More information needed to provide a helpful answer. If you are referring to" paying another affiliate or entity for a new affiliate signup (as in, the new affiliate is the "lead" in this instance): I would advise against this.

Unless the affiliate you are working with has a solid track record and you trust that they are a "connector" whereas, you are confident he/she can bring other successful affiliates: you are more than likely going to end up paying for affiliates that don't perform given the 90/10 rule of affiliate programs.

Along with this: Affiliates might ask you to make it an MLM strategy where they get a cut of the commissions of their down stream affiliates (they recruited). In my experience - I have never seen this really work to a merchant's advantage at all.

Separately, If in your original question you were referring to how much should your commission rate be for affiliates - then, pretty good answers are here: https://clarity.fm/questions/4466/i-am-planning-to-start-join-affiliate-program-but-not-sure-how-should-i-go

Hope this info helps! Happy to take a call to provide you tailored advice. Thanks!