Do I have to be a Slate client to be a partner?
No. Anyone can be a partner. Most partners are NOT Slate clients themselves. Slate clients are auto-enrolled, but the program is open to everyone.
When do I get paid?
Monthly on the 1st. Direct deposit via Stripe. Payouts start 30 days after your first referral pays. No bank info needed at signup. We set up Stripe with you AFTER you earn your first commission.
Is there a cap on earnings?
No cap. 1 referral or 100. $97 per month per active referral. No limit.
What trades does Slate work with?
Almost all service-based contractor businesses. Top fits: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lawn care & landscaping, residential cleaning, painting, garage door, pest control, locksmith, pool service. Also great for appliance repair, tree service, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, septic, concrete & masonry, tile & stone. A few specialties (solar install, large-scale roofing, fence install) aren't ideal — Slate will tell them straight on the call. Refer anyone in service contracting and let Slate sort it out.
What if my referral cancels?
You stop earning for that one referral. Other referrals keep paying. We text you so you know. If they reactivate, your earnings resume automatically.
How does Slate know who referred who?
Every link has your unique ID baked in. When someone clicks, a 60-day cookie tracks them. When they book or pay, the system attributes them to you automatically. First-click wins if multiple partners share with the same person.
Do I have to disclose I earn money when I share?
Yes. The FTC requires it for ALL referral programs. A simple "I'm a Slate partner and I earn a commission if you sign up" works. We give you templates to copy.
What does Slate cost the contractor?
$297/month. No contracts. Cancel anytime. Includes the website (free, $1,500-$3,000 value elsewhere), missed call text-back, review system, year-long follow-up, and Google Business Profile setup. Used by 1,000+ contractors.
What about taxes?
You're an independent contractor. Stripe collects your W-9 info during onboarding (after first earned referral) and issues a 1099-K if you earn $600+ in a year. Slate doesn't withhold taxes — you handle your own reporting.