Affiliate Clawback Buffer Calculator

Protect cash flow when returns and cancellations hit. Enter attributed sales, your blended commission rate, and historical clawback percentage to calculate the reserve you should hold before paying partners, plus a suggested daily accrual based on payout timing.

Total revenue attributed to affiliates for the period.
Blended commission payable on tracked sales.
Historical share of commissions reversed for cancellations or fraud.
Optional. Default 1.20× cushion on top of expected clawbacks.
Optional. Default 60 days until commissions are paid.

For marketing finance planning only. Validate clawback percentages with network statements before adjusting partner payouts.

Examples

  • $185,000 sales, 12% commission, 18% clawbacks, 1.3× multiplier, 45-day delay ⇒ Commissions $22,200.00, expected clawbacks $3,996.00, reserve $5,194.80, reinvestable $17,005.20, daily accrual $115.44.
  • $90,000 sales, 20% commission, 10% clawbacks, defaults for multiplier (1.2) and 60-day delay ⇒ Commission $18,000.00, clawbacks $1,800.00, reserve $2,160.00, net $15,840.00, daily accrual $36.00.

FAQ

How do I handle different verticals with unique clawback rates?

Run the calculator separately for each vertical or programme, then aggregate reserves to maintain clarity on which segments drive reversals.

Should I count friendly fraud and chargebacks?

Yes—include any reversed commissions regardless of reason so the reserve covers both voluntary returns and disputed transactions.

What if networks withhold funds before paying me?

Reduce the payout delay to reflect the holdback already applied upstream, or subtract their holdback amount from the reserve output to avoid double-counting.

Additional Information

  • Clawback rate is typically computed from a trailing 90-day window of reversed commissions divided by paid commissions.
  • The safety multiplier cushions sudden spikes (seasonality, fraud); 1.2× equates to a 20% margin above forecast.
  • Daily accrual helps align cash planning when affiliate networks pay out on net-30, net-45, or net-60 schedules.
  • If the buffer exceeds gross commissions, lower the multiplier or revisit your clawback assumptions before pausing partner payouts.

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