I like what kiwimate offers in the thread in "Random product block" - ordering a customized block and offering round for a small fee.
 
I too had a special block made for me for using "Introduce a Friend" So I thought I should do the same it this is any use to anyone.
 
See it on my products page, right column:
http://www.malikstores.co.uk/products.php?
 
The standard process is the Tell a Friend link (which I have removed) as this has real limitations - and I wanted to make it more obvious and properly market this feature.
 
The message it sends can be customised.
 
I have paid $50 for this. I am prepared to pass it on for £6 (sterling) if anyone is interested - just go to my contacts page and leave me your details:
http://www.malikstores.co.uk/page.php?page=ContactUsPageMAL
 
Chris

Chris,
 
Tell me a little more about this block.... I might be interested.

Hi Chris,
 
The block does not seem to have a button or link I can press to introduce my friend.

Dan
Customer clicks the image of your choice - I use a gift box.
Shop sends e-mail to friend with the "introduce a friend link" signed by the customer sending.
 
The block is easily editable of course and I will supply the other file that contains the code and customer message so that the message can also be edited to suit you,
 
 
Five5 - you need to be logged in - you can register - put the word Viart in your user name so that I can remove it at a later date. Then click on the gift box image for the pop up to appear.
 
Chris

Chris,
 
I just attempted to check out your block to try it, and it doesn't work... have you tried it lately?
 
Here's a screen shot of the window. and yes... I was logged in.
 
Might want to have ViArt take a closer look at this.

Dan
 
I have just tried it and it worked fine. And a customer introduced a friend yesterday.
 
Curious?
 
I will send this to Viart and see what they say.
 
Chris

Yes Dan - it happened to me the second time I tried so I have put it back to Viart - I will advise here once it has been resolved.
 
Chris

excellent... because I would definitely be interested in seeing this in action!!!

Dan
 
Viart has tracked down the problem and it is now working.
 
Chris

Chris,
 
I just tried the feature out and I see that it sent me an email, but now... how does this work for the friend...that's what I'm wondering...
 
Can I use tags in the email...
 
Maybe you can help me out and explain a little more... I'm all into promotions for my customers so 6 dollars is a great deal!!

Dan
 
As the recipient, you would click on the link - at the shop you place an order and register (required on my site) and then, in checkout, you will find your order with the discount automatically applied.
 
Try clicking on the link - order something - create a NEW account (don't use the one you have and use VIART in the user name - go to checkout and there is the discount; you can then void the order and we are not inconvenienced.
 
Chris
 
PS: I had this block created because the method offered by Viart did not offer a marketing solution, just a technical one.
Something as good as this needs promoting!
I have removed the Tell a Friend link on the product as this changes to 'Introduce a Friend' if the user is logged in - but it is not obvious and does not do the job so well.

Dan
I missed your question:
Can I use tags in the email
 
You can edit the e-mail message inside the php code in the separate file - I guess the answer is yes.
 
Chris

Well chris, I think I get what you're saying, but it should be a little bit more user friendly than opening up PHP files... should be able to be created/edited through the admin....
 
Maybe that will just have to be my contribution to this work...

Dan
 
I am sure that I have your e-mail address on file.
 
I will send you the file contents - I am happy for you to have this in return for further development.
 
Chris
 
_____________________________________________
For those also interested I propose to collect the fee and send the files once Dan and I are happy that it's all working as required - hope that's OK?
 
If you want a copy and have not asked please use the contact form on my site:
http://www.malikstores.co.uk/page.php?page=ContactUsPageMAL

I was expecting to pay you for this as well, but this sounds good. I'm willing to pay ViArt to enhance this a little bit. I'm paying them 200.00 this month for the order editor, so we'll see how much they want to charge for this.
 
email is:
 
{first_name}.{last_name}@franrecords.com

Hi Guys,
 
Have finally upgraded to version 3.6 and was wondering if you could throw any light on the tell a friend coupons and how to use.
 
I have read the manual but cannot figure out the logic.
 
If using the a "manual" tell a friend link
 
e.g http://www.yoursite.com/?friend=myname
 
rather than the one which can be sent on a per product level a coupon code could be sent to a group of the friends e.g order now and get £5 off your order. This could be sent to multiple friends.
 
Ok fine lets say 2 friends place an order
 
If they order the sender of the original email gets a discount of their next order.
 
But how much discount and does the fact that 2 different friends order make any difference ?
 
The Viart manual also states "a customer's discount will depend on the amount of products purchased on the site (within a certain period of time) by his friends"
 
How does this work?
 
I am completely lost to be honest does anybody have a definative answer on how this can be used,
 
It could be a very very powerful tool if I knew how to use it properley !
 
Hope you can help, Dave