# Commission-only vs revenue-share affiliate programs

> Both pay on results, but commission-only means no fixed fee at all, so cost tracks revenue instead of a subscription plus a share.

Published: 2026-06-30 · Last reviewed: 2026-08-30

## What each term means

Revenue share pays a partner a percentage of the revenue they generate. It is often layered on top of a platform subscription: you pay a monthly fee for the tool, plus you share revenue with affiliates. Commission-only removes the fixed fee entirely. The only cost is a commission on conversions that are actually attributed, so the platform earns when you earn.

## Why the difference matters

A fixed monthly fee is a cost whether or not the channel produces sales. For a new or seasonal program, that fee is pure risk. A commission-only model aligns the platform's incentive with yours: it only makes money when it drives real, attributed conversions.

Attribloom is commission-only, with no base fee, seat pricing, or minimum. Its 0.5% introductory platform fee is based on affiliate commission and is paid by the merchant on top, so affiliates keep 100%. The rate continues until Attribloom announces a change, with notice.

## Frequently asked

### Is commission-only always cheaper?

It removes fixed cost, so it is cheaper when volume is low or uncertain. At very high, steady volume a flat fee can work out lower per conversion, which is the trade-off to weigh.

## Next steps

- [Commission calculator](/tools/commission-calculator)