How to Set Up and Pay Affiliates Using PayPal Auto Payouts

This guide will help you configure the PayPal Payouts API with Stack to pay your affiliates directly from the platform. Currently, PayPal is the only supported payment method for Auto Payouts. Follow the steps below to set up and manage affiliate payments seamlessly.

Requirements

• A PayPal Business Account
• Payouts must be enabled on your PayPal account.

Setting Up PayPal for Auto Payouts

Before you can start paying affiliates, you need to configure PayPal Payouts for integration with Stack.

Step 1: Access PayPal Developers Page

1. Go to the PayPal Developers page.
2. Log in to the developer dashboard by clicking the Log into dashboard link at the top-right corner.

Step 2: Enable Payouts

1. In the dashboard, click on My Account from the top-right corner.
2. Scroll down to the Permissions table and check if “Payouts” has a green checkmark under the Live column.
3. If not, click Enable and follow the prompts. You may need to contact PayPal to enable the Payouts API.

Step 3: Create an App on PayPal

1. In the left-hand menu, click on Apps and Credentials.
2. Click Live, then proceed to Create App.
3. Enter “Stack Payouts” as the app name and click Create App.
4. If you already have an app created, you can skip this step.

Note: If you see “Live/Sandbox” at the top-right after creating the app, ensure “Live” is selected.

Step 4: Obtain App Details

1. After creating the app, you’ll receive the Client ID and Secret Key.
2. Keep these details handy as they will be required to connect Stack with PayPal.

Step 5: Connect Stack and PayPal

1. Navigate to the Payment Integration page in Stack.
2. Scroll down to PayPal and click Manage.
3. Enter your Live Client ID and Secret Key from Step 4.

If testing in the sandbox, repeat the process with sandbox credentials, ensuring “Sandbox” is selected on PayPal’s Apps and Credentials page.

Using PayPal for Affiliate Payouts

Once PayPal is configured, you can pay your affiliates using Stack’s Auto Payouts feature.

Step 1: Navigate to the Payouts Page

• In the Stack Affiliate Manager, go to the Payouts page.

Step 2: View Approved Payouts

• Switch to the Approved for Payouts tab to see the list of approved payments awaiting disbursement.

Step 3: Select Affiliates for Payouts

• Check the box next to the payouts or affiliate names you wish to pay.

Step 4: Initiate Payout

• Once affiliates are selected, click the Pay button to pay multiple affiliates together.
• Alternatively, click the blue Pay icon next to an affiliate’s name to pay them individually.

Step 5: Review and Confirm

1. Review the selected payouts and confirm the details.
2. Click Pay Now to initiate the transfer.

Important: If your PayPal Business account is not linked, an error message will prompt you to link the account.

What Happens After a Payout?

• After clicking Pay Now, successful payouts will appear under the Paid tab.
• PayPal may take some time to process payments, during which the status might show as “Pending.” Refresh the page to check updates.
• After a successful payout, both the sender and the affiliate will receive a confirmation email.

How to Add an Affiliate’s PayPal Account for Payouts

Before paying affiliates, ensure their PayPal details are linked. To learn how to add or link an affiliate’s PayPal account, click here.

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What’s Next?

• What Payment Gateways are supported in the Affiliate Manager for Product Sales?
• FAQs for Affiliate Payouts
• How to add/link an Affiliate’s PayPal Account for Payouts