# Viking Labs Affiliate Program -- Frequently Asked Questions

> For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.

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## Getting Started

### How do I join the affiliate program?
Visit vikinglabs.co/affiliates/apply and submit your application. Include your audience size, primary channels, and a brief description of your content. We review applications within 24 hours and send onboarding instructions via email.

### Is there a cost to join?
No. The Viking Labs affiliate program is completely free to join. There are no setup fees, monthly charges, or minimum sales requirements to maintain your account.

### Who can apply?
Content creators, researchers, educators, bloggers, social media influencers, and anyone with an audience interested in research peptides. We review each application individually and look for alignment with our brand values: science-forward, quality-focused, and compliant.

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## Commissions and Payouts

### How much commission do I earn?
Commission rates are tiered based on your 30-day net referred revenue:

| Tier      | Revenue Range     | Commission Rate |
|-----------|-------------------|-----------------|
| Starter   | $10K - $25K       | 10%             |
| Growth    | $25K - $75K       | 14%             |
| Scale     | $75K - $150K      | 18%             |
| Elite     | $150K - $250K     | 21%             |
| Apex      | $250K+            | 23%             |

New affiliates start at the Starter tier (10% commission). As your referred revenue grows, your rate automatically increases.

### What is the cookie duration?
30 days. When someone clicks your affiliate link, you receive credit for any purchase they make within 30 days of that click. If the visitor clears cookies or uses a different device, the attribution may be lost.

### When do I get paid?
- **Starter, Growth, and Scale tiers:** Monthly payouts, processed on the 1st of each month for the previous month's confirmed commissions.
- **Elite and Apex tiers:** NET-7 payouts -- paid within 7 days of commission confirmation.

### How do I get paid?
We currently support PayPal and cryptocurrency (USDC/USDT) payouts. Specify your preferred method during onboarding. Minimum payout threshold is $50.

### Are refunds deducted from my commission?
Yes. Commissions are calculated on net revenue (after refunds and chargebacks). If a customer you referred requests a refund, the associated commission is deducted from your next payout.

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## Tracking and Analytics

### How do I track my conversions?
Every affiliate receives access to a dashboard where you can view clicks, conversions, commission earned, and payout history in real time. You will receive dashboard login credentials during onboarding.

### What tracking tools do I get?
- **Custom tracking URL** -- a unique link tied to your account
- **Discount code** -- a branded promo code your audience can use at checkout
- **Real-time dashboard** -- clicks, conversions, revenue, and commission data

### Can I create multiple tracking links?
Yes. You can create separate tracking URLs for different campaigns, platforms, or content pieces. This helps you identify which channels drive the most conversions.

### What happens if a customer uses my link but checks out on a different device?
If the customer uses your discount code at checkout, you still receive credit. If they do not use the code and are on a different device, the 30-day cookie cannot track across devices, so the sale may not be attributed to you. We recommend sharing both your link and discount code.

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## Promotion Rules

### Can I run paid ads?
Yes, with restrictions:

- **Allowed:** Facebook/Instagram ads, Google Display Network, YouTube pre-roll, TikTok ads, Reddit ads
- **Restricted:** You may NOT bid on "Viking Labs" or "vikinglabs" branded keywords in Google/Bing search ads
- **Required:** All ads must include "For laboratory research use only" or "Not for human consumption"
- **Prohibited:** Any ad that makes health claims, implies human use, or targets audiences under 18

### Are there restricted keywords I should avoid?
Yes. Do not use any of the following in your promotions:

- "Cure," "treat," "heal," "therapy," "medicine," "drug"
- "Supplement," "bodybuilding," "fitness," "weight loss," "fat burner"
- "FDA approved" (our products are not FDA approved)
- Any term that implies the products are intended for human consumption

**Safe language:** "research peptides," "laboratory use," "analytical reference," "research compounds," "in vitro studies"

### Can I promote on any platform?
You can promote on most platforms, but you must follow each platform's advertising policies. Some platforms (especially TikTok and Meta) have restrictions on peptide-related content. Review platform policies before posting.

**Recommended platforms:** YouTube, blogs, email newsletters, podcasts, Twitter/X, Reddit (following subreddit rules), niche research forums.

### What content can I create?
- Educational content about peptide research
- Supplier comparison reviews
- Unboxing and quality assessment content
- Research protocol discussions (laboratory context only)
- Product catalog walkthroughs

### What content is NOT allowed?
- Before/after photos implying personal use
- Testimonials about personal health outcomes
- Content suggesting products are for human consumption
- Content targeting minors
- Spam or unsolicited direct messages

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## Account Management

### Can I lose my affiliate status?
Yes. We reserve the right to terminate affiliate accounts that:

- Make health claims or imply human consumption
- Engage in spam or deceptive marketing practices
- Violate platform advertising policies in ways that reflect on Viking Labs
- Fail to generate any sales within 90 consecutive days (account goes dormant, can be reactivated)

### How do I update my payout information?
Log into your affiliate dashboard and update your payment details under Account Settings. Changes take effect on the next payout cycle.

### Who do I contact for support?
Email partners@vikinglabs.co for any affiliate-related questions. Elite and Apex tier affiliates receive priority support with faster response times.

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## Quick Reference

| Detail              | Info                                      |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Commission Range    | 10% - 23% (tiered)                        |
| Cookie Duration     | 30 days                                   |
| Payout Frequency    | Monthly (NET-7 for Elite/Apex)            |
| Payout Methods      | PayPal, Crypto (USDC/USDT)               |
| Minimum Payout      | $50                                       |
| Average Order Value | $80 - $120                                |
| Application Review  | Within 24 hours                           |
| Support Email       | partners@vikinglabs.co                    |

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*All affiliate activities must comply with applicable laws and regulations. Viking Labs products are for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.*
