How to Set Up and Pay Affiliates Using PayPal Auto Payouts

Setting Up PayPal for Auto Payouts

Before you can pay your affiliates automatically, you must configure the PayPal Payouts API to work with your CRM.

Step 1: Access PayPal Developer Dashboard

Visit the PayPal Developers website and log into the developer dashboard using your PayPal Business account credentials.

Step 2: Enable Payouts Permission

In your PayPal dashboard, navigate to your account settings and locate the Permissions table. Verify that the Payouts feature has a green checkmark under the Live column. If it does not, click Enable and follow the instructions. You may need to contact PayPal support to activate this feature.

Step 3: Create a Live App

From the left-hand menu, select Apps and Credentials. Ensure you are in Live mode, then click Create App. Name the app appropriately (e.g., "CRM Payouts") and confirm its creation. If you already have a suitable app, you can use it instead.

Step 4: Retrieve Your Credentials

After creating the app, you will see a Client ID and a Secret Key. Copy these values, as you will need them to link PayPal with your CRM.

Step 5: Connect PayPal to Your CRM

In your CRM, go to the Payment Integration settings. Find the PayPal section and click Manage. Paste the Live Client ID and Secret Key you obtained from PayPal. If you are testing, use Sandbox credentials instead and ensure Sandbox mode is selected in PayPal.

Using PayPal for Affiliate Payouts

Once PayPal is connected, you can pay your affiliates directly from the CRM.

Step 1: Go to the Payouts Page

Navigate to the Affiliate Manager section of your CRM and open the Payouts page.

Step 2: View Approved Payouts

Switch to the Approved for Payouts tab to see a list of payments ready to be disbursed.

Step 3: Select Affiliates to Pay

Check the boxes next to the affiliates or specific payouts you wish to process.

Step 4: Initiate Payment

Click the Pay button to process payments for multiple selected affiliates. Alternatively, click the individual Pay icon next to a single affiliate's name to pay them alone.

Step 5: Confirm the Transaction

Review the payout details and click Pay Now to start the transfer. If your PayPal Business account is not properly linked, you will see an error message prompting you to complete the connection.

After Initiating a Payout

Once you click Pay Now, successful payments will appear under the Paid tab. PayPal may take some time to process the transactions, so the status might temporarily show as Pending. Refresh the page to check for updates. Both you and the affiliate will receive a confirmation email once the payout is complete.

Adding an Affiliate's PayPal Account

Before you can pay an affiliate, their PayPal account must be linked in the system. For instructions on how to add or link an affiliate's PayPal details, please refer to the relevant help article.