'Recommend to a friend' form

is it worth having a 'Recommend to a friend' form

[hughie]

I've noticed over the years a few sites using the 'Recommend to a friend' form. I've always avoided this, partly due to problems with SPAM/mail security by allowing email to be sent from my server to random emails( although I'm sure there are fail safes i can install).

What are peoples experiences of this, does it actually help to increase vistors/sales?

Thanks,
Hughie

[Raymond]

I strongly recommend this "recommend to a friend" feature.

Yes, most would avoid it like a plague, but the few that actually uses it brings extremely high conversion rate traffic. I have been collecting stats from this feature for 2 years. It works great.

One thing you must make sure is your script must be able to detect/prevent real IP and header injection. You should also have a timer to prevent people from using your function too frequently.

[hughie]

Thanks Raymond

looks like i'll be adding this to a few sites, i think intially i'll use the function which will add it to the database so it can be approved before sending so i can see whats going on before jumping in at the deepend.

Like you say, flood protection is vital on something like this!

ta,hughie

[Rugles]

>>>I strongly recommend this "recommend to a friend" feature.

I agree, great feature and a must for ecommerce.

[Corey Bryant]

Personally I always avoid them and send the URL myself because I am afraid the website will capture my email or my friend's and start spamming us

-Corey

[etechsupport]

I believe "Recommend to a friend" works well, it is good way to get new customers through recommendation from your existing loyal customers provided that you have developed good relationship with your customers and stick with that what you promise to give them on return.

[ebound]

Could someone explain this a little more in depth please?

detect/prevent real IP and header injection

[Corey Bryant]

ebound, check out www.alt-php-faq.org/local/115

-Corey