Step 1

Login and expand your store and click on   the "Affiliate Configuration" link. If you expand it (as shown on the right) you will see "Add Affiliate" and "Add Payout".  We will discuss these later, but will begin with the "Affiliate Configuration".

You will see the screen below appear in the right frame:

You will notice that there is a checkbox right at the top that allows you to "Activate Affiliate Program", this allows you to fully setup the program to your satisfaction before affiliates can join.  The "Default Application Status" drop down box will allow you have the affiliate member automatically "Approved", or receive a "Pending" status until you approve his application from admin.  We recommend the latter, particularly if you have restrictions on what types of sites can be a part of your affiliate program.  A third option, "Disabled", is available if you do not want new affiliates to join but would like to continue with your affiliate program and keep your existing affiliate base.  If you wish to abandon your affiliate program entirely, simply uncheck the "Activate Affiliate Program" box. 

Next, you will see three boxes that allow you to configure how much the affiliate is paid and for what.  The first "Default Commission per Referral" allows you to pay an affiliate for each referral that he generates to your store, regardless of whether a sale is made.  You can also make the affiliate's commission contingent upon a successful sale.  This can be a percent of the total sale or the subtotal before shipping and taxes in the "Default Commission Percent of Order" field.  You can also set a fixed (flat) commission for your affiliates in the "Default Commission Flat Fee per Order" box.  In this case the affiliate will receive a set payment regardless of the size of the order.  You can have all three or any combination you wish.

The "Payout Threshold" is the amount of commission that must accumulate before an affiliate will receive payment (e.g. if you make it $25 an affiliate must have at least $25 worth of commissions before payment will be issued).

The "Link Image" is where you upload the banner you are offering as an affiliate link.  The "Link Text" is what you will display should the affiliate wish to have a text link to your site instead of an image.   In either case, Merchant will automatically create the appropriate string for your affiliate to use on his site.  You can leave either box empty (i.e. not have a banner, or not offer a text link), but we suggest that you offer both to your affiliates. 

The "Terms" box is very important since this is where anything you need to communicate to the affiliate will go.  You should include detailed information on how you plan to pay, payout thresholds and dates, rules regarding the affiliate's site, and any other restrictions you may have.