OfferLab Review 2026: Instant JV Splits, Collaborative Funnels, and Real Payouts

Last Updated: October 21, 2025

Why Collaborative Funnels Print Money (And Why Spreadsheets Kill Deals)

Three years ago, I partnered with a course creator on a product launch.

We agreed on a 40/60 split. I brought the traffic. He built the funnel.

We made $23,000 in the first week.

Then came the nightmare.

He sent me a spreadsheet two months later. Wrong numbers. Missing refunds. A PayPal payment that “got lost.” We spent six hours on Zoom trying to reconcile everything. The partnership died right there.

Sound familiar?

Manual splits kill partnerships. Delayed payouts breed mistrust. Spreadsheet math destroys momentum.

OfferLab fixes this.

Russell Brunson built it because even ClickFunnels users were drowning in split calculation hell. Now when you sell something through OfferLab, the money splits automatically through Stripe. Your partner sees their commission instantly. No spreadsheets. No “let me check my records.” No trust issues.

This review covers everything about OfferLab in 2026. You’ll see real pricing, payout schedules, setup steps, and whether it beats alternatives like FirstPromoter or PartnerStack. I’ve tested it with three different funnels. I’ll show you what works, what breaks, and when to use it.

Let me walk you through it.

Table of Contents

What OfferLab Is and How It Works

OfferLab is a joint venture platform that automatically splits sales revenue between creators, affiliates, and partners.

Think of it as Stripe meets affiliate tracking meets funnel builder.

You create an offer. Set commission percentages. Share a tracking link. When someone buys, OfferLab divides the money instantly through Stripe. No manual calculations. No delayed payments. No trust required because the platform handles everything.

The Core Components

Offers: These are your products or services. Could be a $47 course, a $2,000 coaching package, or a $10/month subscription. You set the price and commission structure.

Affiliates: People who promote your offer. They get a unique tracking link. When someone buys through their link, they earn the commission you set (anywhere from 1% to 100%).

Co-Lab Funnels: The secret sauce. You can stack multiple offers from different creators into one funnel. Your product as the front-end. Someone else’s course as an upsell. A third person’s tool as a bonus. Everyone gets paid automatically from their piece.

CoLab Library: A marketplace where creators list offers for partners to promote. Think of it as a joint venture dating app. You find offers that fit your audience. They find affiliates who can actually sell.

Instant Splits: When a sale happens, Stripe processes the payment and divides it based on your preset rules. The seller sees their cut. The affiliate sees their commission. Refund reserves get held for 30 days. Everything is transparent in real time.

How OfferLab Fits in a Modern AI-Assisted Stack

In 2026, most successful online businesses run on connected systems.

OfferLab handles the money and tracking layer. But you need other pieces:

Traffic and Ads: You still need eyeballs. Facebook ads, Google ads, SEO content, YouTube videos. OfferLab doesn’t generate traffic. It tracks and pays for conversions.

Email and Follow-Up: Use tools like GoHighLevel, ActiveCampaign, or ConvertKit to nurture leads and send broadcast promotions. OfferLab integrates via webhooks to tag buyers and affiliates. (More on email storytelling in my AI Email Funnels FAQ.)

Funnel Building: OfferLab has a drag-and-drop builder for simple pages. For complex funnels, pair it with ClickFunnels, Shopify, or custom code. The tracking works regardless.

CRM and Customer Data: Sync OfferLab with your CRM to track customer lifetime value, segment buyers from affiliates, and run retention campaigns.

AI Content Creation: Use AI tools to write affiliate emails, create landing page copy, or generate promotional videos. OfferLab handles the backend money flow while AI speeds up frontend creation. (Check out the AI Toolkit Vault for free resources.)

The beauty of OfferLab is it stays out of the way. You build your marketing engine. OfferLab sits in the background splitting money correctly so partnerships don’t explode.

Who Built OfferLab and Why You Should Care

Russell Brunson created OfferLab.

If you know online marketing, you know Russell. He’s the ClickFunnels founder, author of multiple books, and has been running online businesses since the early 2000s. He’s made millions through joint ventures and affiliate partnerships.

He built OfferLab because he got tired of manual splits too.

When you have a track record like Russell’s, you attract serious partners. OfferLab reflects that experience. It’s built by someone who’s done hundreds of JV deals and knows where the friction points are.

Does that guarantee success? No. But it means the platform solves real problems from someone who’s lived them.

Pricing, Payouts, and Instant Splits Explained

Here’s the money breakdown.

OfferLab Pricing Structure

OfferLab is free to join. You pay nothing until you make a sale.

When money moves, OfferLab takes a cut:

• 7.5% platform fee (goes to OfferLab for tracking, splits, and infrastructure)
• 3.5% merchant processing fee (Stripe’s cut for handling payments)
• Total: 11% on each transaction

The seller typically absorbs these fees. If you sell a $100 product through OfferLab, you’ll net around $89 after fees (before affiliate commissions).

Affiliates don’t pay the transaction fees. But they do pay a withdrawal fee:

• $4.95 withdrawal fee for US affiliates when cashing out earnings
• International affiliates may have different fees based on Stripe’s regional pricing

No monthly subscription. No setup fees. No hidden charges. You only pay when sales happen.

How Instant Splits Actually Work

Let me break down a real transaction.

You sell a $200 course. You set your affiliate commission at 50%.

Here’s what happens in 30 seconds:

1. Customer buys through the affiliate’s tracking link
2. Stripe processes the $200 charge
3. OfferLab calculates splits:
   • $200 gross sale
   • $15 platform fee (7.5%)
   • $7 merchant fee (3.5%)
   • $178 available for split
   • $89 to affiliate (50% of available funds)
   • $89 to you (remaining 50%)
4. Both parties see the split in their OfferLab dashboard immediately
5. Funds are held for 30 days to cover potential refunds
6. After 30 days, affiliate can withdraw (minus $4.95 fee)

The split happens automatically. No spreadsheets. No “I’ll send you a PayPal later.” The money divides the moment the sale clears.

Payout Schedule and Refund Handling

This is critical.

30-day hold period: All affiliate commissions are held for 30 days before withdrawal. This protects sellers from refund losses. If a customer refunds within 30 days, the commission is deducted from the affiliate’s pending balance.

