Always start with a free trial before committing — most affiliate platforms offer 14–30 day trials that let you validate tracking, integrations, and publisher access at no cost.
Switch to annual billing when you're ready to commit; most platforms discount 20–40% versus monthly, and stacking an available promo code on top increases the saving further.
Time new account signups around Q1, major marketing conferences, or end-of-quarter periods when platforms are most likely to run onboarding promotions or waive setup fees.
Ask your account rep directly about unpublished discounts — affiliate platforms frequently offer custom promo codes or reduced deposit minimums to close deals that aren't listed publicly.