Affiliate Program FAQ

Overview

This FAQ document answers the most common questions affiliates have about your program. Share this in your affiliate dashboard, welcome emails, and support resources to reduce repetitive inquiries.

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[COMPANY_NAME] Affiliate Program FAQ

Have questions about our affiliate program? Find answers below. If you don't see your question, contact us at [AFFILIATE_EMAIL].

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Getting Started

How do I join the affiliate program?

1. Visit [APPLICATION_URL]
2. Complete the application form
3. Wait [APPROVAL_TIME] for review
4. Receive approval email with login details
5. Start promoting!

What are the requirements to join?

• Active website, blog, or social media presence
• Content relevant to our target audience
• Compliance with our program terms
• No history of fraudulent affiliate activity
• [ADDITIONAL_REQUIREMENTS]

How long does approval take?

Applications are typically reviewed within [APPROVAL_TIME]. You'll receive an email whether approved or declined. If you haven't heard back, check your spam folder or contact [AFFILIATE_EMAIL].

Why was my application declined?

Common reasons include:

• Incomplete or inaccurate application
• Website under construction or low quality
• Content not relevant to our products
• Previous program violations
• Geographic restrictions

You may reapply after [REAPPLY_PERIOD] days with an updated application.

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Commission & Earnings

What is the commission rate?

Product/Plan	Commission	Type
[PRODUCT_1]	[RATE_1]%	[One-time/Recurring]
[PRODUCT_2]	[RATE_2]%	[One-time/Recurring]
[PRODUCT_3]	[RATE_3]%	[One-time/Recurring]

Do I earn recurring commissions?

[If yes]: Yes! You earn [RECURRING_RATE]% on recurring payments for [DURATION - e.g., "the lifetime of the customer" or "12 months"].

[If no]: Commissions are one-time, earned on the initial purchase only.

How is commission calculated?

Commission is calculated on the net sale amount:

• After any discounts
• Excluding taxes
• Excluding shipping/handling

Example: $100 product - $10 discount = $90 net × 20% = $18 commission

Is there a cap on earnings?

No cap! Earn unlimited commissions based on your referrals.

Can I earn commission on my own purchases?

No, self-referrals are not eligible for commission and may result in account termination.

Do I earn commission if someone uses a coupon?

Yes, you still earn commission. The rate is applied to the discounted price.

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Tracking & Attribution

How long is the cookie duration?

Our tracking cookie lasts [COOKIE_DURATION] days. If someone clicks your link and purchases within this window, you earn commission.

What happens if someone clears their cookies?

Unfortunately, if cookies are cleared before purchase, the sale may not be attributed to you. Encourage visitors to purchase soon after clicking.

Can I track which links perform best?

Yes! You can:

• Create multiple tracking links in your dashboard
• Add SubIDs to track campaigns: yourlink.com?subid=instagram
• View performance by link in your reports

Why didn't I get credit for a sale?

Possible reasons:

• Customer had a previous affiliate cookie (first-touch/last-touch)
• Customer used a different device than the click
• Customer cleared cookies
• Sale hasn't been processed yet
• Order was refunded or cancelled
• Sale was flagged for fraud review

Check your dashboard and contact us with the customer's email (if you have permission) for investigation.

Do you use first-click or last-click attribution?

We use [ATTRIBUTION_MODEL - first-click/last-click] attribution. This means [explanation of what this means for the affiliate].

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Payments

What is the minimum payout?

The minimum payout threshold is [MINIMUM_PAYOUT]. Commissions below this roll over to the next payment period.

When do I get paid?

Payments are processed [PAYMENT_FREQUENCY] on the [PAYMENT_DAY]. There is a [HOLD_PERIOD]-day hold period on commissions to account for refunds.

Timeline:

• Sale occurs → Commission appears as "pending"
• After [HOLD_PERIOD] days → Commission becomes "approved"
• Next payment date → Payment processed

What payment methods are available?

• PayPal
• Bank Transfer (ACH) - US only
• Wire Transfer - International
• Wise
• [OTHER_METHODS]

How do I change my payment method?

1. Log into your dashboard
2. Go to "Payment Settings"
3. Update your preferred method
4. Save changes

Changes apply to the next scheduled payment.

Do I need to submit tax forms?

US Affiliates: If you earn $600+ in a calendar year, you must submit a W-9. You'll receive a 1099-NEC for tax reporting.

International Affiliates: You may need to submit a W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, depending on your country.

What currency are payments in?