After 30 days: Affiliates can request a payout. Funds transfer to their bank account within 2-5 business days via Stripe.

Refunds after payout: If a customer refunds after an affiliate has been paid, it creates a negative balance. That negative amount is deducted from future earnings until settled.

Chargeback protection: Same as refunds. Chargebacks create negative balances for affiliates if they’ve already been paid.

This system is fair but strict. It prevents affiliates from promoting shady offers, getting paid, and disappearing when refunds roll in.

Commission Rates: 1% to 100%

You set your own commission rates.

Want to pay affiliates 10%? Done. Want to give them 75% because you’re prioritizing list growth? That works too. Some creators even do 100% commission on front-end products (they make money on upsells and recurring billing).

You can also set different rates for different affiliates. Your top JV partner might get 60%. Regular affiliates get 40%. You control the levers.

Second-Tier Rewards (Silver and Gold Programs)

OfferLab has a built-in reward structure for high-performing affiliates.

Silver Tier: Affiliates who hit certain milestones earn an extra 0.65% on all sales. This comes from OfferLab, not your commission budget.

Gold Tier: Top-tier affiliates earn an extra 2% on all sales, again paid by OfferLab.

These bonuses incentivize volume without cutting into your margins. Think of it as OfferLab sharing their platform fee to reward active users.

Pricing and Payout Comparison Table

Item	OfferLab	Traditional Platform
Monthly Fee	$0	$49-$399/month
Transaction Fee	7.5% + 3.5% (total 11%)	Varies (some none, some take fees)
Commission Range	1-100% (seller sets)	10-50% typical
Payout Hold Period	30 days	30-60 days
Withdrawal Fee	$4.95 (US affiliates)	Varies or none
Instant Split Tracking	Yes (real-time via Stripe)	Monthly or manual
Refund Handling	Auto-deducted from balance	Varies by platform
Tax Reporting	1099-K via Stripe (US only)	1099 or manual

Answer Card: How Do Instant Splits Work?

Setup in 10 Steps (From Zero to First Split)

Let me walk you through creating your first OfferLab offer and getting your first split payout.

Step 1: Create Your OfferLab Account

Go to OfferLab and sign up.

You’ll need:

• Email address
• Business name (or your name if solo)
• Phone number

The signup takes about 90 seconds. No credit card required upfront.

Step 2: Connect Your Stripe Account

OfferLab uses Stripe to process payments.

Click the “Connect Stripe” button in your dashboard. You’ll either:

• Log into an existing Stripe account, or
• Create a new one (takes 5 minutes)

Stripe will ask for business details, bank account info, and tax ID (SSN or EIN). This is standard payment processor stuff. Once connected, OfferLab can split funds automatically.

Step 3: Create Your First Offer

Click “Create New Offer” in the dashboard.

Fill in:

• Offer Name: Internal label (e.g., “Email Marketing Course”)
• Price: What customers pay (can be one-time or recurring)
• Description: What affiliates see when browsing offers
• Commission Structure: Percentage or flat fee per sale
• Cookie Duration: How long tracking lasts (default 30 days)

Save the offer. OfferLab generates a unique tracking link automatically.

Step 4: Build Your Funnel or Link External Pages

You have two options:

Option A: Use OfferLab’s Built-In Funnel Builder

Drag-and-drop simple pages. Add headlines, bullet points, buy buttons. It’s basic but functional. Good for MVPs or quick tests.

Option B: Link to External Funnels

Already have a ClickFunnels page? Shopify store? Custom site? No problem. Copy your OfferLab tracking code and paste it on your existing checkout page. OfferLab tracks conversions through the code snippet.

Most people use Option B because they already have funnels built. OfferLab focuses on tracking and splitting, not replacing your entire funnel stack.

Step 5: Set Commission Rules for Affiliates

Decide how much affiliates earn.

Common splits:

• 50/50: Standard JV split. You each get half the net revenue.
• 40/60: Give affiliates 60% if they’re bringing big traffic.
• 25/75: Keep 75% if you’re doing most of the work (product creation, support, fulfillment).
• 100/0: Some creators give 100% commission on front-end products to grow their list, then monetize on backend offers.

You can also create tiered structures. Top affiliates get 50%. Everyone else gets 30%. Adjust based on performance.

Step 6: Recruit Affiliates or Add Your JV Partners

Two paths here:

Path 1: Invite Specific Partners

If you already have a JV partner, send them an invite link from OfferLab. They’ll create an account, accept your offer, and get their tracking link. This is perfect for one-on-one collaborations.

Path 2: List in the CoLab Library

Make your offer public in the OfferLab marketplace. Other creators can browse, apply to promote, and start driving traffic. You approve or decline applications. This is how you scale beyond personal connections.

Step 7: Test Your Tracking Link

Before launching, test everything.

Copy an affiliate tracking link. Open an incognito browser window. Click the link. Complete a purchase (use a test card if Stripe is in test mode).

Check your OfferLab dashboard. Does the sale show up? Is the split correct? Does the affiliate see their commission?

If yes, you’re good. If no, troubleshoot the tracking code or Stripe connection.

Step 8: Launch and Promote

Send tracking links to affiliates. They promote however they want:

• Email broadcasts to their list
• Social media posts
• YouTube videos with links in description
• Blog posts with embedded CTAs
• Paid ads (if allowed by the platform)

You can also promote your own offer. Every sale through your link counts toward your revenue.

Step 9: Monitor Performance in Real Time

OfferLab’s dashboard shows:

• Total clicks on tracking links
• Conversion rates by affiliate
• Revenue per affiliate
• Pending commissions (still in 30-day hold)
• Available payouts (past 30 days)

Watch this data daily during launches. You’ll spot which affiliates convert best, which traffic sources work, and where to double down.

Step 10: Process Your First Payout

After 30 days, affiliates can withdraw earnings.

As an affiliate:

1. Log into OfferLab
2. Click “Request Payout”
3. Confirm bank details
4. Pay the $4.95 withdrawal fee
5. Wait 2-5 business days for transfer

As a seller, you see the same process. Your net revenue (after fees and commissions) transfers to your Stripe balance, then to your bank account.

