Shopify
Affiliate discount code conflict
An affiliate discount code conflict is when a Shopify order's discount code and its preserved ref parameter identify different affiliates. Attribloom fails closed and credits neither, protecting merchant and partner.
Published · Last reviewed
Written by Attribloom Engineering · Reviewed by Attribloom Product · Last reviewed
A Shopify order can carry two attribution signals: a validated discount code and a preserved ref note attribute from link attribution. Usually they agree. When they name different affiliates, crediting either one risks paying the wrong partner.
Attribloom fails closed. A validated discount code takes precedence, and if the discount and the ref still identify different affiliates, the order is left unattributed rather than credited to the wrong person. This protects the merchant from a disputed payout and protects honest partners from misattribution. To remediate, the operator reviews the order, confirms the correct affiliate, and adjusts the program setup so the code and link point to the same partner.
Frequently asked
Why does Attribloom credit neither affiliate on a conflict?
Because crediting the wrong one is worse than crediting none. Failing closed avoids paying a commission to a partner who did not drive the sale and keeps the ledger defensible.
How do I fix a conflict?
Review the order, confirm the intended affiliate, and align the discount code and any ?ref link so they point to the same partner going forward.