How billing works for Catalog Ads
This article explains how billing works for Catalog Ads, including payment methods, attribution windows, and budget controls.
Rokt Network Ads run as one cost per click (CPC) campaign from day 1, and Rokt charges your click spend weekly. There is no charge for impressions and no setup fee.
How billing works by campaign typeDirect link to How billing works by campaign type
Rokt Network AdsDirect link to Rokt Network Ads
The shopper clicks your ad and checks out on your store. Rokt charges your click spend weekly and reports the orders it attributes in your Rokt dashboard.
Shoppable AdsDirect link to Shoppable Ads
Rokt facilitates checkout on the partner site. 100% of the purchase price (product, tax, and shipping) settles directly to your linked Stripe account at time of sale, minus Stripe's processing fee (2.9% + 30¢). Ad spend is billed separately on a weekly basis via Catalog for Brands.
Running both campaign typesDirect link to Running both campaign types
If you run both Rokt Network Ads and Shoppable Ads, each follows its own billing: Shoppable sales settle to Stripe at time of sale, and Rokt Network Ads are charged per click. All ad spend is invoiced weekly.
Setting your ROAS (Return on ad spend) or CPA (Cost per acquisition) targetDirect link to Setting your ROAS (Return on ad spend) or CPA (Cost per acquisition) target
During campaign setup, you define your target, either a ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) or a CPA (Cost Per Acquisition). Rokt uses your target to guide bidding and optimize delivery.
You can either confirm Rokt's suggested default or set your own target based on your margin goals. Your target must be acknowledged before your campaign goes live. You can adjust it at any time from your campaign settings.
Your ROAS or CPA target must be confirmed before your campaign launches.
Attribution windowsDirect link to Attribution windows
Attribution windows define how long after an ad interaction an order can be credited to your Rokt campaign:
| Campaign Type | Attribution Window |
|---|---|
| Rokt Network Ads | 7-day click, or 7-day click + 1-day view. |
| Shoppable Ads | 1-day click. The conversion happens directly in the placement, so attribution is immediate. |
For details, see How Catalog Ads attribution works.
Budget controlsDirect link to Budget controls
You set a daily budget during campaign setup. Rokt will not exceed this limit. Campaigns pause automatically when the budget cap is reached.
You can adjust your budget at any time. You can also pause and resume your campaign at any time from your campaign list in Catalog for Brands.
Rokt Network Ads are charged per click, whether or not the click converts.
Billing cadenceDirect link to Billing cadence
Billing is processed weekly, every Monday, via Catalog for Brands.
On your Billing page, ad charges appear in the Billing tab with the descriptor CATALOG - ADS. Shoppable Ads and Rokt Network Ads are combined into a single CATALOG - ADS row per charge date; download the CSV from that row to see the breakdown by ad type. For a full walkthrough, see Understanding your Catalog Ads billing statement and CSV. (The Returns tab covers Marketplace returned-order fees, not ads.)
Payment methodsDirect link to Payment methods
A payment method must be on file before any campaign goes live:
| Method | Processing Fee |
|---|---|
| Bank account (ACH) | 0.4% |
| Credit card | 2.9% |
For Shoppable Ads, you also need a linked Stripe account. This is separate from your billing method; it's how Rokt settles the purchase price to you.
Refunds and returnsDirect link to Refunds and returns
For Shoppable Ads, you handle returns and refunds directly through your standard customer service channels, because you are the Merchant of Record. Marketing costs for Shoppable Ads are non-refundable unless a technical failure has occurred.
For Rokt Network Ads, refund handling follows your existing DTC (direct-to-consumer) return policies.