How Permanent Customer Connection Works
When enabled, the system "locks" a referred customer to the original affiliate. This ensures the affiliate is fairly compensated for the lifetime value of that customer.
The Initial Referral: An affiliate refers a new customer who completes their first purchase using a referral link or discount code.
The Connection: Simple Affiliate automatically links that customer’s email address to the affiliate’s profile.
Future Orders: For all subsequent orders, the affiliate earns a commission automatically—even if the customer does not use a link or discount code again.
Important Note on Discounts: While the commission is automated for future orders, the discount is not. If the customer wants a discount on their second or third order, they must still manually enter the affiliate's code at checkout.
Configuring Connection Duration
You have total control over how long this connection lasts. You can choose between a true lifetime reward or a limited-time incentive.
Permanent (Lifetime): By default, the connection is set to lifetime. The affiliate will earn on that customer's orders indefinitely as long as both remain in your program.
Time-Limited: You can "Enable a duration limit" to cap the earning window. You can set this for any period up to 365 days. For example, a 90-day limit means the affiliate only earns on orders placed within the first 3 months of that customer's initial purchase.
How to Set Up the Connection
This feature is managed at the Group level, allowing you to offer it as a perk for your "VIP" or "Top Tier" affiliates.
Navigate to the Groups section in Simple Affiliate.
Select the specific group you wish to configure (or create a new one).
Locate the "Permanent customer connection" toggle and switch it to Enabled.
Optional: To set a time limit, toggle "Enable duration limit" and enter the number of days (1–365). To keep it a lifetime connection, leave this toggle off.
Click Save.
Important Rules to Remember
Email-Based Tracking: The connection is tied to the customer's email address. If the customer checks out using a different email, the system will not recognize the connection.
Group Specific: This setting only applies to affiliates within the specific group where it is enabled. If you move an affiliate to a group without this feature, new connections will stop being formed.
Non-Retroactive: Enabling this feature will not "back-fill" connections for past customers. It only begins creating permanent links for referrals that happen after the setting is turned on.
What Happens Next?
Your affiliates can see their Connected Customers count directly in their dashboard. This is a massive motivator, as they can see their "passive income" potential growing with every new customer they bring to your store.