Affiliate network vs going direct with the vendor

Affiliate network vs going direct with the vendor
Everyone says "go direct, cut the middleman." Sometimes the middleman is the only thing protecting you.

Direct programs: higher rates (no network fee), but the vendor self-reports conversions and self-approves clawbacks. You're trusting their dashboard with zero referee.

Network programs (Impact, PartnerStack, etc.): lower net rate, but independent tracking, dispute mediation, and they hold the vendor's money in escrow so you actually get paid.

When direct wins:
— Established vendor, real reputation, you have leverage.

When the network earns its cut:
— Unknown vendor, refundable product, no track record. You want a referee.

Verdict: "cut the middleman" assumes the vendor is honest. The network fee is the price of someone counting the sales who isn't the vendor.