Common Gotchas to Avoid

• Wrong Stripe Account: Make sure you connect the Stripe account that matches your business entity. Mixing personal and business accounts causes tax headaches.
• Broken Tracking Code: If you’re using external funnels, paste the tracking code BEFORE the closing </body> tag. Test in incognito mode to confirm it fires.
• Unclear Commission Terms: Tell affiliates upfront about the 30-day hold, refund policies, and withdrawal fees. Surprises kill partnerships.
• No Backup Traffic: Don’t rely on one affiliate. If they ghost you or their traffic dries up, you’re stuck. Recruit multiple partners.
• Ignoring Refunds: If your product sucks and refund rates spike, affiliates will get negative balances. Fix your product first, then scale promotions.

Use Cases and Funnels That Win

Let me show you three proven OfferLab funnel archetypes.

Archetype 1: Local Services JV (Lead Gen + Handoff)

The Setup:

You’re a local SEO consultant. Your buddy runs a web design agency. You both target the same clients (small businesses) but offer different services.

You build a Co-Lab Funnel:

1. Front-End Offer: Your SEO audit service ($500)
2. Upsell Offer: His website redesign package ($2,500)
3. Split Structure: You keep 100% of the SEO audit. He keeps 80% of the website package. You get 20% as a referral fee.

Traffic Source: You run Facebook ads targeting local business owners. Offer a free SEO checklist, then sell the audit. After they buy, the funnel presents the website redesign as a natural next step.

Funnel Steps:

1. Ad: “Is Your Website Killing Your Google Rankings? Free Checklist Inside”
2. Landing Page: Download the checklist (lead capture)
3. Thank You Page: “Want us to audit YOUR site? $500 one-time fee”
4. SEO Audit Sale Page (your offer via OfferLab)
5. Order Confirmation + Upsell: “While we’re at it, does your site need a redesign?” (his offer via OfferLab)

Tracking: OfferLab tracks both sales. If someone buys just the audit, you get $500 (minus fees). If they buy the redesign too, you get $500 + $500 referral (20% of $2,500). Your partner gets $2,000. Everyone wins.

Payout: After 30 days, both of you withdraw your shares. No spreadsheets. No “did you get that lead I sent?” conversations.

Why This Works: Local services thrive on referrals. OfferLab removes the awkward money conversation. You focus on delivering value. The platform handles accounting.

Archetype 2: Ecommerce Partner Funnel (Bundle + Split)

The Setup:

You sell skincare products on Shopify. Your friend sells wellness supplements. Your audiences overlap (health-conscious women, 25-45 years old).

You create a bundle offer:

1. Front-End Offer: Your anti-aging serum ($79)
2. Add-On Offer: Her collagen supplement ($49)
3. Bundle Deal: Both products for $99 (save $29)
4. Split Structure: You keep revenue from serum sales. She keeps revenue from supplement sales. For bundles, you each get a preset split (maybe 60/40 based on product costs).

Traffic Source: Pinterest ads driving to a blog post about anti-aging skincare routines. The post links to the bundle offer.

Funnel Steps:

1. Pinterest Pin: “The 5-Minute Anti-Aging Routine That Actually Works”
2. Blog Post: Detailed skincare guide with product mentions
3. CTA in Post: “Get our top serum + collagen bundle (save $29 today only)”
4. Bundle Checkout Page (OfferLab tracking active)
5. Post-Purchase Email Sequence: Skincare tips, usage instructions, replenishment reminders

Tracking: OfferLab tracks individual and bundle sales. When someone buys the bundle, it splits revenue based on your preset rules. No manual math.

Payout: Each month, you both see exactly how many bundles sold, how much each person earned, and when withdrawals are available.

Why This Works: Bundles increase average order value. Customers get a deal. Both businesses benefit without competing. OfferLab makes it seamless to share revenue fairly.

Archetype 3: Info/Creator Launch (Stacked Offers + List Grow)

The Setup:

You’re launching a new online course about email marketing. You want to maximize reach and build your list fast.

You recruit three JV partners:

1. Partner A: Has a 50,000-person email list of online business owners
2. Partner B: Runs a YouTube channel with 200K subscribers
3. Partner C: Has a $497 course on Facebook ads (complementary to your email course)

You build a stacked funnel:

1. Front-End Offer: Your email marketing course ($197)
2. Upsell 1: Partner C’s Facebook ads course ($497)
3. Upsell 2: Partner A’s traffic generation masterclass ($297)
4. Downsell: Monthly coaching membership ($47/month)

Commission Structure:

• Partners A and B get 50% commission on your course sales
• You get 30% commission on Partner C’s course sales
• Partner A gets 20% on their own course sales when sold as an upsell
• Everyone gets 10% recurring commission on coaching memberships

Traffic Source: Partners A and B send emails and create videos promoting your course. You also run ads. All traffic funnels through OfferLab tracking links.

Funnel Steps:

1. Free Webinar Registration: “How to Write Emails That Convert at 40%+”
2. Webinar Pitch: Sell your $197 course at the end
3. Checkout Page: OfferLab tracks which partner sent the buyer
4. Order Bump: Add Partner C’s course for $300 more (bundle discount)
5. Thank You Page + Upsell Video: “Want weekly coaching? Join for $47/month”
6. Email Follow-Up: Nurture new buyers with additional offers

Tracking: OfferLab knows who sent each buyer. It splits revenue across multiple offers automatically. If someone buys your course, Partner C’s course, and the coaching membership, everyone gets paid their piece.

Payout: After the launch (and the 30-day refund window), everyone withdraws their earnings. Total launch revenue: $87,000. Partner A earned $21,750. Partner B earned $18,500. Partner C earned $12,000. You netted $34,750 after all splits and fees.

Why This Works: Stacked offers multiply revenue per customer. You’re not just selling one $197 course. You’re selling a $1,000+ value stack. Everyone contributes traffic and products. OfferLab makes sure nobody gets shortchanged.