Payments are made in [CURRENCY]. If you're in a different country, conversion happens at the current exchange rate.

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Promotional Materials

Where can I find marketing materials?

Log into your dashboard and visit the "Resources" or "Creatives" section. You'll find:

• Logos and brand assets
• Banner ads in various sizes
• Product images
• Email templates
• Social media templates

Can I create my own promotional content?

Yes! We encourage original content. Please follow our [Brand Guidelines link] and ensure you:

• Use accurate product information
• Include proper FTC disclosures
• Don't make unsubstantiated claims

Can I use your brand name in ads?

Branded PPC: [Policy - e.g., "Bidding on our brand terms is not allowed" or "Allowed with restrictions"]

Display Ads: Yes, with proper disclosure.

Social Media: Yes, with @mention and disclosure.

Do I need approval before posting content?

[Standard content]: No approval needed if you follow our guidelines.

[Specific campaigns]: Submit to [APPROVAL_EMAIL] at least [DAYS] days before posting.

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Program Policies

What are the program rules?

Key rules include:

• Always disclose affiliate relationship (#ad, #affiliate)
• Don't make false or misleading claims
• Don't use spam tactics
• Don't engage in cookie stuffing or ad fraud
• Don't bid on our branded keywords (unless approved)
• Don't use coupon codes not provided by us

Full terms: [TERMS_URL]

What happens if I violate the rules?

Depending on severity:

1. Warning and request to correct
2. Commission reversal
3. Temporary suspension
4. Permanent removal from program

Can I promote competing products?

Yes, unless you've signed an exclusivity agreement. We simply ask that you don't disparage us in competitor promotions.

How do I disclose my affiliate relationship?

Include clear disclosure in ALL promotional content:

• Social media: #ad, #affiliate, or #sponsored
• Blog posts: Disclosure statement at the beginning
• Videos: Verbal mention and written in description
• Emails: Clear statement in the email

See our [Disclosure Guide link] for examples.

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Technical Issues

My affiliate links aren't working. What should I do?

1. Make sure you're using the correct link from your dashboard
2. Clear your cache and test again
3. Try a different browser
4. Check if link format is correct

Still having issues? Contact [SUPPORT_EMAIL] with the specific link.

The dashboard isn't loading or showing errors.

Try:

1. Clear browser cache and cookies
2. Try a different browser
3. Disable browser extensions
4. Check if there's a known outage at [STATUS_URL]

My stats seem incorrect.

Stats update every [UPDATE_FREQUENCY]. If something seems off after that, contact us with:

• Time period in question
• What you expected vs. what you see
• Any relevant transaction details

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Account Management

How do I update my profile or contact info?

1. Log into your dashboard
2. Go to "Account Settings" or "Profile"
3. Update your information
4. Save changes

Can I have multiple affiliate accounts?

No, each person/entity may have only one account. Multiple accounts may result in termination.

How do I close my affiliate account?

Email [AFFILIATE_EMAIL] with "Account Closure Request" in the subject. Pending commissions above the minimum will be paid in the final payment cycle.

What happens to my commissions if I close my account?

• Commissions above [MINIMUM_PAYOUT] will be paid out
• Commissions below threshold may be forfeited
• Recurring commissions will stop

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Support

How do I contact affiliate support?

Email: [AFFILIATE_EMAIL] Response time: Within [HOURS] business hours

Dashboard support ticket: [If available]

Is there an affiliate manager I can speak with?

[If yes]: Yes! Your affiliate manager is [NAME/ROLE] - [EMAIL]

[If no]: Our team supports all affiliates via [AFFILIATE_EMAIL].

Where can I find more resources?

• Affiliate Dashboard: [DASHBOARD_URL]
• Knowledge Base: [KB_URL]
• Brand Guidelines: [GUIDELINES_URL]
• Terms & Conditions: [TERMS_URL]

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Still Have Questions?

Contact our affiliate team at [AFFILIATE_EMAIL] or [SUPPORT_METHOD].

We're here to help you succeed!

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How to Use This Template

1. Replace all [BRACKETED] text with your specific information
2. Add/remove sections based on your program
3. Keep it updated as policies change
4. Make it accessible - dashboard, emails, help center
5. Track common questions - add new FAQs based on support tickets

Tips for Reducing Support Inquiries

• Link to this FAQ in welcome emails
• Add FAQ link to dashboard prominently
• Send periodic "Did you know?" emails
• Create video walkthrough of common questions
• Auto-respond to support tickets with FAQ link