Eligibility
Which leads qualify, lead age, and pre-existing customer exceptions.
A written programme clarifies obligations, reduces disputes over compensation, and creates an auditable record for tax reporting and internal controls under IRS rules and company policy. It standardizes lead intake and payment timing to reduce administrative overhead and supports consistent data capture for performance measurement.
Common users include businesses that rely on external partners, independent agents, or affiliate networks to generate sales leads or client introductions.
Using a standard programme helps these groups document referrals, align expectations, and support accurate payment and tax reporting.
Which leads qualify, lead age, and pre-existing customer exceptions.
How to deliver referrals, required information, and proof of contact.
Fixed fee or percentage of revenue, mounting/tracking methodology.
Net payment window, conditions for holdbacks or clawbacks.
Data handling, permitted disclosures, and non-solicit expectations.
How to end participation and resolve outstanding payments.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Email or secure signing link for referrer |
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or stronger as needed |
| Conditional Fields | Show payment details only after qualification |
| Audit Trail | Record timestamps, IP, and signer identity |
Decide how you'll distribute forms and capture signatures based on volume and integrations.
Match the distribution method to partner technical ability and compliance needs; integrate with CRM or document storage as appropriate.
Submit referrals promptly; many programmes require notification within 30–90 days.
Payment often due Net 30 or Net 60 after qualification; specify in the agreement.
Obtain W-9 before first payment to avoid backup withholding.
Report eligible payments on Form 1099-NEC; recipient and IRS deadlines apply Jan 31.
Keep records to support 1099s and audits per retention rules.
| Document Type | Enforceable | Typical Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Referral Agreement | percentage or flat fee | |
| Finder's Fee Agreement | one-time flat fee | |
| Lead Purchase Agreement | per-lead price | |
| Affiliate Terms | tiered or performance-based |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |