New How to choose an offer in arbitrage: what to look for besides the bid

A high payout rate is what webmasters most often pay attention to. Because of this, a test often turns out to be unprofitable. An offer with a $5 higher payout might not generate income if it has a high minimum deposit, complex KPIs, or payment systems that don't work in the target region.

Let's break down how to choose an offer so the rate actually translates into a payout.

Why the Rate Isn't Everything

A webmaster gets paid not for the rate itself, but for the number of conversions that lead to a payout. Therefore, an offer is evaluated based on all conditions: how many players will complete the required action, how many the advertiser will approve after verification, and when the payouts will be received.

Here's an example. An offer with a $30 rate and a high minimum deposit sometimes yields less profit than a $20 offer if it's easier for the player to make the first deposit. Look not only at the rate but also at the Earnings Per Click (EPC) and the percentage of conversions that pass verification.

GEO and Vertical

Choosing an offer begins with the GEO. This affects traffic costs, the test budget, and creative requirements. In Tier-1, payouts are higher, but leads are more expensive. In Tier-2 and Tier-3, traffic is cheaper. You need to check if the brand supports local payment methods.

Next, choose the vertical and the product. Creatives and audience engagement for different products will vary, even within the same GEO.

Allowed Traffic Sources

Every offer has a list of allowed sources. Violating this list often results in non-payment.

The rate is usually tied to the source. Traffic from SEO, ASO, PPC, and in-app typically pays more. Social media traffic has a lower rate. Push notifications, teaser ads, and email campaigns often have the lowest rates or are not accepted at all. If a source isn't specified in the conditions, ask your manager before launching.

Check the restrictions on methods: many advertisers do not allow incentivized traffic, promises of guaranteed wins, or the use of celebrity images.

Target Action and Baseline

• The target action is what the advertiser pays for: registration, first-time deposit (FTD), or a deposit meeting the baseline.
  
  
• The baseline is the minimum condition for a conversion to be counted. Usually, this is the minimum deposit. Sometimes you need to make a deposit plus a certain additional amount or make several payments within a specified timeframe.
  

The main rule: the baseline must be achievable for the average player in the chosen GEO. If the minimum deposit is too high, the conversion rate drops, even if the payout rate seems favorable. Compare the rate, minimum deposit, and baseline together, not separately.

KPI

KPIs are the quality requirements for traffic: the number of repeat deposits, the total deposit amount, and how frequently players are active. If the traffic doesn't meet the KPIs, the advertiser may refuse to pay for all or part of the flow.

KPIs during testing and scaling often differ. Sometimes there are no KPIs during testing, but when caps are increased, conditions regarding redeposits and deposit amounts are added. It's better to find this out in advance. This way, a campaign that performed well during testing won't fail at a larger volume.

Cap

The cap is the maximum number of conversions the advertiser is willing to accept. Initially, a small test cap is usually set. If the advertiser is satisfied with the traffic quality, the cap is increased.

Before launching, clarify:

• What the test cap is and for what period;
  
  
• What is required to have it expanded;
  
  
• Whether conversions are paid for if the cap has already been reached.
  

The last point is crucial. If overflow is unpaid and you aren't monitoring the cap, part of your budget will be wasted.

Hold and Payout Terms

The hold is the period during which the advertiser verifies the traffic before paying. While the hold is long, your money remains frozen. You will need more working capital to operate.

Check if the hold fits your cash flow. A short hold with a high rate isn't always profitable because if the traffic fails verification, you won't get paid. An offer with a longer verification period but clear quality requirements can deliver more stable results.

Clarify when reconciliation with the advertiser takes place, what the minimum payout amount is, and what withdrawal methods are available.

Product and Payment Methods

Even the best traffic won't convert if the product is inconvenient for the player. Before launching, look at the offer through the user's eyes:

• Payment Methods. You need to verify whether the popular payment methods in the GEO are working right now. If a transaction fails, the player leaves without making a deposit. It's best to check payment methods regularly, for example, with the help of a manager.
  
  
• Localization. Is the product translated into the local language, and does it work well on mobile devices?
  
  
• Usability. How fast is registration, and are there unnecessary steps before depositing?
  
  
• Bonuses and Retention. Welcome bonuses encourage the first deposit. A retention system helps meet redeposit KPIs.
  

Brand and Reputation in the GEO

A well-known brand receives more deposits because players prefer putting money where they've already heard of the brand. In countries with strong local leaders, a new brand struggles, which lowers the CR (Conversion Rate).

Read what players are saying about the brand, and see if it appears in local advertising and sports sponsorships. If a brand delays payouts to players, you'll quickly notice a drop in traffic.

What Is Not Paid For

Before launching, always read the restrictions section. Usually, the following are not paid for:

• Fraud and multi-accounts;
  
  
• Incentivized and scheme traffic;
  
  
• Duplicates;
  
  
• Players without wagering or gaming activity;
  
  
• Chargebacks and refunds;
  
  
• Traffic from prohibited sources or using prohibited methods.
  

If anything is unclear, ask your manager before launching, not after reconciliation.

Pre-Launch Checklist

• The GEO and vertical suit your experience and budget.
  
  
• Your traffic source is allowed. The rate is appropriate for it.
  
  
• The baseline and minimum deposit are suitable for players in this region.
  
  
• KPIs during testing and scaling are known.
  
  
• It is clear what the test cap is and how it can be increased. It is known whether overcap is paid.
  
  
• The hold and payout terms align with your working capital.
  
  
• Payment methods work. The product is localized and user-friendly for local players.
  
  
• Restrictions on what is not paid for have been checked.
  
  
• Conditions are recorded in the dashboard, not just in chat.
  

How to Choose an Offer in CPAgetti

In CPAgetti, all conditions are available on the offer card: GEO, source, rate, minimum deposit, baseline, cap, KPIs, hold, and payment rules. A manager selects an offer tailored to your source and GEO, explaining traffic requirements in advance.

How payouts work:

• The hold period varies for each offer and is specified in the description;
  
  
• Initial traffic verification can take 2–4 weeks, depending on the vertical;
  
  
• Payouts are processed after the advertiser verifies the traffic.
  

Register with CPAgetti

FAQ

How should a beginner choose an offer?Start with a GEO and source you are familiar with. Take offers with clear conditions, realistic baseline metrics, and a small test limit. Scale only after your first payout.

Which is better: a high rate or a short hold?Don't just pick one. The main thing is what portion of the traffic will pass verification and get paid. Look at the rate alongside the baseline, KPIs, and source requirements.

What does "baseline" mean in an offer?The minimum condition for a conversion to be counted — for example, a minimum deposit or a deposit plus another specific amount.

Why might traffic not be paid for?Usually, this happens due to unmet KPIs, prohibited sources or methods, incentivized traffic, fraud, or duplicates.

Can offer conditions be changed?Sometimes, yes. Custom conditions, such as a higher rate or an expanded cap, are discussed with a manager, usually after a successful test.

Conclusion

The rate shows how much you can earn per conversion. The other conditions show how many conversions will actually reach that payout. Before launching, check the GEO, source, baseline, KPIs, cap, hold, product, and restrictions, and ensure all agreements are recorded in your dashboard.

Want to find an offer for your source? Write to a CPAgetti manager!