How Hasan Taught Affiliate to His Neighborhood Shopkeeper Over Tea

In Ortahisar, Trabzon, on a narrow cobblestone street, a 22-year-old open-university student named Hasan walked into his neighbor Mehmet's tiny grocery store one evening. Hasan had just discovered the thMenu affiliate program. Below is the actual 25-minute transcript that shows how to introduce affiliate marketing to a non-technical shopkeeper — by building trust first, money second.

First 5 Minutes: Tea and Listening

Hasan did not say the word "affiliate" once during the first five minutes. He asked Mehmet how business was, what changed since the new chain market opened around the corner, why the regulars were buying less. Mehmet talked about young people ordering from apps. Hasan only listened.

This opening mattered. Hasan was not selling a system; he was reconnecting. Once Mehmet finished venting, Hasan said: "Uncle, you know everyone on this street. They trust your word. I found a way that turns that trust into a small monthly income — without changing anything about how you run your shop."

Minute 10: Neighborhood Language, Not Jargon

Hasan translated the affiliate concept into everyday speech. No "commission," no "dashboard," no "conversion." Instead: "introduction fee" and "thank-you envelope." He gave a concrete scenario.

• "A new restaurant opens nearby. They need a QR menu."
• "You tell the owner: try thMenu, here is my code, you get 5% off."
• "Every month the owner pays, the company sends you 20% as a thank-you."

Minute 20: The First Honest Question

After a long silence Mehmet asked: "So am I cheating people?" Hasan laughed gently. "Uncle, you already do this for free. You send people to a tailor, to a mechanic. The company simply pays you back for the trust you already built."

Second question: "What if my recommendation costs them money?" Hasan explained that thMenu's starter plan is free forever, and commissions only happen when the customer chooses to upgrade. The customer carries the choice; the shopkeeper carries no risk.

FAQ

What if the shopkeeper does not use a computer? Write the coupon code on a small card. Most affiliate dashboards have email-only reporting. They never need to log in.

Should I give them the coupon code on day one? No. Day one is only for the idea. Let them think overnight. Set up the code together on day two.

What if they say no? Leave it. Come back three months later when another neighbor has earned their first payout. Trust grows on its own timeline.

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