This is a high-level summary of the tracking process from offer creation to payment. Understanding how the offer process works with tracking technology is key. It will help you get the most out of your Rakuten partnerships.

1. Offer Creation
   • The first step is the advertiser creates and extends the offer to publishers. This is also where you will define the terms for the specific compensation for the publishers in your program.
2. Offer Acceptance
   • Once the offer is extended or made available to publishers, they may accept it with the terms outlined.
3. Tracking
   • Tracking is the third step. A publisher is generating clicks, and the clicks are delivered to the advertiser. Site conversion happens and the activity is sent back to the network server.
4. Data Mapping
   • The next step is data mapping. Rakuten takes the recorded click and transaction information and aligns the information together to provide evidence of referral to conversion.
5. Commissioning
   • Once Rakuten has that information we determine the commission based on the offer. This process considers things like SKUs that should be commissioned differently, return days, and any offer terms.
6. Payments
   • The last step is payment to the publisher. Advertisers approve payments based on the monthly invoicing process, and Rakuten distributes payments to approved publishers.