40 best referral program examples
For your convenience, we have compiled the top 40 referral program examples from various industries. From e-commerce to SaaS to other industries, you’ll discover ideas to create a referral program that engages your audience and boosts growth.
Referral programs are strategic marketing initiatives in which people are offered rewards or benefits in return for introducing new customers to a business. This can help drive word-of-mouth marketing and customer acquisition.
Customer referral programs are very helpful for businesses that want to get more customers and keep the ones they are having.
Looking for inspiration to create a high-converting referral program? This section provides more detailed information about the best referral program examples, from e-commerce and SaaS to the F&B industry, among others.
Examples include Dropbox (500 MB free space), Amazon Prime ($5 credit), and ThredUp ($40 credit for referrer, 45% off + free shipping for referee). They succeed because they are easy to understand, provide attractive incentives for both parties and can target specific customer segments (e.g., environmentally conscious shoppers for ThredUp).
These programs can also offer a variety of rewards, such as points, credits, or even physical products. Examples include PayPal (1000 points for both parties), Hiver (a tiered reward system with cash and physical rewards), and GetResponse ($30 credit for both parties). Their success often comes from clear and attainable reward goals, tiered structures that motivate further referrals, and attractive incentives like cash or physical products.
Keep reading for more!
At the top of the list of referral marketing best practices that we introduce in this article is Dropbox’s referral program. As you can see from the three clear and simple instructions in the image below. When someone you refer signs up for an account, you both get extra space—500 MB for Basic users and 1 GB for Plus users.
Why do they succeed?
We think Dropbox’s referral program’s success must first come from its clarity and visibility. No doubt, customers want rewards programs that are easy to understand and join.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good deal? That’s why the second reason has to do with encouraging individuals to refer others and providing them with incentives to do so.
Also, Dropbox’s rewards tiers for Basic and Plus users are different. We can say this company is trying to attract high-value consumers. But we think it’s possible because referred customers have a 37% higher probability of making another purchase.
Amazon Prime’s referral program is the second case study we want to introduce. The Amazon Prime referral program reward is a referral credit ($5) that can be used towards future purchases on Amazon.com.
This differs from Dropbox’s referral program, which we discussed above. Amazon Prime’s referral program terms and conditions explicitly mention any direct reward for the referred individual.
So, why is it still successful?
It cannot be denied that a strong brand reputation plays a big role in Amazon Prime’s success.
In the US alone, by 2024, the number of Amazon Prime members is projected to reach more than 180 million users. That means Amazon already has a community supporting them. Now, they can leverage the excitement of current Prime members to recruit new customers, a cost-effective and efficient technique.
Next is ThredUp, a sustainable fashion brand. The referred person will receive 45% off plus free shipping, and the referrer will receive $40 credit.
So, why is it successful?
The success of the ThredUp program comes from two factors: Shared purpose and value.
Salesforce data shows that 68% of customers like businesses that do good for society. That makes us believe that ThredUp’s referral program works because it fits the company’s brand ideals. They have a group of customers who really care about the environment, and 71% of those customers will recommend a brand because they have a personal connection to it.
At the same time, the rewards for referrers and referred people are also very attractive. Limited time and tiered referral program encourage referrers, such as successfully referring 5 people and receiving a free shipping code.
The third position on the list of referral programs for e-commerce is Casper. Their referrer receives a $75 Amazon Gift Card. Also, the referrer’s link gives their friend 25% off their first Casper mattress.
So, why is it still successful?
The first is because this is a two-sided referral program. Both the referrer and the friend get something good out of it. Plus, offering an Amazon gift card is a smart move. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we know you might not need another mattress right now, but here’s something you’ll definitely love.”
Moreover, as you can see in the image above, the referral program landing page is super inviting – it makes us want to unbox a Casper mattress immediately.
Like Amazon Prime’s referral program, we mentioned, Zulily’s program is a one-sided referral program. Zulily only offers CAD$15 credit to referrers when a referred friend makes their first buy. There are no specific rewards for an introduced person.
So, why is it still successful?
We think Zulily’s refer-a-friend program looks pretty sharp. They’ve used bright, eye-catching buttons for popular email services (Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo), which makes it super easy to share.
It’s also cool that the rewards are in local currency – that shows they’re thinking about customers in different countries.
Unlike all the referral program case studies we discussed above, Wayfair is the first affiliate program to appear in this blog post. Wayfair affiliates get 7% commissions on every buy, a 7-day referral period, and over two million goods in their data feeds.
Why is it still successful?
