### Overview of Shopify Affiliate Program

Shopify is one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms, empowering entrepreneurs and merchants to create online stores with ease. Its affiliate program is designed for content creators, educators, influencers, and marketers who want to earn commissions by referring new customers to Shopify. The program grants affiliates access to a robust platform with a strong brand reputation, making it an attractive choice for affiliate marketers worldwide.

### Commission Structure

• Commission Rates and Conditions: Affiliates earn a flat commission of $58 for each user who signs up for a paid plan through their referral link. This commission is straightforward and not tiered by volume or product type. The commission applies to new customer sign-ups only, and Shopify does not offer recurring commissions for customer subscriptions.
• Commission Duration: The commission is paid as a one-time payment when the referred user pays for a Shopify plan beyond the free trial period.
• Sub-Affiliate Program: Shopify’s affiliate program does not currently support sub-affiliate commissions or multi-level referrals.
• Cookie Duration: The tracking cookie lasts for 30 days, meaning referred users must sign up within 30 days after clicking the affiliate link for the referral to count.
• Affiliate Network Management: Shopify manages their affiliate program internally via their platform and also uses third-party affiliate networks like Impact, which streamlines tracking, reporting, and payments for affiliates worldwide.

### Shopify Promotion Policy

• ✅ Allowed Promotional Channels:
  • Content websites, blogs, and review platforms
  • Social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
  • Email marketing campaigns, provided they comply with spam laws
  • Paid search advertising using non-branded keywords (check Shopify’s specific policies for limitations)
  • Webinars or online courses related to e-commerce and business education
• ❌ Prohibited Promotional Channels:
  • Paid ads using Shopify brand keywords or trademarks without prior approval
  • Pop-up ads or unsolicited spam emails
  • Sites with adult content, illegal material, or content violating Shopify’s terms
  • Incentivizing clicks or sign-ups via deceptive tactics or cookie stuffing

### Commission Payment

• Approval Timeframe: Commissions are usually approved after the referred user completes at least one successful payment, typically following the 14-day free trial period, so the waiting time averages around 14 to 30 days depending on payment processing.
• Minimum Payout Threshold: Affiliates must accumulate a minimum balance of $25 before receiving a payout.
• Payment Frequency: Payouts are processed on a monthly basis, generally around the 15th of each month for commissions earned in the previous month.
• Payment Methods: Shopify primarily pays commissions via PayPal, ensuring swift and secure payment transactions worldwide.

### Summary

Shopify’s Affiliate Program offers a simple and transparent commission structure well-suited for creators focusing on e-commerce, business, and tech niches. With a competitive one-time commission, a reputable brand behind it, and the backing of a major industry player, this program is an excellent option for affiliates seeking to monetize their content through referrals. The program’s cookie duration and payment terms align with industry standards, and Shopify’s internal and network-based affiliate management ensures reliable tracking and payouts. Affiliates should pay close attention to Shopify’s strict promotional policies to avoid violations and maintain compliance.