Affiliate commission models compared

In short: The three models: CPS (cost per sale), CPL (cost per lead) and CPC (cost per click). As a store, the commission must never exceed your contribution margin per order minus your target profit.

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The models

  • CPS: commission as a percentage of order value or a fixed amount.
  • CPL: fixed amount per qualified lead.
  • CPC: fixed amount per click, rare in retail.

The ceiling for stores

Max commission = contribution margin − target profit. The affiliate commission calculator shows the ceiling in percent and euros.

Frequently asked questions

What is a typical commission?

It varies a lot by industry and margin. Always check it against your contribution margin.

Work it out with your numbers

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Affiliate Commission Calculator

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Keep reading

Affiliate Commission CalculatorWhat is affiliate marketing?How to calculate break-even in an online storeAll guidesGlossary