We can say Wayfair’s affiliate marketing stands out because it’s designed for success. With a dedicated team, great commission rates, and a huge product selection, it’s easy to see why affiliates love it.
Plus, having a longer cookie window means affiliates have more time to make a sale and get rewarded.
Topping the list of referral program strategies in the fashion industry is the Sanctuary Clothing brand.
Sanctuary Clothing’s refer-a-friend program offers $20 off to referees for their first order of at least $100. At the same time, the referrer will receive $20 off for each successful referral.
Why is it still successful?
Similar to ThredUp, Sanctuary Clothing is also an eco-movement and environmentally-conscious brand. That makes Sanctuary own a community of loyal customers who share the same values.
And it’s clear that Sanctuary wants to attract high-value customers since they make you place a minimum order to get a $100 bonus. We think it’s a smart strategy because customers are willing to spend double on the brands they like.
One of the best referral program examples is Primary, a kids’ clothing brand. They offer 25% off when a referred places their first order and 20% off for a successful referral.
Why is it successful?
Just like previous two-sided referral programs, Primary is successful in that they provide benefits to both the referrer and the referee.
However, unlike Sanctuary’s referral program above, Primary does not set a minimum value for the first order. We consider this the brightest plus point because it makes this program more accessible.
Goodlife, a minimalist fashion brand that still focuses on quality. They has a referral program that offers $50 off to referred when their first order is over $100, and the referrer receives $50 in GoodLife credit.
Why is it successful?
Goodlife’s referral program is as minimalist as the mission its brand is committed to. We like the fact that P.E. Nation just needs an email address to enable sharing. Also, their success is similar to Sanctuary’s referral program promotion, but with a $50 GL credit, customers will be motivated to make orders, thereby driving revenue.
Continuing the series of best referral program examples is the Toad&Co brand, a fashion brand based in California. Toad&Co refer a friend program gives referred people $20 off their first order over $100. The referrer will receive $20 in rewards points into their account.
Why is it successful?
If you read through our previous nominations, you will recognize the common motif of Toad&Co’s program, such as Sanctuary Clothing or Goodlife’s program promotion above.
But here’s the catch: with $20 worth of Toad&Co rewards points. Customer may redeem them for reeme point products or discount vouchers in the customer loyalty program. This gives customers more choices.
The Ruti referral program offers a $55 discount to friends and family members whose first purchase is $100 or more. In this case, the referral will get $55 off.
Why is it successful?
Just like the success of previous programs, more than 39% of people are likely to give a referral if offered a direct incentive, according to ReferralCandy’s research. But it can be said that Ruti’s program offers the most attractive discount with $55 off, equal to half of their minimum order value.
As you can see in the image below, within the P.E Nation program, the referred and referrer receive a $20 discount.
Why is it successful?
P.E Nation’s program is like Primary’s two-sided referral program because it does not require a minimum order value. We also like that the program is easy to understand, the terms are clear, and the double-sided reward is attractive and easy to spot.
Petal And Pup’s referral program offers $20 off first-order referrals, and referrals get $20 for each successful referral. Its success was similar to previous programs.
Glassons’ program is more special than previous programs, requiring a minimum order value of $50 or more for both the referrer and the referred person to receive a $10 discount.
However, Glasson’s weakness is that they only provide notification through the referral program terms and conditions page. While we value clarity and transparency, too much information can frustrate and cause users to lose patience.
Frank & Oak pays $15 for the first order referred; the referrer will get Frank Rewards points worth $15.
Why is it successful?
We love Frank & Oak’s pun on “Friends don’t gatekeep.” It means true friends are open and inclusive and don’t try to hoard information, experiences, or opportunities. This shows the importance of writing a program description and an attractive call to action.
JackThreads’ program is special in that it is a tiered referral program. Referreds receive $10 off for signing up, and the referrer receives $20 off when they place their first order.
Why is it successful?
We appreciate the tiered referral rewards format. After the referred person receives $10 off, they will be motivated to place their first order. Then, the referrer will now receive $20 off. This strategy is highly converting and more accessible than high minimum order value requirements,
Eva’s referral program gives referrers a $50 Visa Gift Card when a referred friend purchases a mattress or Everyday Sofa using their unique invite link. A referred friend will get a $50 discount on mattresses.
Why is it successful?
In our opinion, Eva’s program is valuable because it offers a Visa gift card, which is a prepaid card that can be used for purchases at any location that accepts Visa Debit Cards.
Spanx’s referral program uses combined rewards. The referred person will receive 15% off more on their first order over $75, and the referrer will receive $20 off.
