video 1 (12,000 views) video 2 (13,000 views - in the first 2 days of posting) video 3 (~ to come)
If a total of 1,000 viewers click on a link x $4 commission each = $4,000
This is wayyy more than she actually spent on the haul.
Plus people who watch these videos, are often people who are already planning to shop the haul, and are thus VERY likely to click on the links.
Sorry if i keep harping on this issue, but I really think YouTuber Hauls are extremely insidious - it's not just spreading mindless consumerism (not great in itself) - they get PAID handsomely to PRETEND such hauls are "normal" and to encourage other people (who are spending their hard earned money!!) that they "need" these things regularly - when they themselves are simply profiting! If there were Zero commissions to be earned, I think we would not see half of these "hauls".
Not to mention, some YouTubers are extremely dishonest and actually return these items after they "haul" them, which means double the profits. Even if they don't return these items, these can all go towards business expense as a tax write-off because they show these items in their videos.