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

# Referrals

> How the refer-a-friend programme works, and whether it's right for your restaurant.

## What is Referrals

Referrals is a refer-a-friend programme. Your existing customers share a personal code with friends. When a friend signs up and places their first order, both sides get a discount.

* Email [team@atlas.kitchen](mailto:team@atlas.kitchen) to get started.
* You choose two rewards: one for the existing customer (referrer), one for the new customer (referee). Each can be a fixed amount off or a percentage off, with an optional cap.
* Each programme covers one storefront brand.

<Note>
  Referrals is not a discount or loyalty points. If you just want a promo code, use [Discounts](/merchant-portal/add-discounts) instead.
</Note>

## How diners use it

1. An existing customer gets a personal referral code and share link on their account page.
2. They send the code or link to a friend.
3. The friend signs up on your Atlas Online storefront and enters the code.
4. A discount lands in the friend's account straight away, for example "\$5.00 off - referred by Alex".
5. The friend applies it at checkout on their first order.
6. Once that order is placed, a discount also lands in the referrer's account for their next order.

## Where it works

* **Entering the referral code**: Atlas Online storefront only, at sign-up or on the account's Referrals page. Scan-to-Order and kiosk have no place to enter a referral code.
* **Using the reward**: the discount is a personal promo code created in the friend's account, so it shows in their promo wallet wherever they're logged in (Atlas Online, Scan-to-Order, kiosk). They apply it at checkout like any promo code. POS and guest checkout don't count, since there's no account attached.

## Is Referrals right for you

Referrals works best if:

* Your customers order online and you want new customer acquisition, not just repeat visits.
* You're happy to fund a two-sided discount (you pay for both rewards).
* Your brand has a storefront where diners create accounts.

It's probably not for you if most of your orders come through POS, aggregators, or guest checkout, since those orders can't trigger the reward.

## Next steps

* [Discounts](/merchant-portal/add-discounts)
* [Loyalty sign-up](/merchant-portal/loyalty-signup)


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