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Prices and features checked against official pages: October 2026.
Quick Answer
Set the reward from your margin, not from what other programs advertise. Work out what one customer leaves you each month after costs, decide how long you will pay, and keep the total reward below what you can afford if that customer cancels early. Then choose a tool that can express that structure.
Try LinkJolt’s 7-day free trial
For a closer look at the product itself, see our LinkJolt review.
What problem does a badly set reward create?
A reward that looks generous in a pitch can eat the whole margin on a low-priced plan, especially if you pay it every month for as long as the customer stays. It can also reward quick signups that cancel and ask for refunds.
How do you work out an affordable reward?
Use your own numbers. The example below is made up to show the method, not a recommendation.
| Step | Example figure | Your figure |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $30 | |
| Payment fees, hosting and support per customer | $9 | |
| Left each month | $21 | |
| Months a typical customer stays | 10 | |
| Total left over the customer’s life | $210 |
Decide what share of that leftover amount you are willing to hand to an affiliate. A smaller share paid for longer, or a larger share paid once, can cost you the same. Pick the structure that matches how your customers actually behave.
Which reward structure fits which situation?
- One-time reward: simple, and lowest risk if early cancellation is common.
- Recurring for a fixed period: keeps affiliates interested while capping your cost.
- Recurring with no end: attractive to affiliates, but plan for what happens if your price changes.
- Tiers: raise the reward for affiliates who bring more paying customers; adds rules to explain.
How do refunds and cancellations change the numbers?
Hold each reward until your refund window has passed, so you never pay for a sale you later refund. Write the rule where affiliates can read it. Test what happens in your tool when a refund arrives before and after a payout.
How do you set up these reward rules with LinkJolt?
The official page describes recurring rewards that pay on subscription renewals, and tiers capped at 5 on Professional and 10 on Ultimate. Custom commission structures are shown for Professional and Ultimate only, not for Starter. LinkJolt’s Answers page says a full refund reverses the commission and cancels any payout still queued, and a partial refund reduces it in proportion. Chargebacks are not described, so test that case before you launch.
Cost and fit
| Plan | Monthly billing | Annual billing (per month) | Affiliate-driven sales / month | Active affiliates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $19.99 | $13.99 | Up to $5,000 | 10 |
| Professional | $39.99 | $27.99 | Up to $25,000 | Unlimited |
| Ultimate | $99 | $69 | Up to $50,000 | Unlimited |
The official page shows a 7-day free trial and 0% transaction fees on every plan. The 0% is LinkJolt’s own fee; your payment processor still charges its usual fees.
When is this not the right fit?
If your margin is thin or your price is likely to change soon, a fixed one-time reward or a manual referral discount may be safer than a recurring program. Rewardful and Tolt are other tools that handle SaaS rewards; compare them if you need a structure LinkJolt’s plans do not offer.
FAQ
Should the reward be one-time or recurring?
If early cancellation is common, a one-time or time-limited reward limits your risk. Recurring rewards suit products with steady retention.
How long should I wait before paying a reward?
At least as long as your refund window, so a refunded sale does not leave you out of pocket.
Can I change rewards later?
Not confirmed on the LinkJolt page. Tell affiliates in writing how and when terms can change.
Does the entry plan support custom reward structures?
The pricing table lists custom commission structures for Professional and Ultimate, not Starter.
Summary
Start from your margin and your typical customer lifetime, pick a structure that caps your cost, and hold rewards past the refund window. Then check that your tool and plan can express the rules.
Try LinkJolt’s 7-day free trial
This article is general information, not a guarantee of results. Plans, prices and features change, so confirm them on the official pages before you decide.
