A framed diploma, a hard-earned military medal, or a rare print — these pieces carry stories and memories. Customers want reassurance that they’re leaving them in the right hands. That’s why referrals, built on confidence and personal recommendations, have become one of the strongest growth drivers for frame shops.
And the numbers prove it: Referrals are the second-biggest revenue source for small businesses in the U.S., and people are 90% more likely to buy from a brand a friend recommends.
So, the real question is, do you have a plan to capture those referrals? Without one, you’re letting some of your best opportunities pass you by.
Your happiest customers can be your strongest sales team. Use these six tips to launch a frame shop referral program that keeps current clients loyal and attracts new ones.
Custom framing is personal. When someone brings in a graduation photograph, a child’s first painting, or a signed sports jersey, they trust you to preserve a memory that matters. That confidence is why word-of-mouth carries so much weight — it reassures new customers that their keepsakes will receive the same level of care.
Frame shop referral programs succeed because they:
In a business built on reputation, referrals are the link that turns satisfied clients into steady work.
Frame shops grow fastest when they recognize everyday opportunities for referrals. Customers often have friends, colleagues, or community ties in similar life stages — each one a natural lead for your next project.
Look for opportunities with loyal customers to grow your business:
Invite wedding clients: Encourage couples who frame portraits or keepsakes to recommend your shop to newly engaged friends.
Connect with business buyers: Ask corporate clients who order framed awards or certificates to share your name with other departments or offices.
Spotlight partners: Feature designers on your website or social media, giving them exposure while reinforcing the partnership and referrals.
Support art collectors: Give collectors a reason to share your work — whether it’s exclusive perks, VIP treatment, or the chance to have their framed pieces presented as part of your portfolio.
A study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that referred customers generate up to 57% more referrals, creating a ripple effect that keeps businesses growing.
The most effective frame shop referral programs are simple, appealing, and easy to share. Often, that means combining familiar rewards like discounts with unique perks that highlight your services. Customers are far more likely to spread the word when the reward feels worth it.
Here are ways to structure your program:
Offer percentage discounts: Offer 15% off to both the referrer and the new customer — a win-win that motivates people to join in.
Provide flat-dollar rewards: Say thanks with a $25 credit when a customer refers a friend who orders a large shadow box project.
Add store credit: Give loyal clients credits they can stack and use on future framing — each referral becomes another reason to return.
Reward with upgrades: Surprise your customers with extras like museum glass or UV-protective matting — little upgrades that leave a big impression.
Customers want valuable perks — at least 11% off a purchase — so make sure your rewards create a clear incentive to spread the word.
Once your referral program is off the ground, you can build in extra rewards to keep customers excited. Tiered programs reward multiple referrals with increasing incentives, turning loyal clients into enthusiastic promoters.
Build level-based benefits into your program:
Start with a base reward: Give customers a small discount or credit for their first successful referral to encourage participation.
Increase the incentive: Raise the reward after a second or third referral, like a larger discount or free add-on.
Create milestone bonuses: Celebrate big referral milestones with premium perks such as a free custom frame or complimentary anti-glare glass.
Tiered rewards keep your program engaging and motivate customers to keep referring.
Referrals don’t have to stop with walk-in customers. Partnering with creatives and designers opens the door to new audiences while building mutually rewarding connections.
Start by tapping into local networks:
Team up with photographers: Exchange referrals — they send clients who need portraits framed, and you send customers looking for wedding or family photo services.
Work with interior designers: Recommend each other’s services during remodels or home makeovers to give homeowners a full-service experience.
Partner with galleries: Connect collectors needing expert framing with clients ready to invest in original art
These partnerships expand your reach and keep referrals coming, turning a single introduction into lasting business.
Once your referral program is in place, the next step is having the right tools to manage it. Point of sale (POS) software can handle tracking and rewards, keeping everything organized and consistent for long-term growth.
With a frame shop POS, you can:
Track referral sources: Record which customer made the referral so credit goes to the right person.
Automate email invites: Send friendly reminders after completed orders, encouraging satisfied customers to share your program with others.
Apply credits instantly: Add discounts or rewards at checkout so customers immediately see the benefits.
Monitor results: Run detailed reports that reveal how much revenue your referral program generates and where it performs best.
These tools keep your referral program professional, efficient, and rewarding for you and your customers.
Frame shop referral programs are a great way to bring in new business and boost customer loyalty. For lasting success, use tools that take care of the details while you focus on serving your clients.
LifeSaver tracks referral activity automatically, applies rewards at checkout, and gives clear program performance reports. When it’s all in one place, your referral program is simple to manage.
Start your free trial today to see how LifeSaver can grow your frame shop referral program into one of your strongest sources of new business.