Quick Use Case Comparison Table

Use Case	Best For	Traffic Source	Typical Split
Local Services JV	Agencies, consultants, service providers	Facebook ads, referrals	20-30% referral fee
Ecommerce Bundle	Physical products, subscription boxes	Pinterest, Instagram, content marketing	60/40 based on costs
Info Product Launch	Courses, coaching, digital products	JV emails, YouTube, webinars	50/50 on front-end

OfferLab vs Alternatives (Truth Table)

How does OfferLab stack up against other affiliate and partner platforms?

I’ve tested FirstPromoter, PartnerStack, Reditus, and Tapfiliate. Here’s the honest breakdown.

OfferLab vs FirstPromoter

FirstPromoter Pricing: Starts at $49/month for up to $5,000 in monthly affiliate revenue. Scales to $99/month for $15,000, then $149+ for higher volumes.

FirstPromoter Strengths:

• Strong fraud protection with reCAPTCHA and chargeback tracking
• One-click PayPal payouts save time
• Great for SaaS with recurring commissions
• 18+ tracking data points for analytics nerds

FirstPromoter Weaknesses:

• Monthly fees hit you whether you make sales or not
• Revenue caps force you to upgrade plans as you grow
• Less flexible for non-SaaS offers (courses, physical products)
• No collaborative funnel stacking like OfferLab

When to Pick FirstPromoter: You’re running a SaaS product with subscription billing. You need recurring commission tracking. You want automated fraud detection. You can afford $49+ per month regardless of performance.

When to Pick OfferLab: You’re doing joint ventures with partners. You want instant splits without monthly fees. You’re stacking multiple offers in one funnel. You’d rather pay per transaction than a fixed monthly cost.

OfferLab vs PartnerStack

PartnerStack Pricing: Custom pricing starting around $6,000 annually. Plus “take fees” on partner payouts. No public pricing. Sales consultation required.

PartnerStack Strengths:

• Massive partner marketplace with 80,000+ B2B publishers
• Handles affiliates, referrals, and resellers in one platform
• Integrates with 1,500+ apps via Workato
• Excellent for enterprise B2B SaaS scaling partner ecosystems

PartnerStack Weaknesses:

• Expensive as hell (not for startups or small teams)
• Pricing opacity (you need a sales call just to learn costs)
• Overkill for simple affiliate programs or one-off launches
• Steep learning curve for complex multi-channel setups

When to Pick PartnerStack: You’re an established B2B SaaS company with budget for premium tools. You’re managing hundreds of partners across multiple types (affiliates, resellers, influencers). You need enterprise-level support and integrations.

When to Pick OfferLab: You’re a creator, agency, or small business. You want simple JV splits without enterprise complexity. You can’t justify $6,000+ annually. You prefer transaction-based pricing tied to results.

OfferLab vs Reditus

Reditus Pricing: Free plan up to $1,000 MRR. Paid plans start at $59/month (up to $5,000 MRR) and scale to $399/month (up to $20,000 MRR).

Reditus Strengths:

• Free plan available for testing and low-volume programs
• Dedicated B2B SaaS marketplace with 6,000+ vetted affiliates
• Clean UI with high user satisfaction (4.7-4.9 stars)
• Transparent pricing based on actual performance (MRR)

Reditus Weaknesses:

• Niche focus limits versatility (B2B SaaS only, not great for courses or ecommerce)
• No native Zapier integration (requires API workaround)
• Marketplace access only available from $199/month Growth plan
• MRR-based pricing can get expensive for high-revenue businesses

When to Pick Reditus: You’re a B2B SaaS startup testing affiliate marketing. You want access to vetted SaaS affiliates. You need recurring commission tracking for subscriptions. You appreciate transparent, scalable pricing.

When to Pick OfferLab: You’re selling courses, physical products, or services (not just SaaS). You want instant splits on every sale, not monthly MRR tracking. You prefer zero monthly fees. You’re building collaborative funnels with multiple creators.

OfferLab vs Tapfiliate

Tapfiliate Pricing: Starts at $89/month (up to 50 affiliates) or $199/month (unlimited affiliates). Enterprise plans available with custom pricing.

Tapfiliate Strengths:

• Flexible for ecommerce, SaaS, and digital products
• 30+ pre-built integrations (Shopify, WooCommerce, Stripe, etc.)
• Multi-level marketing (MLM) support for network marketing structures
• Unlimited affiliates in Scale plan (no per-affiliate fees)

Tapfiliate Weaknesses:

• Launch plan limited to 50 affiliates (restrictive for growing programs)
• Overage fees can add up with high traffic or conversion volume
• Not as specialized for collaborative JV funnels as OfferLab
• Monthly fees regardless of performance ($89-$199+)

When to Pick Tapfiliate: You’re running an ecommerce store with lots of affiliates. You need MLM or multi-tier structures. You want extensive integrations with marketing tools. You can afford monthly fees starting at $89.

When to Pick OfferLab: You’re doing JV partnerships with creators. You want instant splits without managing dozens of affiliates. You prefer transaction-based fees over monthly commitments. You’re building offer stacks with multiple partners.

Comprehensive Comparison Table

Feature	OfferLab	FirstPromoter	PartnerStack	Reditus	Tapfiliate
Starting Price	$0/month (transaction fees only)	$49/month	~$6,000/year	Free (up to $1K MRR)	$89/month
Transaction Fee	7.5% + 3.5% (11% total)	None (plan-based)	Take fees (varies)	None (MRR-based)	Overage fees only
Best For	JV partnerships, collaborative funnels	SaaS with subscriptions	Enterprise B2B SaaS	B2B SaaS startups	Ecommerce + SaaS
Instant Splits	Yes (real-time)	No (monthly)	No (monthly)	No (monthly)	No (monthly)
Offer Stacking	Yes (Co-Lab Funnels)	No	No	No	No
Partner Marketplace	Yes (CoLab Library)	No	Yes (80K+ publishers)	Yes (6K+ vetted)	No
Payout Hold	30 days	30-60 days	Monthly	Monthly	Flexible
Integrations	ClickFunnels, Shopify, GoHighLevel, Stripe	35+ tools	1,500+ (Workato)	Stripe, Paddle, API	30+ tools
Ease of Use	High (JV focus)	High	Moderate	Very high	High
Target Audience	Creators, agencies, small businesses	Startups to mid-market	Mid-market to enterprise	B2B SaaS startups	Ecommerce + SaaS

