Is it illegal to offer people a bonus if they sign up as a referral?

@rebelmel (1386)
United States
May 18, 2009 5:03pm CST
I was thinking today that it might be beneficial to me to offer an incentive to people who sign up for a site as my referral. The bonus isn't huge or anything, but I think that sometimes people are weary of signing up for sites because they are not sure if they pay or not. I decided that if I offer a bonus that people will feel a little bit more assured about signing up for a site - but is this legal? I don't want to do anything illegal or sketchy! I had put these offers up in my blog today, and now that I am thinking about it a bit more, I want to be sure that I wont get in trouble for this! Thanks for any input!
2 people like this
11 responses
@oneidmnster (1385)
• United States
18 May 09
I don't think there's anything wrong with offering a bonus as a referral.I'd just be careful about it.Most people that sign up under you,even for nothing,don't participate in your programs.I'd just try to get them the old fashioned way.That way it won't cost you anything.
@rebelmel (1386)
• United States
18 May 09
I actually already have planned ahead for that. I've got a foolproof plan =) If you want to know more about that, you can PM me, but I'd rather keep that to myself. I think my problem is, I'm not good at getting referrals. Care to share any insight on that?
@rebelmel (1386)
• United States
19 May 09
Yes that was part of my plan. I have ideas that will prevent me from losing money on this deal, don't you worry!
• Croatia (Hrvatska)
18 May 09
There is no reason to be punished if you offer something to your referrals. There are many forums where only things like that are done...
@rebelmel (1386)
• United States
19 May 09
are you sure about that? Because I heard they just get lower ranks because of it.
@eshaan (6188)
• India
19 May 09
its nothing like illegal according to my view, its a pure business, i think. If people are ready to join after taking that signup offer from you, its ok....but i hope that some of them dont fool you, just by signing up and then becoming inactive at the sites. In that way you will lose your hard earned money. I have never tried and worked for getting refferals and never forced anyone, i believe and am happy in whatever i get from my own work.
@eshaan (6188)
• India
19 May 09
i agree that you must have planned something, but what if someone signsup and then doesnt work, there is no way that you can go to the person and get your money back from them.....how can u trace their addresses or their accounts....i dont mean to offend you, but its just my curosity...what if such thing happens....
@rebelmel (1386)
• United States
19 May 09
Well obviously I am not going to let myself get scammed on the internet. I am too smart for that. The only sites that I am going to offer an incentive for are ones that I can view my downlines commissions. I have set rules and guidelines for my offer because I will NOT have myself get scammed!
@stanlee81 (381)
• China
19 May 09
Absolutely legal action,i think.You offered the bunos and get referals,if the sign- up--er would like to.This is faire and benifit for both parties?Do you thinks so?
@rebelmel (1386)
• United States
19 May 09
Well, that's why I posted this topic - I wasn't sure if I were violating the law, or any terms of service by doing this. I would hope it is fair game - after all I haven't gotten any responses yet, anyway.
• United States
19 May 09
Honestly the best thing to do is to read the policy before doing it. Some actually do care for some strange reason. Im pretty sure that most don't however. Also if you are planning to offer people a reward for signing up, make sure it is worth the cost, especially considering people don't always follow through with activity as your referral. Good luck whatever your plans are though.
@rebelmel (1386)
• United States
19 May 09
I plan on keeping only a few open spots for the incentive, as well as only use sites that let you keep track of the earnings of your downline. I promised a certain amount when THEY reach a certain amount, so I am not losing in the deal. Thanks for the concern.
@harryt123 (327)
• United States
19 May 09
I think that would be a great idea, I don't see anything wrong with offering your referrals a bonus for signing up under you rather than signing up under someone else. This way you would get all of the bonuses and the downline and they will get something a little extra even if it isn't much at all. You won't get in trouble with your program and this will be something that is between yourself and the person that is signing up under your referral link.
• United States
19 May 09
It will be up to the individual sites. They should have in the Terms whether an incentive for referrals is not allowed. Keep in mind that you need to verify your referrals before paying an incentive. There are a lot of cheaters out there. So be careful.
• India
19 May 09
no i dont think that it is illegal to offer people a bonus if they sign up as a refferral because it is your site and you can do what ever you want also by doing this more people get connected to your site and as many people get connected people start trusting that site and finally you are popular through the site....
@venmarz13 (735)
• Indonesia
19 May 09
I think you will not get in trouble.It so legal.I dont think site will make a new rule about it.lol.Im open of all offering to sign up if they will paid me too.But of course i will not harm them by join site that i ever join.So far i havent find someone with great opportunity offer me.lol.So if you wan make a deal,just PM me.Thanks
@faxoi27 (11)
• Indonesia
19 May 09
i think its okay for what u've done with that offering. I'm interest to for being your refferal, can u tell me how..?
@rebelmel (1386)
• United States
19 May 09
Well, I posted this offer in my blog, so if you look in my profile there will be a link to my blog. You go there and there's a message which talks about my incentive. If you wish to visit my blog and possibly sign up, thank you.
• India
19 May 09
no i dnt think so.. as the site want its member to increase.. n dese dayz people wont do anything if they are not getting anything .. so sites used to pay % of referals earning..