Table of Contents
Definition
PPS (pay-per-signup) and revshare are the two main commission models in cam affiliate programs. PPS pays a one-time bounty per signup; revshare pays a percentage of user spending indefinitely.
Quick answer: PPS pays $1-$5 per signup with instant payout. Revshare pays 20%+ of all future spending with no cap. For quality traffic, revshare earns 5-15x more over 12 months.
Key takeaways
- PPS gives immediate cash flow but caps your earnings per referral at $1-$5
- Revshare starts slower but compounds as users keep spending, with no ceiling on per-referral earnings
- The breakeven point where revshare overtakes PPS is typically between month 8 and month 14 for decent traffic
- You can run both models simultaneously using different tracker links to compare performance on the same traffic
What PPS and revshare actually pay
The math behind choosing a model
| Scenario | PPS earnings | Revshare earnings (12 months) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 signups, 5% spend, $20 avg spend | $3,000 | $2,000 | PPS |
| 1,000 signups, 10% spend, $80 avg spend | $3,000 | $16,000 | Revshare |
| 1,000 signups, 15% spend, $200 avg spend | $3,000 | $60,000 | Revshare |
| 1,000 signups, 3% spend, $10 avg spend | $3,000 | $600 | PPS |
How to test both models on your traffic
- Set up a PPS tracker link and a revshare tracker link on the same program
- Split traffic evenly (alternate links, or A/B test if your site supports it)
- Track both in CB-Stats for at least 6 months before making a final call
- Check conversion rate, spender percentage, and per-user revenue for each tracker
TipThe hybrid approach
Some affiliates run PPS on low-intent traffic (social, viral) and revshare on high-intent traffic (SEO, niche sites). You do not have to pick one model for everything. Match the model to the traffic quality.
How CB-Stats helps you decide
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from PPS to revshare on existing referrals?
No. The commission model is set when the user signs up. You cannot retroactively change existing referrals from PPS to revshare or vice versa. You can only change the model on new referrals by updating your tracker link settings.
Is there a hybrid model that combines PPS and revshare?
Some programs offer hybrid deals at higher volume, where you get a small upfront bounty plus a lower revshare percentage. These are usually negotiated directly with your affiliate manager. Standard programs typically offer one or the other.
How long should I test before choosing a model?
At minimum 6 months for revshare to show its real potential. At 90 days you will see early signals, but revshare earnings are still ramping. I recommend running a 12-month comparison with at least 500 signups per tracker before making a permanent decision.