When to Pick OfferLab (The Right Fit)

Choose OfferLab if you:

• Want zero monthly fees (pay only when sales happen)
• Need instant split tracking and payouts
• Are building collaborative funnels with multiple creators
• Do joint ventures with product launches or partnerships
• Sell courses, coaching, ecommerce products, or services (not just SaaS)
• Prefer transaction-based pricing over fixed monthly costs
• Want to stack multiple offers in one funnel (upsells, cross-sells, bundles)
• Value simplicity over enterprise complexity

When to Avoid OfferLab (The Wrong Fit)

Skip OfferLab if you:

• Run a large enterprise SaaS with hundreds of affiliates (PartnerStack is better)
• Need extensive CRM integrations and workflows (FirstPromoter or Tapfiliate)
• Want MLM or multi-tier affiliate structures (Tapfiliate)
• Prefer paying monthly fees to avoid transaction percentages
• Need advanced fraud prevention and analytics (FirstPromoter)
• Are solely focused on B2B SaaS recurring revenue (Reditus)
• Want access to massive pre-built affiliate networks (PartnerStack has 80K+)

Compliance, Disclosures, and Taxes

Money splits are clean with OfferLab. Tax and legal stuff? Still your responsibility.

What Affiliates Must Disclose

If you’re promoting someone else’s product for a commission, you need to disclose it.

FTC rules (in the US) require clear, conspicuous disclosure when you have a financial relationship with the product you’re recommending.

How to disclose properly:

• On Blog Posts: Add a disclosure at the top or bottom. Example: “This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my link, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”
• In Emails: Include a line before your call to action. Example: “Full disclosure: I’m an affiliate for this product and earn a commission if you buy.”
• On Social Media: Use #ad or #affiliate in your post. For videos, mention it verbally and in the description.
• On Landing Pages: Add a footer note or visible disclosure near buy buttons.

The disclosure should be obvious. Don’t bury it in fine print or hide it at the bottom of a long page. The FTC can fine you for deceptive practices.

US Tax Basics for Affiliates and Sellers

Here’s what you need to know (not tax advice, consult a CPA):

For Affiliates:

• If you earn $600+ per year, you’ll receive a 1099-K form from Stripe (the payment processor OfferLab uses).
• Report this income on your tax return as self-employment income.
• You’ll owe income tax plus self-employment tax (about 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare).
• Track expenses related to your affiliate business (advertising, tools, software) to deduct them and lower taxable income.
• Consider quarterly estimated tax payments if you’re earning significant affiliate income (to avoid penalties).

For Sellers:

• OfferLab fees (7.5% platform fee + 3.5% merchant fee) are business expenses. Deduct them.
• Affiliate commissions you pay out are also deductible business expenses.
• You’ll receive 1099-K forms from Stripe showing your gross sales (before fees and splits).
• Keep detailed records of all sales, refunds, and payouts for accurate tax reporting.

For International Affiliates:

• Follow your local tax laws. OfferLab doesn’t withhold taxes for international users.
• Some countries have tax treaties with the US that affect how you report income.
• Consult a tax professional in your country to stay compliant.

Refunds and Chargebacks: Who Pays?

Refunds happen. Here’s how OfferLab handles them:

Refund Within 30 Days (Before Affiliate Payout):

1. Customer requests refund
2. Seller approves it
3. Stripe reverses the charge
4. OfferLab deducts the commission from the affiliate’s pending balance
5. No money changes hands because the affiliate hasn’t been paid yet

Refund After 30 Days (Affiliate Already Paid):

1. Customer requests refund
2. Seller approves it
3. Stripe reverses the charge
4. OfferLab creates a negative balance for the affiliate
5. The negative amount is deducted from future earnings until cleared

Chargebacks:

Same process as refunds. If an affiliate has been paid and the customer disputes the charge, the affiliate’s account goes negative. They owe that money back.

This system protects sellers from affiliate fraud (where someone promotes junk, gets paid, and disappears when refunds pile up).

Privacy and Data Compliance

OfferLab collects customer data (name, email, payment info) to process transactions.

As a seller, you’re responsible for:

• Privacy Policy: Post a clear policy on your site explaining what data you collect and how you use it.
• GDPR Compliance (if selling to EU customers): Get consent before collecting personal data. Allow customers to request data deletion.
• CAN-SPAM Act (if emailing customers): Include an unsubscribe link in every marketing email. Honor opt-out requests within 10 days.
• Cookie Consent: If your site uses tracking cookies, display a consent banner for EU visitors.

OfferLab handles payment security through Stripe, which is PCI-DSS compliant. You don’t need to worry about storing credit card data.

Platform Terms and Prohibited Activities

OfferLab’s terms prohibit:

• Selling illegal products or services
• Promoting scams or deceptive offers
• Using stolen traffic or fake clicks
• Creating fake accounts or manipulating tracking
• Violating intellectual property rights

If you break the rules, OfferLab can freeze your account, withhold payouts, or ban you permanently.

Play fair. Promote real products. Deliver what you promise. That’s the foundation of sustainable affiliate income.

Deliverability and Attribution Tips

Broken tracking kills partnerships.

You think everything is set up correctly. Your affiliate promotes hard. Sales happen. But OfferLab doesn’t register them. Nobody gets paid. Trust evaporates.

Here’s how to prevent tracking disasters.

How OfferLab Tracking Works

OfferLab uses cookie-based tracking and URL parameters to attribute sales.

When someone clicks an affiliate link:

1. OfferLab drops a tracking cookie in their browser (default 30-day expiration)
2. The URL contains a unique affiliate ID parameter (e.g., ?olaff=JHe7mHSX5wxSSRnVWdqw6U1U)
3. When the visitor buys, OfferLab checks for the cookie and URL parameter
4. If found, the sale is attributed to that affiliate
5. The split happens automatically

Simple in theory. Easy to break in practice.

Common Tracking Issues and Fixes

Issue 1: Link Shorteners Strip Parameters

Some URL shorteners (Bitly, TinyURL) strip tracking parameters when redirecting.

