Glossary
Program Types
Multi-tier affiliate program

Multi-tier affiliate program

Definition

An affiliate program structure where partners earn commissions not only on their own referred sales but also on sales generated by affiliates they recruit into the program.

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How Multi-tier affiliate program work

In a two-tier program, a primary affiliate earns their standard commission on direct sales and an additional smaller percentage on sales made by affiliates they personally recruited. This creates an incentive to recruit as well as sell. Partnero supports multi-tier commission structures with configurable rates at each level.

Why it matters for your program

Multi-tier structures can accelerate network growth — motivated affiliates become recruiters, expanding your partner base organically. The trade-off is program complexity and increased payout costs. They work best when the sub-affiliate commission rate is modest and the recruitment incentive is clearly communicated.

CategoryProgram Types
Common inSaaS, high-ticket products
Payout triggerSub-affiliate generates a sale
Typical rate5–15% on sub-affiliate sales
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