What do you think of this marketing idea....

[tomld2]

Hi folks, I'd like to hear your opinion on this marketing idea:

My order system uses a number system to count the orders like #003000, #003001, #003002, etc. I have considered printing up custom flourecent labels starting with my current order number all the way up to about #010000. Then for each order I would include a preprinted postcard sized advertisement that says "Tell your friend about 'this product' and we'll mail you a $5 check for each customer you refer. Just tell them to enter the number on the flourecent label when ordering." On the preprinted card I'll stick the custom printed label with that customers order number. So if they do refer someone it'll be easy to keep track of who sent the order and who I owe $5 to. I could track the referred orders manually or if it picks up, I imagine I could easily have some custom programming done to take it through my existing affiliate program.

So what do you guys think about this idea? I like the idea of offer ALL of my customers the opportunity to make some money my referring others and not requiring them to signup for an affiliate program or even own a website. Basically this would make all my customers a potential affiliate.

Do you think customers would respond well? I think it should highly encourage them to not only mention my product to friends, family, and co-workers, but now it may entice them to encourage their friends to purchase and enter their order number when doing so.

Is this a good idea? It would be very cost effective and simple to implement. What do you think the % of customers to take advantage of the offer would be? Anyone tried it before?

Thanks
Tom

[Abdelrhman Fahmy]

you may offer some thing also (may be 5% discount) for the FRIEND to attract him to come and use the code
And it's will need more custom programming,
it's some referral modules and scripts ready to do the whole process you may try to find one and integrate it with your current shopping cart
And to avoid the headache of the printing and labeling this module always offer a generated Codes delivered to the buyers e-mail (but still the printed cards is more stylish ;) )

[tomld2]

The thing with including a printed card is they can actually give it to their friend, whereas you can't really give an email to someone. Plus it'll look a litte more personalized and with the product in hand if they like it, they will be more inclined to tell friends. Where-as a confirmation email, they won't have the product yet.