SS (Straight Sale) is a direct-sale model in affiliate marketing where the webmaster gets paid immediately after the customer completes the payment. Unlike the COD (Cash-on-Delivery) model, there are no delays in payment, no call centers, and no issues with product returns.
Key features of SS:
- Instant payment: the webmaster receives money immediately after the customer pays.
- Popular GEOs: USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and other developed countries where people are used to paying upfront. In CIS countries and Tier 2–3 regions, SS is less effective—COD works better there.
- High payouts: the average SS lead is significantly higher than COD—usually $100–150 per lead, whereas COD yields $30–40.
- High traffic costs: promoting SS offers requires working with expensive premium GEOs where click costs can reach several dollars.
How SS works:
- The landing page and funnel must be carefully optimized to handle all customer objections, as payment is made before delivery.
- Webmasters often start with a small test cap when testing traffic, gradually increasing volumes after assessing traffic quality.
- Traffic sources: Facebook, Google Ads, TikTok, email campaigns.
- Conversion rate and average order value are crucial—if numbers are high, the budget can be increased to maximize profits.
- Monitor returns and funnel issues: misleading creatives or inconsistencies with delivery and terms can reduce efficiency.
