Affiliate payout rules template (free copy/paste for SaaS)
This page supports your affiliate program management setup for SaaS. If you want affiliates but you don’t want chaos, start here. This is a free copy/paste payout rules template designed for SaaS on Stripe: payout timing, refund windows, thresholds, and how adjustments work.
Safe defaults
- • Payouts: monthly
- • Refund window: 30 days
- • Minimum payout threshold: $50
- • Manual review: yes (recommended early)
What this prevents
- • “Why wasn’t this refunded customer paid?” arguments
- • Payout timing misunderstandings
- • Surprise clawbacks
- • Founder panic about long-term obligations
Copy-paste payout rules
Use this as a starting point. Adjust numbers, but keep the structure. Clarity beats generosity.
Payout schedule
We process payouts monthly. Earnings for a given month are reviewed and paid in the following payout cycle.
Refund window
Commissions are eligible once the refund window closes (default: 30 days). Refunded payments do not earn commission.
Minimum threshold
We pay out once your approved balance reaches the minimum threshold (default: $50). If you are below the threshold, the balance rolls over.
Adjustments & clawbacks
If a commission was already paid for a payment that later becomes ineligible (e.g., a refund), we may deduct that amount from a future payout.
Manual review
We review payouts for obvious anomalies (duplicates, refund patterns, policy violations). This protects both the program and high-quality affiliates.
Where TinyAffiliate fits
TinyAffiliate is manual payouts by design. It tracks Stripe-attributed revenue and generates a clear payout report (CSV) so you can pay affiliates your way.
FAQ
Why do I need payout rules?
Because most affiliate disputes are really policy disputes (timing, refunds, clawbacks). Clear rules reduce confusion and protect trust.
What payout schedule is safest for SaaS?
Monthly payouts after a refund window closes is a common, founder-friendly default.
Should I do automatic payouts?
Early on, manual payouts are safer. Automate tracking and reporting first, then decide if payouts should be automated later.
How should refunds affect commissions?
Define it explicitly. A simple rule is: refunded payments do not earn commission, and already-paid commissions can be deducted from the next payout.