What it means
In affiliate marketing, clawback the reversal of a previously paid commission, typically triggered by a refund, chargeback, or subscription cancellation within a specified period.
Why it matters
Whether you're launching a new affiliate program or scaling an existing one, understanding clawback helps you make better decisions about commission structures, partner recruitment, and growth tactics. Most SaaS founders run into this concept early and benefit from a clear mental model before they start building.
See also
Related terms in the affiliate marketing glossary that connect to clawback:
- Commission -- The payment an affiliate earns for generating a qualifying action such as a sale, lead, or signup. Commissions can be...
- Commission Override -- A custom commission rate assigned to a specific affiliate that overrides the program's default rate. Used to incentiv...
- Conversion -- A desired action completed by a referred visitor, such as making a purchase, signing up for a trial, or subscribing t...