When your followers return or exchange items they purchased through your affiliate links, you may notice fluctuations in your Pending Open Commissions. Fluctuations in your Pending Open Commissions are a normal occurrence in affiliate marketing. These fluctuations result from the waiting period for commissions to be paid out, which can take up to 90 days, as well as adjustments related to orders and canceled orders. Understanding these factors can help you better manage your expectations and assess the performance of your affiliate marketing efforts accurately.
Pending Revenue in the 90-Day Payout Period:
A primary reason for fluctuations in your Pending Open Commissions is the nature of the payout process. The revenue generated from your referrals is typically pending for a certain period, commonly 90 days. During this time, the retailer or affiliate program reviews and verifies the transactions to ensure they meet all criteria for commission payout. Until this review process is complete, the commission remains in a pending status.
As a result, if your follower returns or exchanges the item within this 90-day period, it can lead to fluctuations in your Pending Open Commissions. The original commission generated from the sale may be adjusted or reversed based on the final outcome of the return or exchange.
Order Changes + Canceled Orders:
Another factor contributing to fluctuations in your Pending Open Commissions is the dynamic nature of customer orders. When a follower uses your referral link to make a purchase, a commission is attributed to your account. However, if the order is later canceled or modified, the commission associated with that specific order may change accordingly.
For instance, if a follower initially buys a product through your link but later cancels the order, the commission related to that sale will be removed from your Pending Open Commissions. This adjustment can lead to temporary fluctuations in your earnings until the system processes the changes.