Fix: Test your shortened link first. Click it in incognito mode. Check if the final URL still has the ?olaff= parameter. If not, use a different shortener or use the full OfferLab link.

Issue 2: HTTPS to HTTP (or Vice Versa)

If your landing page uses HTTPS but the tracking link points to HTTP (or vice versa), the redirect can drop cookies.

Fix: Match the protocol. If your site is HTTPS, make sure all tracking links use HTTPS too.

Issue 3: Cross-Domain Tracking

If the affiliate link points to Domain A but the checkout page is on Domain B, cookies may not transfer.

Fix: Use OfferLab’s tracking code snippet on both domains. Or keep the entire funnel on one domain.

Issue 4: Browser Privacy Settings

Safari and Firefox block third-party cookies by default. Some users run ad blockers that strip tracking parameters.

Fix: You can’t control user browsers. But you can educate affiliates to test links in incognito mode with standard settings. If tracking fails for privacy-conscious users, that’s a small loss you have to accept.

Issue 5: Multiple Redirects

If you send traffic through multiple redirect layers (affiliate link → bridge page → sales page → checkout), each hop risks breaking the cookie.

Fix: Minimize redirects. Go from affiliate link directly to the landing page or checkout. Fewer hops = fewer chances for tracking to fail.

Answer Card: How Do I Prevent Broken Tracking?

UTM Parameters and Analytics

Want to track traffic sources beyond OfferLab’s dashboard?

Add UTM parameters to your affiliate links:

Example:

https://www.offerlab.com/jv-optin?olaff=JHe7mHSX5wxSSRnVWdqw6U1U&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=launch2026

This lets you see in Google Analytics which traffic sources convert best. You can segment by platform, campaign, or ad group.

OfferLab preserves UTM parameters, so you won’t break tracking by adding them.

Last-Click Attribution Reality

OfferLab uses last-click attribution.

If a customer clicks Affiliate A’s link, then later clicks Affiliate B’s link and buys, Affiliate B gets the commission.

This is industry standard but can cause friction.

Solution: Educate affiliates upfront. Explain the 30-day cookie window. Tell them that the last click wins. Transparency prevents disputes.

Some platforms offer first-click or multi-touch attribution, but those are complex and expensive. For most JV partnerships, last-click is fair enough.

Automation Stack: Where OfferLab Fits

OfferLab handles money splits. But you need other tools to run a complete business.

Here’s how to build an automation stack around OfferLab.

Jobs-to-Be-Done Stack Map

Job to Be Done	Tool Recommendation	Why It Works with OfferLab
Split commissions and track sales	OfferLab	This is OfferLab’s core function. Instant splits via Stripe.
Manage customer relationships and follow-up	GoHighLevel	CRM, email automation, SMS, funnels. Integrates via webhooks to tag buyers from OfferLab.
Generate AI-powered email sequences	AI Email Funnels	Creates story-driven email campaigns for affiliate promotions. Syncs with your email platform.
Build landing pages and funnels	ClickFunnels or OfferLab’s builder	ClickFunnels integrates natively. OfferLab’s builder works for simple pages. Both track via OfferLab code.
Create SEO content at scale	Rankability	Generates SEO-optimized articles. Embeds OfferLab links in content to drive organic affiliate traffic.
Run paid ads	Facebook Ads, Google Ads	Drive traffic to OfferLab-tracked funnels. Add UTM parameters for detailed ROI tracking.
Automate workflows and integrations	Zapier or Make	Connect OfferLab webhooks to CRMs, email platforms, Slack notifications, Google Sheets, etc.
Host webinars or live launches	WebinarJam, Zoom, EverWebinar	Pitch products during webinars. Send attendees to OfferLab checkout pages with tracking active.
Manage ecommerce products	Shopify, WooCommerce	OfferLab integrates with both. Track affiliate sales from physical products and subscriptions.
Track analytics and conversions	Google Analytics, OfferLab dashboard	OfferLab shows affiliate metrics. Google Analytics shows traffic sources and behavior. Combine both for full visibility.

Example Stack: Course Creator with JV Partners

You’re launching a $497 online course. You have three JV partners promoting it.

Your stack:

1. OfferLab: Handles commission splits (50% to affiliates)
2. GoHighLevel: Manages customer emails, CRM, follow-up sequences (build the CRM side with GoHighLevel)
3. AI Email Funnels: Writes affiliate promotional emails for partners (check the AI Email Funnels FAQ)
4. ClickFunnels: Hosts the webinar registration and sales pages
5. Zapier: Connects OfferLab to GoHighLevel (tags buyers, triggers email sequences)
6. Facebook Ads: Drives cold traffic to the webinar
7. Google Analytics: Tracks overall funnel performance and conversion rates

Here’s the workflow:

1. You create the course and set up the OfferLab offer
2. You invite three JV partners (they each get unique tracking links)
3. You use AI Email Funnels to generate 10 promotional emails for each partner
4. Partners send the emails to their lists
5. Subscribers click tracking links, land on your ClickFunnels webinar page
6. After the webinar, they buy the course (OfferLab tracks which partner sent them)
7. Zapier fires a webhook from OfferLab to GoHighLevel, tagging the buyer
8. GoHighLevel sends a welcome email and adds them to a nurture sequence
9. OfferLab splits the $497 sale (you get $248.50, affiliate gets $248.50, minus fees)
10. 30 days later, everyone gets paid

The entire process runs on autopilot. You focus on delivering the course. OfferLab and your stack handle the rest.

Secondary CTA: Build the CRM Side

OfferLab splits money. But what about managing customers after the sale?

You need a CRM to handle:

• Welcome sequences for new buyers
• Upsell campaigns for existing customers
• Support ticket management
• SMS follow-ups and reminders
• Webinar reminders and replays

GoHighLevel does all of this (and more). It’s an all-in-one platform for agencies and creators.

Pair it with OfferLab for a complete system: OfferLab handles tracking and splits. GoHighLevel handles customer relationships and retention.

Build the CRM Side with GoHighLevel

Instant, Automated Bonuses (No Manual Work)

When you sign up for OfferLab through my link, you get three bonuses automatically delivered.

No manual process. No waiting. No extra steps.

