> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.simplyprint.io/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Refer a friend vs the affiliate program: which one fits you # Refer a friend vs the affiliate program: which one fits you SimplyPrint runs two referral programs, side by side, sharing the same panel page. **Refer a friend** is open to everyone with an account. The **affiliate program** is a curated tier for creators with a real audience. This article explains the differences and helps you pick the right one. | If you already have a SimplyPrint account, you're already in the refer a friend program (or one click away). The affiliate program is opt-in and requires an application. ## Table of contents - The short version - Side-by-side comparison - When to stay on refer a friend - When to apply to the affiliate program - How to apply for the affiliate program - What happens to your refer a friend stats if you become an affiliate - Related articles ## The short version - **Refer a friend** rewards everyone for personal recommendations. You get **invoice credit** at fixed milestones (1, 2, 10, 20, 50 paying referrals). Self-serve, no approval. - **Affiliate program** rewards approved creators with **cash commission** on every referred subscription, paid out via PayPal (with Wise and bank transfer planned). Application + manual approval required. If you're casually telling friends and colleagues about SimplyPrint, refer a friend is the right home. If you make 3D printing content that reaches an audience, the affiliate program is built for you. ## Side-by-side comparison | Feature | Refer a friend | Affiliate program | | ------- | -------------- | ----------------- | | Who can join | Anyone with an account | Approved creators only | | Application required | No | Yes (manual review) | | Reward type | Invoice credit at fixed tiers | Cash commission per referral | | First-month commission | n/a | 70% (40% if yearly) | | Months 2-12 commission | n/a | 30% (40% yearly) | | Year 2+ commission | n/a | 15% (recurring) | | Attribution window | Standard tracking | 16 months | | Number of referral codes | One personal link | Multiple codes per affiliate | | Custom landing pages | No | Yes (per code) | | Payout method | Invoice credit | PayPal (Wise, bank transfer coming) | | Payout schedule | Applied on next invoice | Every 14 days (configurable) | | Promotional asset pack | Badges only | Banners, copy snippets, full pack | | Commission calculator | n/a | Built-in | | Stats shown | Referrals, link visits, rewards, money saved | All of the above + conversion rate, time to signup, time to first value | || Both programs use the same tracking. Once you're an approved affiliate, your existing refer a friend signups don't get reassigned, but new clicks on your link count toward your affiliate commission. ## When to stay on refer a friend The refer a friend program is the right fit if: - You're recommending SimplyPrint to **people you actually know**: friends, colleagues, classmates, your local makerspace. - You're posting in a small community (a private Discord, a hobby group, a class) where the audience is in the dozens, not thousands. - You want a **set-and-forget** approach: get your link, share it occasionally, watch the credit accumulate. - You don't care about cash payouts and would rather see the credit reduce your own SimplyPrint bill. There's no application, no minimum performance, and no risk of being removed for inactivity. It's the no-fuss option. ![The "join affiliate program" banner shown on the refer a friend page](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/f/2/2/ff22a914001c1000/refer-a-friend-vs-affiliate-af_1dhnmn9.png) ## When to apply to the affiliate program The affiliate program is the right fit if: - You run a **YouTube channel, blog, podcast, newsletter, Twitch / TikTok presence, or website** with a real audience in 3D printing or maker content. - You're a **business owner** in the 3D printing industry whose customers might benefit from SimplyPrint. - You can show **at least 1,000 subscribers / followers / monthly visitors** on your main platform. - You'd rather get paid cash than account credit. The application form asks for your channel link, subscriber count, average views or interactions, and how you've used SimplyPrint before. SimplyPrint reviews each application manually. ## How to apply for the affiliate program There are two entry points to the application: 1. From the refer a friend page, click the **"Get paid: join our affiliate partner program"** banner near the top. 2. From the affiliate landing page or any "become an affiliate" CTA on the SimplyPrint website. Either route opens a popup that explains the program and links into the application form. ![Affiliate program join popup explaining the curated program](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/f/2/2/ff22a914001c1000/refer-a-friend-vs-affiliate-af_t7sxnv.png) For a full walkthrough of the application, what to include, and what reviewers look at, see [How to apply for the affiliate program](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/how-to-apply-for-the-affiliate-program-1fgl3ot/). ## What happens to your refer a friend stats if you become an affiliate Once you're approved, the page changes: instead of the lightweight refer a friend UI, you see the full affiliate dashboard with commission tracking, payouts, balances, multiple codes, and the promotional asset pack. A few things to know: - **Existing referrals stay attributed to you.** You don't lose anyone you've already referred. - **The reward credit program** (the 1 / 2 / 10 / 20 / 50 tiers) is **disabled** for approved affiliates by default. The affiliate program pays a different way (commission per referral), and the two are designed not to stack. - **Future commission** is earned on the standard commission schedule starting from the date you're approved. If you applied and got rejected, you stay in the refer a friend program with full access to invoice credit. Applying doesn't put your existing program at risk. ## Related articles - [The refer a friend program: earn credit for every signup](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/the-refer-a-friend-program-earn-credit-for-every-signup-8k7i7j/) - [The affiliate program: get paid for promoting SimplyPrint](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/the-affiliate-program-get-paid-for-promoting-simplyprint-1r0kpe3/) - [How to apply for the affiliate program](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/how-to-apply-for-the-affiliate-program-1fgl3ot/) - [How affiliate commission works](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/how-affiliate-commission-works-1dtl3k1/) - [Tracking referrals and unlocking rewards](https://help.simplyprint.io/en/article/tracking-referrals-and-unlocking-rewards-18yqoyf/)