Partner Terms and Policies

Your partner terms are the document that prevents disputes. Good terms are short, specific, and written to answer the questions partners actually argue about: how they get credited, how much they earn, when they get paid, and what gets them removed. You don't need a lawyer to draft a first version — you need to state clearly what you'll do, then do exactly that.

Commission — rate, basis, and duration

State the rate, whether it's on gross or net revenue, and how long it's paid (lifetime, first year, or a fixed window). Say explicitly that commission is paid only on real charges, not trials, and spell out what happens on refunds, downgrades, and cancellations. Ambiguity here is the number-one source of partner disputes — a partner who assumed gross and got paid on net will feel cheated even if you never intended it.

Attribution — how a partner gets credit

Explain how installs are attributed: through the partner's referral link, and — if you support it — how long a click stays valid (the attribution window). Be honest that not every referral can be tracked perfectly and describe your process for a partner who genuinely referred a store that wasn't auto-credited. Clear attribution rules set expectations before a dispute rather than during one.

Self-referral and prohibited behaviour

Say plainly that partners can't earn commission on their own installs or their own company's stores, can't bid on your brand name in paid search if that matters to you, and can't misrepresent your app. Spam, fake reviews, and cookie-stuffing should be named as grounds for removal. You're not being harsh — you're protecting the honest partners from being undercut.

Payout terms

• •The minimum payable amount before a payout is issued (a threshold keeps you from cutting tiny checks).
• •The payout schedule (e.g. monthly, or on request once the threshold is met).
• •Accepted payout methods and who covers any transfer fees.
• •That the partner is responsible for their own taxes, and what records you'll provide.

Termination and changes

State that either side can end the relationship, what happens to pending commissions when they do, and how you'll handle changes to the terms. Commit to grandfathering existing partners on their current commission terms if you change rates — and put that promise in writing, because it's the clause that earns long-term trust.