# Affiliate commission models for creators explained

> Affiliate commission is calculated from eligible results under the campaign's rules. A percentage may apply to qualifying revenue, while a fixed bounty pays for a defined action. Read the revenue basis, attribution window, reversals and settlement schedule before comparing rates. A higher percentage does not guarantee more income.

By LGI · Updated 2026-09-14

Canonical: https://lgi365.com/creator-resources/guides/affiliate-commission-models

## Know what triggers the commission

| Model | Basis | Check before accepting |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Percentage of sale | A share of eligible revenue | Taxes, shipping, discounts and exclusions |

| Fixed bounty | A defined amount per approved action | What counts as a qualified action |

| Tiered rate | Rates change when conditions are met | Thresholds, date range and retroactivity |

| Hybrid | Fixed creator fee plus commission | Separate production and performance terms |

## An illustrative calculation

Suppose a campaign pays 10% on $80 of eligible revenue per approved order. If ten orders qualify, the calculation is 10 × $80 × 10% = $80. If two orders are later reversed and the rules remove their commission, the remaining amount is $64.

These are hypothetical inputs to explain the arithmetic, not LGI rates, average order values or an earnings forecast. Actual eligibility, deductions and reversal treatment depend on the specific program. Read those terms rather than applying this example to every campaign.

## Pending is different from payable

A dashboard may show tracked orders before return periods, fraud checks or other approval conditions are complete. Understand the difference between recorded, approved, payable and paid commission. The exact labels vary by program.

In LGI's affiliate workflow, review attributed orders, commission records and settlement information in the relevant workspace. Ask about unexplained discrepancies with an order reference and date; avoid sharing customer personal information unnecessarily.

## Compare economics beyond the headline rate

Keep your production budget separate from uncertain commission. An affiliate opportunity may fit a recommendation you would naturally make, but it should not require unsupported product claims or hidden advertising.

- Product relevance to your actual audience.

- Eligible revenue after exclusions and discounts.

- Attribution window and overlapping links or codes.

- Return, cancellation and commission reversal rules.

- Payment schedule, thresholds, currency and any fees.

- Production effort, usage rights and whether a base fee exists.

## Questions

### Is the biggest percentage the best affiliate offer?

Not necessarily. Audience fit, eligible revenue, conversion, reversals and settlement rules affect the outcome. The percentage alone is insufficient.

## Sources

- [FTC: Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers)

## Next step

[Explore brand deals](https://lgi365.com/deals)