How It Works

Referral Code Format

Referral codes use a tamper-evident format:

R-<base36 user id>-<HMAC>

Example: R-1a2b3c-d4e5f6g7h8i9j0

Security

• HMAC signed — Codes cannot be forged
• User-specific — Each user has unique code
• Validated server-side — Signature verified on every use

Attribution Flow

Step 1: Share Link

1. User shares referral link
2. Link contains referral code
3. Recipient clicks link

Step 2: Visit Platform

1. Recipient visits platform
2. Referral code captured
3. Stored for 7 days (email-based)

Step 3: Sign Up

1. Recipient creates account
2. Email recorded with referral
3. Attribution window: 7 days

Step 4: Email Verification

1. Recipient verifies email
2. Referrer receives signup bonus
3. Attribution confirmed

Step 5: Order Placement

1. Referred user places order
2. Referrer earns commission
3. Commission capped if configured

Earning Types

Signup Bonus

• Trigger — Referred user verifies email
• Amount — Fixed bonus set by admin
• One-time — Earned once per referral

Order Commission

• Trigger — Referred user pays for order
• Amount — Percentage of order value
• Capped — Maximum commission per order
• Per-order — Earned on each qualifying order

User Dashboard

Referral Panel

Displays on both client and freelancer dashboards:

• Referral link — Copy and share
• Total referrals — Number of people referred
• Qualified referrals — Verified email referrals
• Total earned — Commission earned
• Paid out — Amount already paid

How to Share

1. Copy your referral link
2. Share on social media
3. Send via email
4. Include in content

Status Tracking

Technical Details

Storage

• SQLite database — Self-contained in plugin directory
• No core changes — Does not modify core tables
• Automatic setup — Database created on activation

Data Retention

• Attributions — Pruned after 7 days
• Referrals — Retained permanently
• Rewards — Retained permanently

Last updated: September 2026