01
Map who does each task
Ask who sources products, approves offers, confirms orders, ships parcels and handles customer complaints. An affiliate program and a dropshipping arrangement can place different obligations on you even if both use cash on delivery. Get the actual arrangement in writing where possible.
For COD Club, administration controls product approval and recorded prices and commissions. That describes this workflow; do not assume another platform uses identical rules or provides identical support.
02
Request a complete fee explanation
Compare the earning event and every cost you are responsible for under the contract. Ask about advertising, product charges, confirmation, delivery, refusals, returns and any other applicable fees. Do not compare gross sales value on one platform with net affiliate earnings on another.
A quoted commission does not establish profitability. Use a clearly labeled planning example with all known personal costs, and mark unknown charges as unresolved before committing money.
03
Check stock and settlement evidence
Ask how stock is kept accurate and what happens if an offer becomes unavailable. Review whether order details and outcomes are visible enough for you to understand a result. Do not accept a marketing promise as proof of operational reliability.
For payouts, ask about the available balance, any hold conditions, supported payment destinations and the actual request process. An application submission or payout request is not proof of account approval or received funds.
04
Choose from verified fit
Check whether you can reach the responsible team and understand the account and dispute rules. Make a table listing confirmed terms, unanswered questions and the tasks you are willing to manage. Resolve material gaps before scaling a campaign.
Business, consumer and tax obligations depend on your activity and arrangement. This checklist is not legal advice. Consult a qualified local professional for those questions and do not assume a platform removes every obligation.