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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.
  • Promo codes only: choose and save an available Stripe coupon from the connected account; no site script is needed.

If someone else edits your site, choose the checkout path they will install and copy the handoff note from that path. This keeps verification tied to the real Payment Link, Stripe component, or custom Checkout behavior.

The setup screen shows the exact script, test link, and proof checklist for the selected path. Keep it open while you run the test: AffiliateBase checks automatically, names the exact failure when proof is missing, and gives one next action. There is no manual “check install” step.

Step 5: Verify Attribution

Run a test with an affiliate link using ?via=TOKEN, then start a Stripe checkout. Step 4 completes automatically after AffiliateBase receives the test click and Stripe returns the generated AffiliateBase referral ID as client_reference_id or supported referral metadata. If Stripe returns the public ?via token instead, setup identifies the mismatch and points you to the selected checkout path.

After setup, activation health keeps watching for the first real conversion and commission.

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