> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.yuko.so/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reward Types

> Pick the right reward for the referrer and the friend.

<Note>
  **Where to find this:** Shopify admin → Apps → Yuko Loyalty → Referral → Program Setup → Rewards
</Note>

## Introduction

The referral program supports different reward types for the referrer (existing customer) and the friend (new customer). The two sides are configured independently — you don't have to give the same kind of reward to both.

## What problem this solves

Referrers and friends have different motivations. Referrers want to feel rewarded for sharing; friends want a clear reason to convert. The right reward for one is rarely the right reward for the other.

## Available reward types for referrers

* **Amount discount** — fixed dollar discount on next order.
* **Percentage off** — percentage discount on next order.
* **Free shipping** — removes shipping cost.
* **Free product** — adds a specific product at no cost.
* **Points** — credits the referrer's loyalty points balance (most common).
* **Store credit** — adds a wallet balance.

## Available reward types for friends

* **Amount discount** — fixed dollar discount.
* **Percentage off** — percentage discount.
* **Free shipping** — removes shipping cost.
* **Free product** — adds a specific product at no cost.

Friend rewards are **discount-based only** — they're applied as the new customer checks out for the first time.

## Configuration options

For both referrer and friend rewards, you can set:

* **Reward value** — the dollar / percent / point amount.
* **Minimum purchase** (friend rewards) — friend must spend at least this to qualify.
* **Reward expiry** — how long after issuance the reward stays valid.
* **Maximum redemptions per referrer** — cap how many friends one customer can refer for the reward.

## Decision guidance

### Picking the referrer reward

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Points (most common)">
    Best for engagement-led programs. Slots into the existing loyalty economy and lets the referrer redeem on whatever they want.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Store credit">
    Best for premium brands. Feels like *“cash on file”* and avoids the discount-coupon vibe.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Discount (amount or %)">
    Best when you want quick conversion of the referrer back to a purchase.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Free product">
    Best for high-tier referrers who already buy regularly.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Picking the friend reward

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Amount discount">
    Predictable and easy to communicate. *“Get \$10 off your first order.”*
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Percentage off">
    Best for high-AOV stores where 10–20% is meaningful in absolute terms.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Free shipping">
    Best where shipping is a known cart-abandonment driver.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Free product">
    Best for product launches and discovery items — puts a specific item in the friend's hand.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Combinations that work

| Referrer reward   | Friend reward | Why it works                                              |
| ----------------- | ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| 500 points        | \$10 off      | Engagement-focused; ties referrer back to loyalty program |
| \$20 store credit | 15% off       | Discount-led; clean for premium brands                    |
| Free product      | Free shipping | Non-cash; reads like a gift on both sides                 |

## How it works

* Both rewards are issued when the friend's first order is paid.
* If the order is refunded, both rewards are reversed.
* VIP multipliers apply to point-based referrer rewards.
* Friend rewards are issued as Shopify discount codes.

### Limitations

* Friend rewards must be discount-based — you cannot award points to a brand-new customer.
* The friend reward is single-use; subsequent orders don't reuse it.
* One-active-referral per friend.

## Examples

* *Engagement program:* Referrer earns 500 points, friend gets \$10 off.
* *Premium DTC:* Referrer earns \$20 store credit, friend gets 15% off + free shipping.
* *Launch promo:* Referrer earns a free trial-size product, friend gets free shipping + 10% off.

## Best practices

<Tip>**Don't make either side feel cheap.** A $1 discount looks like a fee.</Tip> <Tip>**Match perceived value on both sides.** Wildly asymmetric rewards (e.g., free product for friend, $1 to referrer) hurt referrer motivation.</Tip>

## FAQs

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I award points to the friend?">
    No — friend rewards are discount-based only. The friend can earn points the normal way after their first order.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I run multiple reward configurations?">
    No — one configuration per program. Use Workflows for more complex referral flows.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Program Setup" icon="gear" href="/referrals/program-setup">
    Configure rewards, sharing, fraud prevention and tracking.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reward Types" icon="gift" href="/referrals/reward-types">
    Pick the right reward for the referrer and the friend.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Storefront Widget" icon="window" href="/referrals/widget">
    Add the share widget to your storefront.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Book a Free Setup Call" icon="phone" href="https://cal.com/rameshelamathi/yuko-demo">
    Talk to our team for personalised setup help.

    **Time:** 30 minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contact Support" icon="life-ring" href="https://yuko.so/support/">
    Visit our support hub for help articles, live chat and ticket submission.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Browse the Guides" icon="book" href="/getting-started/welcome">
    Documentation across loyalty, referrals, memberships and more.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Install Yuko" icon="shop" href="https://apps.shopify.com/yuko">
    Add Yuko to your Shopify store from the Shopify App Store.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>