Use this checklist to systematically evaluate any affiliate program.
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How to use this checklist
This is a 25-point pass/fail screen you run before joining any SaaS affiliate program. Open the program's terms page and the product itself, then tick each item as yes, no, or unclear. Anything you can't verify counts as "unclear" and is worth a direct question to the affiliate manager.
Score one point per "yes". A program scoring 20+ is usually worth a serious test. Below 15, look closer; the gaps often hide in attribution rules and refund clawbacks. The point is not a perfect score, it is making sure no important question goes unasked.
Commission structure (points 1-5)
This decides how much you actually earn, so start here.
- Commission model is clear (one-time, recurring, or lifetime) and stated in writing.
- Rate is competitive for the category, not just high-sounding in isolation.
- Recurring or lifetime rather than a single one-time payment, if it's a subscription product.
- No surprise cap on recurring commissions (or the cap is acceptable to you).
- Tiered or bonus structure exists, so strong performance is rewarded.
Tracking and attribution (points 6-10)
This decides how much of what you drive you actually get credited for.
- Cookie duration is 30 days or longer (90 is excellent for SaaS).
- Attribution model is stated (first-click vs last-click) and you understand it.
- Tracking platform is reputable (Impact, PartnerStack, a solid in-house dashboard).
- Cross-device tracking is supported, or at least not obviously broken.
- No silent exclusions for coupon traffic, brand bidding, or specific channels you rely on.
Product quality and offer (points 11-15)
You earn only when customers stay happy, so the product is part of your due diligence.
- You've used the product (or a trial) and would genuinely recommend it.
- Recent third-party reviews on G2 or Capterra are mostly positive.
- Pricing is transparent and a clear plan exists that your audience would buy.
- Free trial or freemium tier exists to lower the conversion barrier.
- Refund and churn rates appear reasonable, with no flood of cancellation complaints.
Payout terms (points 16-20)
Good earnings only count if you can actually collect them on fair terms.
- Minimum payout threshold is low enough that you'll reach it (watch for $100+ floors).
- Payment schedule is clear (net-30, net-60) and acceptable.
- Payment method works for you (PayPal, bank transfer, Wise, etc.).
- Refund clawback window is defined and reasonable, not open-ended.
- No hidden fees quietly skimmed from your payouts.
Support, terms, and audience fit (points 21-25)
The final five cover the relationship and whether the program even fits you.
- Affiliate manager or support is reachable and responsive.
- Marketing assets (banners, copy, demos) are provided and current.
- Program terms are stable, with no history of slashing rates without notice.
- Approval requirements are clear and you realistically qualify.
- Strong audience fit: the product solves a real problem your audience already has.
That last point quietly outranks almost everything else. A perfect program for the wrong audience still won't convert. Tally your score, run the same 25 points across your shortlist, and promote the one that fits best, not just the one with the biggest rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important item on a SaaS affiliate evaluation checklist?
Audience fit, followed by the commission model. A product that genuinely solves your audience's problem will convert even at a modest rate, while the highest commission on an irrelevant tool earns little. After fit, confirm whether the model is recurring or one-time, since that shapes your long-term income more than the headline percentage.
What score on the checklist means a program is worth joining?
A program scoring 20 or more out of 25 is usually worth a serious test, while anything under 15 deserves a closer look before you commit. The exact number matters less than catching dealbreakers, especially around attribution and refund clawbacks. Treat any item you can't verify as a question to ask the affiliate manager directly.
Should I re-run the checklist on programs I already promote?
Yes. Affiliate terms change quietly: rates get cut, cookie windows shorten, and clawback windows widen. Re-running the checklist on your existing programs every few months helps you catch unfavorable changes early and decide whether to keep promoting, renegotiate, or move your effort to a better-aligned program.
Why does the cookie duration appear in the checklist?
Because SaaS buyers research for weeks before deciding, a short cookie can cost you sales you genuinely influenced. The checklist flags 30 days as a baseline and 90 as excellent. Pairing a long cookie with a clear first-click or last-click attribution rule is one of the strongest protections for your earnings.
Can one failed checklist item be a dealbreaker?
Yes. A single serious red flag can outweigh a high overall score. Examples include an open-ended refund clawback on a refund-heavy product, silent exclusion of the traffic you rely on, or a history of slashing rates without notice. Weigh failed items by impact, not just count, before deciding.
Sources & verification
- Capterra Software Reviews — Capterra · verified 2025-03-15
- Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers — U.S. Federal Trade Commission · verified 2025-03-15