Referral request templates

The best time to ask for a referral is right after a customer says they are happy. Here are a text, an email and a card, ready to fill in, copy and send.

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Let Koira send it: ReferralsNothing you type here is sent anywhere. Copy, then paste into your phone or email.

Referral text

Text

Hi [Customer name], thank you again for the kind words about the [Job]. If a friend or neighbor ever needs [Your service], we would be glad to help them too. Here is a link you can share: [Referral link]. [Thank-you offer]

Past customer email

Email with subject line

Subject: A quick favor from [Your business]

Hi [Customer name], It has been a while since we did your [Job], and I hope it is still holding up well. Most of our work comes from people like you telling a friend. If you know anyone who needs [Your service], we would be grateful for the introduction. They can book here: [Referral link] [Thank-you offer] Thank you, [Your name] [Your business]

Thank-you card

Letter

[Customer name], Thank you for sending [Referred customer] our way. It means a lot to a small business like ours. [Thank-you offer] [Your name] [Your business]

When to send a referral request

Ask after the job is paid and the customer has told you, or written in a review, that they are happy. That is when the job is fresh and goodwill is highest. For past customers, an email once a season is enough. When someone does send you work, thank them the same week.

How to make it yours

Ask only happy customers. Ask after a good review or a thank-you, never after a complaint.
Make it one tap. A link they can forward beats "tell your friends".
Say who you want. "A neighbor with a leaky roof" is easier to act on than "anyone".
Keep any reward simple, and check your state's rules if you work in a licensed trade.
Always say thank you, whether or not you offer a reward.

Send it automatically: Referrals

After a paid job and a good review, Koira asks the customer if they know someone who needs you and gives them a link to share. The neighbor books from the link, the job is tagged as a referral, and any thank-you you set is applied for you. Unhappy customers are never asked.

Koira's free Office plan includes estimates, invoices and card payments. See pricing for what each plan sends for you.

Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.

FAQ

When should a contractor ask for a referral?

Right after the job is paid and the customer has said they are happy, such as after a good review. That is when they are most likely to think of someone.

Do I need to offer a reward for referrals?

No. Many contractors simply ask and say thank you. If you offer something, keep it simple, like a credit on the next job, and apply it every time.

How do I track who referred whom?

Give each customer their own link or ask every new caller how they heard of you, and write it on the job. Then you can thank the right person.

How often can I ask past customers?

Once a season by email is plenty. More often than that starts to feel like spam.

More templates

Message templateReview requestAsk for a Google review after the job, with your link.Message templateJob completion thank-youThank the customer when the job is done, and invite them back.Message templateQuote follow-up emailFollow up on a quote by email, with subject lines that get opened.Koira sends itReferralsThe same message, sent at the right time without you.TemplatesAll message templatesQuotes, payments, appointments, reviews and more.