What is an affiliate program agreement and what should I check in it?
What the agreement covers
Most agreements explain how commissions are calculated and when payouts happen. They also list the minimum payout, approved promotion methods and what you cannot do, such as bidding on brand names in paid ads. The terms can be long, but the key parts are usually in a few sections.
Agreements also cover trademark use, data handling and what happens if the merchant ends the program. Keep a copy of the version you agreed to, because terms can change.
- Commission rates and payout schedule
- Minimum payout and payment method
- Restricted promotion methods
- Cookie window and attribution rules
- Termination and reversal policy
Questions to ask before you sign up
Ask whether returns or cancellations reverse commissions. Check whether coupon sites or email promotion are allowed. Look for any ban on paid search advertising for brand terms.
If something is unclear, contact the program before you promote it. A short written answer can save you from losing commissions later. A written reply from the program is also useful if a dispute comes up later.
- Are returns and cancellations deducted?
- Are coupon or email promotions allowed?
- Can I bid on brand keywords in ads?
Common mistakes
- Skipping the terms and then losing commissions over a rule you did not know.
- Assuming the agreement you signed will never change.
- Ignoring the termination section until your account is suddenly closed.
