Frequently Asked Questions
The Program
What is the Stylist Affiliate Program?
Virtue’s stylist affiliate program allows you to earn money back on all orders your clients place through your unique affiliate link, from their first order to every purchase afterwards. Stylists typically earn a 20% commission on all referred purchases, but during this uncertain time, we’re temporarily increasing that commission to 30%. There are no hidden fees, ongoing purchases or minimum sales required. Simply earn commission on what you sell.
What do I get as a Stylist Affiliate?
A unique affiliate link to share with clients to earn commission on all sales
Virtue educational materials and virtual trainings
A sneak peek at upcoming sales and discounts to incentivize purchase and drive sales
Eligibility
Who can join the affiliate program?
Actively licensed cosmetologists residing in the United States.
I don’t live in the US. Why can’t I join?
We’re still in the beta launch of the affiliate program. Each country has unique privacy laws on what consumer data we can share — and we plan to share more when our pro site launches. For this reason, we’re starting in the USA only.
Are there monthly sales requirements to stay inthe program?
No, there is not a minimum sales requirement.
I also represent other hair brands as an affiliate. Is that OK?
Yes. Thank you for choosing to share Virtue, too!
Setup Needs
What’s the cost to join?
To help support you through COVID-19 closures, we have removed the requirement to buy a $198 starter kit — this program is now completely free to join for all salons and stylists.
Are there any other additional fees?
No, there are no additional fees. You don’t have to worry about a maintenance charge for your website, credit card processing fees or any other hidden charges.
What size should my profile photo be?
The ideal size for your profile is 300 x 300px, max 5MB. It doesn’t have to be square, though. You can zoom in-and-out and reposition your photo as needed.
What is a W-9 and why do you need this?
A W-9 is needed to comply with federal tax law. It provides us tax information, so we can notify the IRS of the amount. At the end of the year, if the affiliate has earned $600 or more, we’ll send a 1099-MISC tax form.
Where do I get a W-9 form?
Use the Docusign link to securely complete your W-9. A copy will automatically be sent to Bill.com, who will reach out to you to activate your free account for payments.
To expedite your approval, download a finished copy and email it to professionals@virtuelabs.com to complete your registration.
Watch the process: https://vimeo.com/399054915
How Payments Work
How do commissions work?
You make 30% commission (increase from 20% through COVID-19) on all products sold through your personalized link. Your clients must use your unique link to count toward your commission - it cannot be applied retroactively - and self purchases are ineligible.
How and when do I get paid?
To help during this challenging time, we are temporarily issuing daily payouts, which are issued on the ship date (due to social distancing rules, please be patient with ship times).
If you are connected to Bill.com for e-payment, the payment will arrive directly to your account within 5 business days. Otherwise, the payment will be issued via check, which could take up to 7 days.
Normally, commissions are issued bi-weekly on the 15th and 30th of each month through direct deposit or by check to the address you provide on your W-9 - your choice when you set up your Bill.com account. To help during this challenging time, we are temporarily issuing daily payouts.
Bill.com Setup
After submitting your W-9 via Docusign, look for an email from Bill.com to set up your payments account. This may take a couple of days. There is no fee to use Bill.com.
How much can I expect to earn as a Virtue affiliate?
Your potential is limitless. We do not put a cap on earnings. What you make is entirely up to you! Drop us a line and let us know if there’s more we can do to support your efforts.
When should I expect my end-of-year tax forms(1099-MISC)?
If you have earned at least $600 over the tax year, Virtue will furnish a 1099-MISC form to you before the deadline, January 31st. Regardless of your earnings, you are required to report all income to the IRS.
Does Virtue withhold taxes?
No. As an affiliate, you are an independent contractor, so we do not withhold taxes from your commission.
Stocking Back Bar
Do I get a discount to buy Virtue products?
Yes. The affiliate program allows you to buy back bar products at wholesale prices, without carrying Virtue in your salon.
Do I have to buy and keep an inventory of products?
No, that’s the beauty of this program. You never have to worry about holding stock.
How do I order my back bar products?
Until our pro site launches later this year for online ordering, please reach out to your rep directly or email professionals@virtuelabs.com to place an order.
General Questions
When will I know if I’ve been approved as an affiliate?
New stylist accounts require license verification before gaining access to register as an affiliate. However, if you are already registered as a Virtue Pro, log in to your stylist account to complete your affiliate profile. Please allow 48 hours for approvals for each step in the registration process. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your registration is approved and your unique link is unlocked. Log in to your account to access your link and start sharing with your clients to earn commission on sales.
Do you offer education and training?
Yes, we offer both branded and trade education. You can start watching this video on Virtue’s technology and top-selling products, or request 1:1 training with a Virtue educator through your rep.
We’re also putting together some IGTV and other online content and host in-person master classes with some of the industry’s top talent.
Who handles all of my affiliate/salon-related questions?
Please reach out directly to your rep. If you’re unsure who that is or lost their information, please email professionals@virtuelabs.com or call 844-782-4247.
Who handles all of my customers’ questions?
Virtue’s dedicated Customer Care team is happy to help your clients. Have them email us at customercare@virtuelabs.com or call 844-782-4247, Monday-Friday between 9am and 5pm EST. They can also check our FAQ page for quick answers.
Where can I get content to promote Virtue?
OUR BRAND IS FREE OF SULFATES, PARABENS, PHTHALATES, SYNTHETIC COLORS AND DYES. GLUTEN FREE. CRUELTY FREE.