) Simple AffiliateAutomated 1099 Tax Form Generation for Affiliates | ||
| Integration Focus | Shopify Checkout Native Integration | New Customer Account Signup Directly from Store |
Integration Focus DRINKS ASSUREShopify Checkout Native Integration Simple AffiliateNew Customer Account Signup Directly from Store | ||
| Ease of Use (Implied) | Set-it-and-forget Compliance | Easy Setup, Customization, and Support |
Ease of Use (Implied) DRINKS ASSURESet-it-and-forget Compliance Simple AffiliateEasy Setup, Customization, and Support | ||
| Value Proposition | Automated compliance, reduced risk, and streamlined alcohol sales. | Increased sales through affiliates, efficient management, and scalable marketing. |
Value Proposition DRINKS ASSUREAutomated compliance, reduced risk, and streamlined alcohol sales. Simple AffiliateIncreased sales through affiliates, efficient management, and scalable marketing. | ||
Our Verdict
Choosing between DRINKS ASSURE and Simple Affiliate hinges entirely on the merchant's business needs. If you are an alcohol producer or retailer navigating the complex landscape of alcohol taxes and regulations, DRINKS ASSURE is the clear choice. Its specialized features and native Shopify checkout integration offer a streamlined compliance solution. Simple Affiliate, however, is ideal for merchants seeking to expand their reach and drive sales through affiliate marketing programs. It provides the tools to manage affiliates, track performance, and incentivize sales, but lacks the specific tax and compliance focus relevant to the alcohol industry.
Essentially, DRINKS ASSURE caters to a very specific niche, while Simple Affiliate offers a more general marketing solution. A merchant selling general goods who wants to set up an affiliate program will find Simple Affiliate far more useful. If you sell alcohol, the only real choice here is DRINKS ASSURE.
Common Questions
Are both apps suitable for any Shopify merchant?
No. DRINKS ASSURE is specifically designed for alcohol producers and retailers. Simple Affiliate is applicable to a wider range of businesses seeking to leverage affiliate marketing.
Do both apps handle all types of taxes?
While both apps touch on taxes, they focus on different aspects. DRINKS ASSURE focuses on alcohol-specific taxes like Excise, CRV, and others at the point of sale. Simple Affiliate handles 1099 tax forms related to affiliate payouts.
Which app is easier to set up?
Simple Affiliate claims 'easy setup' and customization. DRINKS ASSURE focuses on 'set-it-and-forget' compliance after initial setup, implying a degree of initial complexity but ultimately more hands-off operation.
Can these apps be used together?
Potentially, but their functionalities are largely independent. An alcohol retailer using DRINKS ASSURE could also use Simple Affiliate to recruit affiliates to promote their products, but the apps wouldn't directly integrate or share data.
Which app has better long-term value?
The long-term value depends on the merchant's business model. For alcohol retailers, DRINKS ASSURE's continuous compliance updates are crucial. For other businesses, Simple Affiliate's ability to drive scalable affiliate sales could be more valuable.
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