An 8-point operator vetting checklist before you send a single click

An 8-point operator vetting checklist before you send a single click

A generous CPA from an operator that shaves or delays payment is a negative deal. Vet before you commit traffic.

▸ Check 1 — Payment history: ask three current affiliates about on-time payouts, not the affiliate manager.
— Check 2 — License and GEO legality for your target markets — shutdowns freeze your pending balance.
— Check 3 — Validation criteria in writing. Vague 'quality' clauses are where shaving hides.
— Check 4 — Minimum payout threshold vs your expected volume. A $1,000 minimum on a slow GEO traps your earnings.
— Check 5 — Negative carryover policy on RevShare. Full carryover can zero your check after a big-win month.
— Check 6 — Reporting granularity — can you see deposits, NGR, and bonus cost separately?
— Check 7 — Postback reliability (test it).
— Check 8 — Bundle/admin fee deductions buried in RevShare terms.

Benchmark of the day: across ~30 operator reviews, negative carryover and undefined validation were the two terms most correlated with affiliate-reported payment disputes.