How cancellations work

Order Cancellations allow you to cancel an existing order previously accepted into the CJ system. This concept is similar to what CJ has traditionally called a "full correction" for Advertisers using our batch corrections process.

When you request to cancel an order, CJ will process the cancellation and adjust the sale amount, item quantities, publisher commission, and CJ fee to '0'.
If the order you intend to cancel uses open-ended locking, you must pass an order status of 'Declined' in the cancelOrders request.
You may pass an optional Correction Reason with an order cancellation request.

Rules for using cancellations

What you can cancelEligible

Commissionable ordersOnly orders recorded as commissionable in CJ's system are eligible for cancellation.
Open ordersOrders that are not locked or closed at the time the cancellation request is submitted.
Any tracking methodOrders captured through Universal Tag, Tracking API, Data File Import, or Server-to-Server Postback.

What cancellation can't doRestricted

Modify order attributesCancellations do not accept attribute changes. To update order details before cancelling, submit a restateOrders request first.
Combine operationsThe cancellation request identifies the target order by its key fields; CJ's system processes the cancellation against the existing record as-is.
Reverse a cancellationOnce a cancellation is processed, it cannot be undone through the API. Resubmit the order as a new transaction if needed.

How to send cancellations

How would you like to send cancellations?

Choose the method that fits your existing infrastructure. Both options remove commission liability for cancelled or returned orders.

Option 1

Cancellations API

Send cancellations in real time using CJ's GraphQL API. Ideal for teams with a server-side integration or a CDP like Tealium EventStream.

GraphQLReal-timeServer-side

Option 2

Cancellations Data File

Submit cancellations in bulk via SFTP or manual upload. Best for teams that already use batch data exports or scheduled file transfers.

BatchSFTPScheduled

Open Ended Lifecycle (Declined)

How Cancellations Decline Open-Ended Reservations

Send a cancelOrders mutation to transition pended bookings into declined status — preventing commission payout

Full documentation →

CJ affiliate link
is clicked

via publisher

Customer makes
a reservation

hotel, flight, tour…

Data sent to CJ

status = pended

customer action determines outcome

✓

Reservation Completed

Trigger

Customer completes their stay, trip, or booking period

Action

Send an update withstatus = Accepted

Result

Commission is paid out to publisher

Reservation Cancelled

cancelOrders

Trigger

Customer cancels before or during the booking period

Action

Send an update withstatus = Declined

Result

No commission paid — order is declined