> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.openloyalty.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.openloyalty.io/sample-setups/sample-campaigns/11-refer-shopping-friends.md).

# #11 Refer Shopping Friends

{% hint style="info" icon="user-group" %}

### Business case

Referral campaigns turn existing members into program advocates.

Reward the referrer when a referred friend completes a first purchase. Use points for immediate value and a gift for stronger motivation.

**💡 Useful for** acquiring new customers while encouraging first transactions and boosting ACV.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
This campaign involves these mechanics:

* [Referral campaigns](/campaigns/campaigns/campaigns-and-referral-campaigns/creating-campaigns/referral-campaign.md)
* [Purchase transaction triggers](/campaigns/campaigns/campaigns-and-referral-campaigns/creating-campaigns/trigger-types/purchase-transaction.md)
* [Rewards](/rewards-redemption/rewards/reward-list/creating-reward.md)
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Commonly used words in Referral Campaigns:

* **Referrer** – The member who invited a friend&#x20;
* **Referee** – The friend who was invited
  {% endhint %}

### 🛠️ Step by step

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Step 1: Campaign info

* **Path:** Campaigns > Referral > Add refferal campaign

<figure><img src="/files/F1cL3uIhtnbFKeBZP7et" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **Campaign trigger:** Purchase transaction
* **Referral reward depth**: Reward direct referrers only<br>

  <figure><img src="/files/EkuHKIBUic8ImEWP18gf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Learn more about creating referral campaigns:

{% content-ref url="/pages/2TMM68lFVeTp1OgMW7Gf" %}
[Referral Campaign](/campaigns/campaigns/campaigns-and-referral-campaigns/creating-campaigns/referral-campaign.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Step 2: Campaign info

* **Name:** Refer Shopping Friends
* **Start date:** Set your launch date
* **End date:** Optional
* **Status:** Active
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Step 3: Rules & Effects

* **Rules for referrer**
  * **Rule 1:**&#x20;
    * **Conditions**: Empty
    * **Effects**: Add Units, `Default Wallet` , `100`.

<figure><img src="/files/bjBUbuA70F713ptBSz83" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**In plain English**

The referrer (the original member) will receive 100 points when the referee (the friend) makes a purchase.
{% endhint %}

**Rules for the referee**

* **Same as rule 1**

{% hint style="info" %}
**In plain English**

The referee (the friend) will also receive 100 points after completing a purchase.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Step 4: Limitation & budget

* **Campaign limit:** `In total`, `100`.

  <figure><img src="/files/jSg7Vi6wTCQcVbFjlTve" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**In plain English**

The campaign will only occur once, since each member will reach the limit of 100 points after just one occurence.
{% endhint %}

Using a per-member limit controls campaign cost and prevents misuse.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Step 5: Review and save

Review the referral rules, rewards, and limits. Then save and activate the campaign.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Troubleshooting

#### The referrer did not receive points or a gift

Confirm that the referred member completed their first purchase. Check that the campaign is active and the referral relationship exists.

#### The reward is issued more often than expected

Set an **Effect application per member** limit. Ensure the referee condition matches only a first purchase.

#### The gift was not issued

Confirm that the selected reward is active and available. Check that its inventory or coupon pool has remaining stock.


---

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