This week saw the introduction of Affiliate Window’s new payment system. Each merchant now has a payment status displayed in three places; the merchant directory, the merchant information page and on transaction reports.

The traffic light colours have the following meaning:

Green:

• Merchant has an up to date payment record and no payment restrictions.
• Affiliates will be paid for all approved commissions regardless of when the merchant pays Affiliate Window.

Note: This is the equivalent to the old payment system and the majority of merchants on the network carry this status.

Amber:

• Merchant has longer than standard payment terms, is overdue on some invoices or has little or no credit insurance limit.
• Affiliates will be paid for approved commissions only when payment for corresponding invoices has been received by Affiliate Window.
• It may take longer for affiliates to receive money from amber rated merchants.

Note: This is the equivalent to the payment system operated by the majority of Affiliate Window’s competitors.

Red:

• Merchant has no credit insurance limit, a series of overdue invoices and may be in financial difficulty.
• Approved commissions will only be paid when Affiliate Window have been paid in full for all outstanding invoices.

Note: We would advise against promoting these merchants.

The introduction of this traffic light system sooner rather than later will hopefully allow merchants to make the necessary changes that can see their ranking adjust from Amber to Green. Therefore please note that this initial ranking is likely to change over the coming months and it would be worthwhile monitoring those proactive merchants who want to enhance their programme to affiliates.