Partner economics knowledge library
How partner programs work—from terms through accounting
Authoritative, practical guides to the programs and financial workflows that connect commercial agreements to calculations, claims, accruals, obligations, settlements, and the general ledger.
Rebate Programs
Earned incentives based on purchases, sales, volume, or other contract conditions.
Read the guideRoyalty Programs
Contractual fees for the right to use intellectual property, content, brands, technology, or assets.
Read the guideCommission Programs
Contractual compensation for representatives, brokers, agents, or other selling partners.
Read the guideMarket Development Funds (MDF)
Budgeted partner funding for approved marketing activities.
Read the guidePromotion and Allowance Programs
Temporary commercial funding tied to specific products, dates, activities, or performance.
Read the guidePrice Protection
Credits that protect channel inventory when an authorized price decreases.
Read the guideChannel Chargebacks
Distributor claims for the difference between acquisition cost and an authorized resale price.
Read the guideRevenue Share Programs
Contractual allocation of revenue or margin among two or more parties.
Read the guidePool Accounting
Collective accounting that allocates pooled proceeds and costs among participating members.
Read the guidePartner Claims
Formal requests for payment or credit under a program agreement.
Read the guideCustomer Deductions
Amounts customers subtract from payment because they believe a credit is owed.
Read the guideProgram Settlements
The controlled financial closeout of an approved amount between counterparties.
Read the guideProgram Accruals
Period estimates of earned revenue, expense, assets, or liabilities before final settlement.
Read the guideProgram Obligations
Open commitments or earned balances that must be performed, paid, credited, or otherwise resolved.
Read the guideMinimum Guarantees
Contractual minimum consideration owed regardless of measured activity.
Read the guide