affiliate-program

Install Refersion or UpPromote from the Shopify App Store, then configure commission rates (10–15% is typical), a 30-day cookie duration, and a $50 minimum payout threshold. Both apps generate tracking links and inject checkout pixels automatically without code.

AffiliateWP ($149/yr) is the recommended WooCommerce affiliate plugin, offering per-product commission rates, real-time reporting, and a Stripe payout add-on. Pair it with the Fraud Prevention add-on to block self-referrals and IP velocity abuse.

Calculate commissions on the order subtotal only, excluding tax and shipping, and apply per-line-item rates when categories have different margins. Hold commissions in pending status for 30 days to cover the refund window before approving payouts.

Compare the order customer's email to the affiliate's email to catch self-referrals, and flag IPs with more than 5 orders in 24 hours. Most dedicated apps like Refersion and AffiliateWP include self-referral blocking in their settings.

Yes, use Stripe Connect with stripe.transfers.create() to send commissions directly to affiliates' connected accounts, which also handles KYC and tax forms. Gate payouts on completed onboarding and enforce a $50–$100 minimum threshold to reduce fees.

Build custom tracking only for headless storefronts or commission logic that SaaS tools like Rewardful cannot handle, such as complex category-specific tiered rates. Most merchants get the majority of value from a dedicated app without writing code.