Bonus 1: AI JV Email Swipe Pack

20 plug-and-play partner emails generated via AI tools.

These aren’t generic templates. They’re story-driven emails designed to convert skeptical subscribers into buyers.

What’s included:

• 5 Pre-Launch Emails: Build hype before your product drops
• 7 Launch Week Emails: Drive urgency during the live launch
• 5 Evergreen Emails: Use anytime for ongoing promotions
• 3 Re-Engagement Emails: Bring back people who didn’t buy the first time

Each email includes subject lines, body copy, and call-to-action suggestions. Customize them for your offer and audience.

This saves you 10+ hours of writing. Use them as-is or tweak them to fit your voice.

Bonus 2: Collaborative Funnel Blueprint PDF

A step-by-step guide to building high-converting JV funnels.

This 22-page PDF walks you through:

• Choosing the right JV partner (who to avoid, who to chase)
• Structuring win-win commission splits
• Mapping out offer stacks (front-end, upsells, downsells)
• Setting up OfferLab tracking correctly
• Troubleshooting common funnel issues
• Scaling from one JV to multiple partners

Generated by AI based on real-world case studies. Includes templates, checklists, and pitfall warnings.

Use this blueprint to avoid the mistakes I made in my first 10 partnerships.

Bonus 3: AI Toolkit Vault Access

Free access to my curated collection of AI tools for marketers.

Inside the vault:

• Email Generators: Write promotional emails, follow-up sequences, and broadcast copy in minutes
• Landing Page Copywriters: Generate headlines, bullet points, and CTAs for sales pages
• Funnel Mappers: Visualize multi-step funnels and optimize conversion paths
• Ad Copy Tools: Create Facebook and Google ad variations at scale
• Content Outliners: Plan blog posts, YouTube scripts, and podcast episodes

These aren’t public tools. I’ve vetted and tested each one. They save hours every week.

Get instant access at AI Toolkit Vault.

How to Claim Your Bonuses

1. Click my OfferLab link: Start OfferLab
2. Sign up for a free OfferLab account
3. Check your email inbox (bonuses arrive within 10 minutes)
4. Download the AI JV Email Swipe Pack and Collaborative Funnel Blueprint PDF
5. Visit the AI Toolkit Vault link in the email for instant access

No hoops. No manual requests. Just automatic delivery when you sign up through my link.

Real-World Mini Story: From Handshake to Payout in 30 Days

Let me tell you about Sarah and Marcus.

Sarah runs a Facebook ads agency. Marcus teaches online course creation. Their audiences overlap but they don’t compete.

They met at a marketing conference. Over drinks, they hatched a plan.

Sarah would create a $997 “Facebook Ads for Course Creators” package. Marcus would promote it to his email list of 8,000 course builders. They’d split revenue 50/50.

In the past, this would mean:

• Weeks of contract negotiations
• Spreadsheet tracking of every sale
• Monthly PayPal transfers (if they remembered)
• Arguments over refunds and chargebacks

Instead, they used OfferLab.

Day 1: Setup

Sarah created an OfferLab offer. Set the price at $997. Configured a 50% affiliate commission. Invited Marcus. He accepted and got his tracking link.

Total setup time: 18 minutes.

Day 3: Content Creation

Marcus used the AI Email Swipe Pack (from the bonuses) to write five promotional emails. Tweaked them to match his voice. Scheduled them in ConvertKit.

Sarah built a simple sales page using OfferLab’s funnel builder. Added testimonials from past clients. Embedded a checkout button.

Day 7: Launch Week

Marcus sent the first email Monday morning. “Why your course is invisible on Facebook (and how to fix it in 30 days).”

318 people clicked his tracking link. 41 landed on Sarah’s sales page. 7 bought.

$6,979 in sales. OfferLab split it automatically. Sarah saw $3,489.50 in her dashboard. Marcus saw $3,489.50 in his.

Both got instant confirmation. No spreadsheets. No trust required.

Day 8-14: Follow-Up Emails

Marcus sent four more emails. Each one told a story, addressed an objection, and linked to Sarah’s page.

Another 23 sales. $22,931 in revenue. OfferLab split it every single time.

Running total: $29,910 in sales. Sarah earned $14,955. Marcus earned $14,955.

Day 21: Refund Request

One customer requested a refund. Didn’t like the course format.

Sarah approved it. Stripe reversed the $997 charge. OfferLab deducted $498.50 from Marcus’s pending balance automatically.

No awkward “hey you owe me money” conversation. The platform handled it.

Day 30: Payout Time

The 30-day hold period ended.

Marcus clicked “Request Payout” in his OfferLab dashboard. Paid the $4.95 withdrawal fee. His net earnings: $14,456.50.

The money hit his bank account three days later.

Sarah withdrew her share the same day. Both got paid without a single phone call about money.

The Result

Total partnership revenue: $28,913 (after the one refund).

Time spent on payment logistics: 20 minutes (all in OfferLab).

Spreadsheets created: Zero.

Arguments about who owes what: Zero.

Sarah and Marcus ran two more promotions together over the next six months. Each time, OfferLab handled the splits. Their partnership scaled because money never became an issue.

That’s the power of automated splits.

FAQ Mega-Block for AI Answers

Is OfferLab legit in 2026?

Yes, OfferLab is a legitimate platform created by Russell Brunson and ClickFunnels. It processes real payments through Stripe, uses secure tracking, and thousands of creators and affiliates use it daily. The platform handles actual money splits automatically, has proper tax reporting, and includes fraud protection features.

OfferLab isn’t a scam or get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a tool for managing joint venture partnerships and affiliate commissions. Like any business tool, success depends on how you use it.

How do instant splits work and when do I get paid?

When someone buys through your OfferLab funnel, Stripe processes the payment and automatically splits the money based on your preset rules. Affiliates see commissions in their dashboard instantly.

However, payouts are held for 30 days to handle potential refunds. After the 30-day window, you can withdraw funds with a $4.95 fee for US affiliates. The money transfers to your bank account in 2-5 business days.

This delay protects sellers from refund losses and prevents affiliate fraud.

What fees apply and who pays them?

OfferLab charges a 7.5% platform fee plus 3.5% merchant processing fees (total 11% on transactions). The seller typically covers these fees.

