Most e-commerce brands launch affiliate programs too early, then wonder why no real affiliates join. Before you spin one up, check these 5 things first:

1. Your margins can support a real commission.

If you can't offer at least 15-20% commission and still profit, affiliates won't bother — they have other offers to promote.

2. You have repeat/LTV data, not just AOV.

Serious affiliates ask about lifetime value, not just first-order price. If you don't know your 90-day LTV, figure that out first.

3. Your tracking is bulletproof.

Affiliates walk the moment they suspect their sales aren't being credited. You need reliable attribution before recruiting anyone.

4. You have creative assets ready.

Banners, product shots, UGC clips, and a clear brand voice doc. Affiliates convert faster with assets already in hand.

5. Someone is actually going to manage it.

Affiliate programs die from neglect, not bad offers. Payouts, partner check-ins, and creative refreshes need a real owner — even 2-3 hrs/week.

If you're checking 3+ of these boxes, you're ready to launch. If not, fix those gaps first — a rushed program burns your best potential partners before they ever see real payouts.

Happy to share more specifics on tracking setups or commission benchmarks for your niche — drop a comment.