From the consumer’s perspective, we would not be happy because they leave the caption “Valid on purchases of $75 or more” as just a tiny line below the call-to-action button. This can cause customers to be confused or misunderstand, leading to many problems later on.
Indochino refers to a friend program for both the referrer and the referred person, which offers a $50 discount. We can say that a high discount value and no minimum order requirements are the factors that make this program successful.
For referrer rewards, Acai Outdoor Wear offers a £10 discount on their next order (minimum spend £50) after a successful referral. Referred friend rewards offer a £10 discount on their first order (minimum spend £50).
What did they do well?
Honestly, in our opinion, Acai Outdoor Wear is the only program in this blog post with the most impressive and sincere opening description. This sincerity will be the highlight for customers to be motivated to share the common values they feel.
Versed Skin offers 15% off on the first order referred, and referrals get 150 points ($15 value) for each successful referral.
What do they do well?
Like other programs that do not require a minimum order, Versed Skin has offered attractive referral discounts.
However, Versed Skin focuses more on referrers because it gives 150 points (a $15 value). If customers love its products and feel satisfied, they’re more likely to recommend to others. Versed Skin knows it. That means it is banking on customer satisfaction and loyalty to fuel its referral program.
It would be hard to discuss referral programs for beauty without discussing The Body Shop. They offer £10 off for referrals and 20% off for referrals’ next order.
What do they do well?
First of all, this program aligns with the brand’s focus on ethical and sustainable beauty. It appeals to its target audience and fosters a sense of customer community.
Also, we love to see both parties getting rewarded. This is an attractive effective strategy to encourage sharing the referral’s interest in your business.
MAC’s referral program offers a similar offer to The Body Shop, but MAC requires a referred to make a minimum purchase of £50 to receive £10 off. Also, the referrer will receive £10 off their £50+ order.
As Glassons, MAC’s program’s referral program requires a minimum order value for both referrers. We think the premise is that they can do that because they provide high-end cosmetics.
But why is it still a success?
We appreciate the landing program design for MAC’s program; the color is very eye-catching, and the step instructions are also very clear.
Topping this list is a referral program for education; Kiwi Co provides subscription boxes and stem, steam, science, and art kits for kids. Their program offers referrals and referrals $10 USD off their first order.
Why is it successful?
It can be seen that Kiwi Co’s products are very unique, so they have their place as well as their own community of loyal people. So, this is an advocacy program.
Woof Pack is a Canadian dog toy and treats subscription box service referral program. They gives the referred $20 off the 1st box on the 6 and 12-month plans. The referrer will receive a $40 discount.
Why is it successful?
Dog owners are likely to recommend products that their pets enjoy, so the referral program taps into this existing enthusiasm. Emphasizing subscription plans helps Woof Pack build long-lasting ties with customers and boosts the chances of ongoing revenue.
BeFrugal is the site for cashback and coupons. They offer a referral program that offers referred friends a $10 sign-up bonus when they receive their first $10 cash back. Meanwhile, the referrer will receive a $40 bonus for each qualified referral.
Why is it successful?
BeFrugal offers the most sharing options we’ve seen in this blog. It includes social media platforms, copying and pasting the referral link, website banner, and email.
Besides, the referrer earns more than the referred friend, which will create good motivation for them to be willing to introduce themselves. Also, new clients can easily become the next referrer.
CoinTracker is a portfolio tracker. This is the second affiliate program we have mentioned in this blog (After Wayfair’s affiliate program). They offer the referred person a 10% discount for all Account Upgrades. Also, the referrer will receive 20% of the purchase price.
Why is it successful?
We like CoinTracker’s strategy of offering discounts on account upgrades. This encourages users to invest in premium features and potentially increases their revenue.
IMGM Media created the newsletter Daquan. For each successful referral, referrers receive points toward rewards. Participants may also ask others to join the Daquan newsletter by sharing their special referral link.
Why is it successful?
We think Daquan’s content resonates with its audience; subscribers are more likely to recommend it to like-minded individuals. Moreover, Daquan taps into a potentially engaged and interested audience by targeting current subscribers.
Smile Direct Club is an American teledentistry company. Their referral program gives the referred person $100 off their aligners, and the referrer will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
Why is it successful?
We think both the referrer and the referred individual receive valuable incentives. Smile Direct Club’s target market will likely appreciate the convenience and affordability of their aligners.
Busbud affiliate program offers a 2% commission on all orders generated through their unique affiliate link. There may be chances for special commissions, customer deals, and higher monthly rewards. This potential profit makes the program a success.
