---
id: "AE24-014"
category: "strategy"
confidence: 0.94
date: "2026-02-16"
source_file: "hive/progress/session_22_handoff.md (Session 22, Strategic Decision #1)"
---

# AE24-014

Affiliate distribution is superior to white-label for early-stage products: brand stays yours (building equity), agencies earn 20-33% recurring lifetime commissions (aligned incentives), and you maintain pricing control. White-label dilutes brand before it's established and creates support burden for custom branding.
