Affiliate Commission Types: Compare the Economic Event
The percentage displayed on a landing page is not the economic model. You need to know what event qualifies, which products count, how returns are handled and when an approved amount becomes payable cash.
Percentage and flat commissions reward different baskets
A percentage moves with order value; a flat payment does not. Test each against the products readers are likely to buy, not the advertiser's most expensive plan.
Check whether tax, discounts, shipping, add-ons or renewals are included in the commission base.
Recurring does not mean permanent
Recurring programs may stop after a fixed period, customer cancellation, plan change, account migration or a maximum number of payments. Read the official definition.
Estimate retention conservatively and separate projected commission from money already approved.
Lead and action payouts need qualification rules
A form submission may require country, company size, sales acceptance or another condition before it is payable. Duplicate and existing customers are often excluded.
Publishers should not describe a lead payout as guaranteed when validation belongs to the advertiser.
Build a comparable earnings model
For each program, model qualified clicks, conversion, average qualifying value, approval rate, reversals and payment delay. Use ranges rather than a single optimistic forecast.
Review realized earnings per qualified visitor after enough data accumulates, but do not sacrifice reader fit to chase a short sample.
Frequently asked questions
Are recurring commissions safer?
No. They depend on customer retention, continuing eligibility and the program remaining active.
What is a hybrid commission?
It combines more than one event or payout form, such as a lead payment plus a later sale commission. Verify how the parts interact.