PayPal’s referral program incentives offer both receive 1,000 points (enough for $10 in cash back) when their friend sends or spends $5 or more within 30 days of signing up.
So, why is it successful?
The recommended friend’s behavior (sending or spending $5+) determines the referrer’s reward. We love value clear and attainable targets. Additionally, because most users can easily transfer or spend $5 or more, the criteria are simple and realistic.
Hiver offers a tiered reward system based on the number of qualified referrals.
Base Reward:
Milestone Bonuses:
So, why is it successful?
We love that the tiered reward structure creates a sense of progression and encourages users to refer more people to reach higher reward levels.
Also, Hiver is the first program in this blog post with physical rewards like a Kindle, dinner, and an iPhone that is appealing to many people and can increase motivation to participate.
ActiveCampaign is an affiliate program that offers a commission-based referral program. The referrer can earn a commission of 20-30% regularly for each referred customer that signs up.
We tried the calculation, if the referred pays $100 this month, you earn 20 dollars. If the referred person spends $1000 a month, you get $200. That means the more customers you refer, and the longer they stick around, the more you can earn, up to a 30% commission.
This attractive commission is the main reason why the program is successful.
Among tiered referral programs is the GetResponse program. For every successful referral, both the referrer and the person they recommended will earn a $30 credit on their GetResponse account. After three successful referrals, the referrer receives a free digital marketing package.
We love direct financial incentives. The $30 credit towards the GetResponse bill is a tangible and appealing reward for referrers. This program is also simple to use, and the double-sided incentive is a terrific practice.
Note that Airbnb’s guest referral program has ended. The information below is only relevant for those who joined the program before it ended. We added it to this list because it is one of the best referral program examples.
Do you remember the Glassons program we introduced above? Like them, the Airbnb referral program does not have a landing page but only a referral program terms and conditions announcement page.
The referrer will earn “Travel Credits” towards future Airbnb bookings (homes or experiences) for referring friends who become new users. The referring friend will receive a coupon for their first booking on Airbnb (the amount specified in the referral invitation).
So, why is it successful?
We love this program, which accommodates different types of users (hosts, guests, and experience bookers) with varying reward structures. Also, the potential to earn many Travel Credits based on different types of referrals encourages continued participation.
Keep in mind that, like Airbnb’s referral program, Eventbrite will not be giving out new referral points after January 2024. Any credits you already have will still work until their end date. This was added to the list for future use.
Referrals to EventBrite get savings on tickets they buy through the site as a prize for telling their friends about it. A friend who was suggested also got a discount on their first Eventbrite ticket buy.
We believe the chance for more ticket sales through good connections can help Eventbrite sell more tickets and make more money.
Like Hiver, as discussed above, Tile’s referral program also provides physical rewards. It is a free Tile product used when the referrer reaches 2 successful referrals, which is the program’s most attractive point.
DigitalOcean’s program offers referrer rewards of $25 credit when a referred customer spends $25. For referred friend rewards, they get a $200 credit for 60 days after they add a valid payment method to their account.
What did they do well?
That DigitalOcean is the only program on this blog post offering particular, visual, detailed, step-by-step instructions on their refer-a-friend program operations makes us happy and impressed.
After a successful referral, the Uber referrer receives a $5 discount on their next Uber ride, while the referred friend receives a $2 discount on their first three Uber rides.
This program was successful because it is easy to understand and take part in, requiring minimal effort from users.
Following a successful reference, GrubHub will give the referral a discount code or special link they can use on their next order. The number of good recommendations and the exact rate may vary.
Also, the referred friend will receive a discount code or unique link for their first GrubHub order.
Why is it successful?
We think the shining point is this program’s alignment with user behavior. referral program for food delivery is often shared among friends and family, making it a natural fit.
Read more: 14 Real Small Business Referral Program Examples.
Now that we’ve examined several effective referral programs, you can design your own potent plan. You can encourage your delighted customers to become brand champions by providing incentives and rewards.
If you’re a Shopify store owner seeking a user-friendly solution to install your referral program, consider BON Loyalty. This Shopify app simplifies your referral program’s creation, customization, and management.
Read more: How to Create Referral Links for Shopify Stores? [With Examples]
Lindsey Nguyen is a Content Marketing Specialist at BON Loyalty, specializing in digital marketing and eCommerce. At BON Loyalty, she crafts content that empowers Shopify store owners to build and sustain thriving customer relationships through innovative loyalty programs. Her articles, often featured on the BON Loyalty blog, provide valuable strategies and insights that help businesses enhance customer loyalty and increase customer lifetime value.
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