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Adjusting Affiliate Commissions

Learn how to adjust your Shopify program's general commission rate or customize rates for specific affiliates while keeping them informed of changes.

Diana O. avatar
Written by Diana O.
Updated over a year ago

eCommerce Programs Only

As a program owner, you have two ways to adjust commission rates in your referral program. You can either adjust your program’s general commission rate or set a customized rate for a specific affiliate.

Below, we’ll explain how each option works, what to keep in mind, and how to make these changes.

Adjusting the Program’s General Commission Rate

The program’s general commission rate applies to all affiliates who do not have a customized rate. Changing this rate will update the default commission rate for new affiliates and for existing affiliates on the general rate for new referrals.

Note: If an affiliate has a customized rate, changes to the program’s general commission rate will not affect that affiliate. Their customized rate will remain unchanged.

Steps to Adjust the General Commission Rate:

  1. Navigate to Programs

  2. Click on specific program name you want to adjust

  3. Click Settings from Program dashboard page (far right)

  4. Go to Affiliates

  5. Adjust your rate > click Save

Note: Adjusting a program's Fixed commission rate follows the same steps, but rather than a slider to update your percentage, you will see a field to enter the new fixed rate offering.

Adjusting a Specific Affiliate’s Commission Rate

You can set a unique commission rate for an individual affiliate to reward top performers or accommodate special agreements. Customized rates are specific to that affiliate and are not affected by changes to the program’s general commission rate.

Steps to Adjust a Specific Affiliate’s Rate:

  1. Navigate to Affiliates page

  2. Search and click on affiliate name

  3. Go to Program table, and look for program name (if participating in multiple programs)

  4. Under Commission, click Edit Icon beside current rate

  5. Enter new rate > click Save

Note: Adjusting a specific Affiliate's Fixed commission rate follows the same steps, but rather than a percentage, you will see a field to enter the new fixed rate offering.

How Affiliates Are Notified of Changes

When you adjust either the program’s general commission rate or a specific affiliate’s rate, the affected affiliates will receive an automatic notification. This ensures transparency and helps maintain trust within your program.

By understanding and utilizing these options, you can effectively manage your affiliate program and tailor it to meet your goals and reward your affiliates appropriately.

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