We are finalizing our affiliate program at http://www.dotcanada.com/default.asp?tid=10066 in the next week and are curious of what payments others offer for signups...

I have seen $40 US from lunarpages.com and others in that range at CJ.com, but I think this is out of our league...

Also, do affiliates prefer a payment up front or residual? Or perhaps a combination? We have several scenario's in mind, but I am curious what other may think.

Thanks for listening,

The most common payment amount I have seen is usually 1 month of hosting or a percent of the total sale.

I prefer the amount upfront (after 30 days since the buyer could cancel and drain all your funds - very easy to lose lots of money fast is you pay before your guarantee is up).

I have many affiliates that offer residual income over "lifetime" etc and have never had luck with any of those. I'm sure many people would disagree.

residual is only worth it to the affiliates if you will be around to pay it. could be a nice bonus, but nothing more than that unless those are really financially savvy people.

I think upfront is better in order to compete against the big boys who offer b$g bucks. Some affiliate "gurus" recommend residuals ... but thinking it carefully would tell you that it is not necessarily better ... $2.50 comm per month is only $30 12 months later. But $40 NOW is $40 in YOUR pocket NOW!!