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Quick Start

Launch AffiliateBase with the standard setup flow used in production

Table of Contents

Quick Start

This is the fastest launch path in the standard production implementation.

Before you begin

  • Stripe account access (test mode is recommended for setup validation)
  • Your AffiliateBase account ID from setup
  • At least one test affiliate token for ?via=TOKEN checks
  • A Stripe checkout path: Payment Link, Buy Button, Pricing Table, or backend-created Checkout Session

Step 1: Connect Stripe

In Setup step 1, connect Stripe from the install link.

Step 2: Configure Account Settings

In Setup step 2, set:

  • Payout method (paypal, wise, or stripe)
  • Display currency
  • Affiliate portal subdomain
  • Self-referral detection on/off

Step 3: Create Your First Campaign

In Setup step 3, start with one public campaign:

  • Campaign name
  • Website
  • Commission percentage

Advanced attribution, windows, private campaigns, and Stripe discount settings can be tuned after launch.

Step 4: Install Tracking

In Setup step 4, choose the install path that matches your checkout.

  • Stripe Payment Link: paste the tracking script site-wide and keep the Payment Link on the same published page.
  • Buy Button or Pricing Table: paste the tracking script site-wide and keep the Stripe element on that same published page.
  • Custom Checkout Session: submit referral_id from the browser and set Stripe client_reference_id server-side.
  • Developer handoff: copy the install request from setup.
  • Promo codes only: choose an available Stripe coupon and finish setup without a site script.

The setup screen shows the exact script, test link, and proof checklist for the selected path.

Step 5: Verify Attribution

Run a test with an affiliate link using ?via=TOKEN, start a Stripe checkout, then confirm Stripe received the generated AffiliateBase referral ID as client_reference_id. If Stripe shows the public ?via token instead, update the checkout handoff before launch.

Step 6: Prepare First Payout Operations

Once commissions become due, create a payout run and reconcile it with the selected payout method.

  • paypal: generate a PayPal export, process transfers externally, then mark/reconcile paid.
  • wise: generate a Wise export, process transfers externally, then mark/reconcile paid.

Step 7: Confirm Operational Readiness

Before launch, confirm:

  • API key authentication works with X-Account-Id
  • Stripe webhooks are delivering successfully
  • Troubleshooting playbooks are ready for your team

Launch success checklist

  • A test referral is created from ?via=TOKEN
  • A test conversion appears in your dashboard
  • A commission is created and visible in reporting
  • Affiliates can see referral/commission data in the portal
  • A payout run can be created and reconciled

Next steps