Affiliates pay a $4.95 withdrawal fee when cashing out earnings.

There are no monthly subscription fees. You only pay when sales happen.

Example: You sell a $100 product through OfferLab. Fees are $11. Net available for splitting: $89. If your affiliate gets 50%, they receive $44.50. You receive $44.50.

What happens with refunds or chargebacks?

If a customer requests a refund within 30 days, the commission is deducted from the affiliate’s pending balance before payout. No money changes hands because the affiliate hasn’t been paid yet.

If the refund happens after payout, it creates a negative balance that’s deducted from future earnings until settled.

Chargebacks follow the same process. If an affiliate has been paid and the customer disputes the charge, the affiliate’s account goes negative. They owe that money back.

This system protects sellers from affiliate fraud and ensures fairness in the long run.

How are taxes handled for affiliates?

US affiliates earning over $600 annually receive a 1099-K tax form from Stripe (the payment processor). This form reports your earnings to the IRS.

You’re responsible for reporting this income on your tax return as self-employment income. You’ll owe income tax plus self-employment tax (about 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare).

International affiliates follow their local tax laws. OfferLab doesn’t withhold taxes for international users.

Track expenses related to your affiliate business (advertising, tools, software) to deduct them and lower taxable income. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.

Can I stack multiple offers in one funnel?

Yes, this is called Co-Lab Funnels or Offer Stacks.

You can build a single funnel that includes:

• Your product as the front-end offer
• A partner’s upsell
• Another creator’s bonus
• A coaching membership as a downsell

Each offer owner gets their split automatically. OfferLab tracks which products sold and divides revenue based on preset rules.

This lets you create powerful multi-product funnels without managing separate payment flows or doing manual accounting.

Does OfferLab integrate with my CRM and email platform?

OfferLab integrates directly with ClickFunnels, Shopify, GoHighLevel, and other major platforms via Stripe.

For email tools like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or ConvertKit, you’ll connect via Zapier or webhooks. OfferLab fires a webhook when a sale happens. Zapier catches it and triggers actions in your email platform (like tagging the buyer or adding them to a sequence).

Most modern marketing stacks can sync with OfferLab through its API or Stripe events. The integration isn’t always one-click, but it’s doable with basic technical knowledge or a developer’s help.

Is it better than PartnerStack or FirstPromoter for small teams?

For collaborative joint ventures and product creators, yes.

OfferLab has no monthly fees (you pay per transaction), instant splits, and focuses on partnership funnels. PartnerStack costs $6,000+ annually and FirstPromoter starts at $49/month with revenue caps.

If you’re doing true collaboration versus traditional affiliates, OfferLab wins for small teams.

However, if you need extensive CRM integrations, fraud prevention, or managing hundreds of affiliates, FirstPromoter or PartnerStack may be better (but more expensive).

It depends on your needs and budget.

What if a partner doesn’t promote – can I edit splits later?

Yes, you control split percentages as the offer owner.

You can adjust commission rates, pause partnerships, or remove affiliates anytime. Changes apply to future sales immediately.

Existing pending commissions stay at their original rate (you can’t retroactively change what someone already earned).

This flexibility helps you optimize partnerships based on actual performance. If someone promised big traffic but delivered nothing, lower their commission or remove them. If someone crushes it, increase their percentage to keep them motivated.

How do I prevent broken tracking?

Use clean, unmodified OfferLab tracking links. Avoid link shorteners that strip tracking parameters. Test links in incognito mode before sending to partners.

Don’t add extra redirects or layers between the affiliate link and your checkout page. Each redirect hop risks breaking cookies.

If using custom domains, ensure proper DNS setup. Use HTTPS throughout your funnel (don’t mix HTTP and HTTPS).

Monitor the OfferLab dashboard for conversion tracking. If you see clicks but no sales, investigate immediately. Check your tracking code placement, test the link yourself, and fix any broken paths.

Prevention is easier than troubleshooting after launch.

Conclusion: Build Your First Collaborative Funnel This Week

Spreadsheet splits kill partnerships.

I’ve seen it happen too many times. A great JV partnership falls apart because someone felt shortchanged. Or payments were delayed. Or refund accounting got messy.

OfferLab removes that friction.

It’s not perfect. The 11% transaction fee adds up. The 30-day payout hold can frustrate affiliates who want fast cash. And if you’re running a massive enterprise affiliate program, you might need more features than OfferLab offers.

But for creators, agencies, and small businesses doing joint ventures? OfferLab is a game changer.

You get:

• Zero monthly fees (only pay when sales happen)
• Instant split tracking (both parties see their cut immediately)
• Automated payouts after 30 days (no manual PayPal transfers)
• Collaborative funnel stacking (multiple offers, one checkout)
• Integration with major platforms (ClickFunnels, Shopify, GoHighLevel)

Compare that to alternatives:

• FirstPromoter costs $49-$149/month and caps your revenue
• PartnerStack costs $6,000+ annually and requires enterprise budgets
• Reditus works great for B2B SaaS but less flexible for other niches
• Tapfiliate charges $89-$199/month and limits affiliates on lower tiers

OfferLab wins on simplicity, cost structure, and collaborative funnel features.

Here’s your next step: Build your first offer this week.

1. Sign up for OfferLab (free account, no credit card required)
2. Create one simple offer (a course, service, or product you already have)
3. Set a fair commission percentage (50% is standard for JV partnerships)
4. Invite one partner to promote it
5. Test the tracking link yourself
6. Launch and watch the splits happen automatically

You’ll see the power of instant splits within the first sale.

No more awkward money conversations. No more spreadsheet reconciliation at 11pm. No more trust issues with partners.

Just clean, automated revenue sharing.

And if you sign up through my link, you get three bonuses automatically:

• AI JV Email Swipe Pack (20 pre-written partner emails)
• Collaborative Funnel Blueprint PDF (22-page step-by-step guide)
• AI Toolkit Vault access (free marketing tools)

No extra steps. No manual requests. Just automatic delivery when you create your account.

Want to power your partner funnels with story-driven emails? See my AI Email Funnels FAQ at InstantSalesFunnels.com for a complete guide to AI-generated email sequences that convert.