Why it works
A friend’s recommendation carries more weight than any ad. And a referred customer tends to resemble the one who referred them: if your loyal customer comes every week, their friend probably fits too. A referral programme turns that existing word of mouth into something you can measure and reward.
Reward both
What works best is that both win: the one who invites and the one who arrives. You thank the inviter; you give the newcomer a reason to come in for the first time. For example:
- Café: one stamp each.
- Hair salon: 10% off the next service for both.
- Gym: a free week for the friend and a discounted month for the one who brings them.
Give it when the friend comes back, not when they sign up
If the reward arrives just for signing up, someone can «invite» made-up accounts. It’s safer to give the reward when the new customer makes their first real purchase or visit. That way you only reward real friends.
Make inviting a single tap
If the customer has to explain where you are and what card you have, they won’t do it. Ideally their card has an «Invite a friend» button that shares a link by WhatsApp. The friend opens it, saves their card and it’s recorded who invited them.
Mention it at the right moment
- When the customer redeems a reward: they’re happy and have their phone in hand.
- When they sign up: «if you bring someone, you both get a stamp».
- On a small poster next to the till.
Measure and say thank you
See who brings the most people. Those customers are your ambassadors, and an extra touch (a gift, greeting them by name) encourages them to keep doing it.
In Fidelizando
Each customer has their own invite link in their card’s app. When the friend makes their first visit and gets their first stamp, both receive their reward automatically. In the dashboard you see who has brought the most customers. It’s switched on in your app, in the games and referrals section.
Frequently asked questions
When should I give the referral reward?
Better when the friend makes their first real visit or purchase, not at sign-up. That way you avoid fake invitations.
What reward should I give?
Something for both: a stamp, a discount or a small product for the one who invites and the one who arrives.