Getting referrals from clients can be one of the most effective ways to grow your business. But let’s face it—asking for referrals can feel like a daunting task, especially in a fast-paced industry like garment decoration. The good news? A well-crafted email can make all the difference. By using simple, friendly, and direct email templates, you can turn happy clients into your best brand advocates without sounding pushy. Below, you’ll find seven easy-to-use email templates designed to make the referral request process smoother and help keep your sales pipeline full with leads primed for success.
7 Free Referral Request Email Templates:
Why Referrals Matter In The Garment Decoration Industry
Referrals are pure gold in the garment decoration world. With so much competition, a recommendation from a happy client can be the ultimate edge, especially when clients rave about your custom prints, embroidery, or DTF expertise. Each referral you receive is like an instant endorsement—clients are more likely to trust businesses recommended by someone they know. Plus, referred clients tend to spend more and stay loyal longer, making referrals a key to sustainable growth. Using the right approach to ask for them doesn’t just help your sales; it helps build a community of clients who trust your expertise and are excited to refer their friends.
Crafting Perfect Referral Request: Key Elements To Include
When asking for referrals, your email needs to strike the right balance between friendly and professional. Start by acknowledging your client’s satisfaction—mention any successful projects or positive feedback they’ve shared. Next, be clear and direct about your request without making it feel like a favor. Clients are often more than willing to help when they see the value it brings to your business. Finally, make it easy! Provide any details, links, or even a quick blurb they can share with others. When you respect your client’s time and keep things straightforward, your referral request feels natural, making it more likely to receive a positive response.
The “Thank You” Email Template
A simple thank-you note with a gentle nudge for referrals is a great way to start. Express gratitude for their business, mention something specific about their recent order or project, and slide in your referral request in a way that feels natural.
This template keeps it light and focused on appreciation, giving clients a positive reason to share your name with others.
Subject Line:
Thank You for Your Order! We’d Love Your Help Growing Our Community.
Body:
Hi [Client’s Name],
We wanted to say a huge thank you for trusting us with [specific order]. Seeing the final result come to life was amazing, and we hope it was just as exciting for you!
If you’ve enjoyed working with us, would you consider sharing the experience with others? A quick referral would mean a lot to us as we continue growing and supporting more businesses like yours.
Thank you once again for being such a valued client! We’re here for any future projects you have in mind.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Business Name]
The “Exclusive Offer” Email Template
Sometimes, a little incentive can go a long way. An exclusive discount or freebie for both the client and their referral can be a win-win, making it even easier for clients to refer you confidently.
Adding an offer gives clients extra motivation and makes referrals feel like a special opportunity. It’s a way of saying, “We appreciate you,” while encouraging them to share your brand.
Subject Line:
Share the Love: Get [Discount/Offer] When You Refer a Friend!
Body:
Hi [Client’s Name],
Thank you for being such a fantastic part of our [business name] family! We love working with clients like you who appreciate quality custom prints and unique designs.
We wanted to offer a little something as a thank-you! For each friend or colleague you refer who places an order, both of you will receive [specific discount or perk]. Just send them this link [link to referral form/website] to get started!
Feel free to pass this along to anyone you think would love our work as much as you do.
Looking forward to creating more great products together,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Business Name]
The “Check-In And Referral” Email Template
A check-in email is an excellent way to reconnect with clients post-project, ensuring they’re satisfied and subtly opening the door for a referral. This template offers value by focusing on their experience first, making the referral request feel organic.
By focusing on their satisfaction first, this email feels caring and professional, while the gentle referral request is a natural extension of your relationship.
Subject Line:
How’s Everything Going with Your Recent Order?
Body:
Hi [Client’s Name],
Just checking in to see how everything turned out with your [specific project]! We hope you’re loving the results as much as we loved creating them. If there’s anything you’d like to adjust or chat about, please let us know—we’re here to help.
Also, if you have any friends or colleagues who might benefit from our services, we’d love it if you could pass our name along. We’re always excited to work with more amazing clients like you!
Thanks for choosing us, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any thoughts or future projects.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Business Name]
The “Milestone Celebration” Email Template
Celebrating a milestone—whether it’s the number of years you’ve been in business, a new product launch, or even a successful project with the client—is a great opportunity to reach out and subtly ask for referrals. This template turns your milestone into a chance for clients to share in your success.
This approach creates excitement and lets clients feel involved in your success story, making it easy and fun for them to share your business with others.
Subject Line:
Celebrating [Milestone]! Spread the Word and Celebrate with Us!
Body:
Hi [Client’s Name],
We’re excited to share that [your company] just reached a big milestone: [e.g., “5 years in business”, “launching new product line”]! We couldn’t have done it without amazing clients like you who’ve been with us every step of the way.
To celebrate, we’d be thrilled if you could help us spread the word. If you know anyone who would appreciate our [mention a key service, like “DTF printing” or “custom screen printing”], a quick referral would mean the world to us. Plus, as a thank-you, we’re offering [specific discount or perk] for every new client you send our way!
Thank you for being part of our journey—here’s to many more years of creating together!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Business Name]
The “We’ve Got Something New” Email Template
If you’ve recently added a new service or product, use it as a reason to reach out! This template taps into your clients’ curiosity while giving them a great reason to share the news with others.
This template combines the excitement of something new with a friendly referral request, making it easy for clients to spread the word while staying in the loop on your latest offerings.
Subject Line:
Exciting News! Check Out Our Latest [New Service/Product]
Body:
Hi [Client’s Name],
We’ve been busy behind the scenes and are thrilled to announce our newest addition: [briefly describe new service or product]. We thought you’d like to be one of the first to know!
If you’ve enjoyed working with us, we’d love for you to share the news with friends or colleagues who might be interested in our latest offerings. To say thank you, we’re offering a [specific discount or perk] for every new referral that becomes a client.
Thank you for helping us grow! We can’t wait to bring even more exciting services to our amazing clients like you.
All the best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Business Name]
The “After Project Wrap-Up” Email Template
Wrapping up a project is a perfect moment to reach out with a referral request. Not only does it show clients you’re dedicated to their satisfaction, but it also lets you slip in a gentle nudge for referrals while the great experience is still fresh in their minds.
This template keeps the tone upbeat and appreciative, making it easy for clients to feel good about passing your info along while also strengthening their connection with your brand.
Subject Line:
We Loved Working with You! Let’s Keep the Good Vibes Going
Body:
Hi [Client’s Name],
It’s been a pleasure working with you on [specific project]! We’re thrilled with how everything turned out and hope you’re just as happy with the final product.
If you enjoyed your experience, we’d be so grateful if you could share our name with others who might be looking for [mention your core service, like “quality screen printing” or “fast, reliable DTF services”]. We’re always eager to help new clients create amazing products, just like yours.
Thanks again for choosing us! If there’s anything else we can do for you, just let us know—we’re always here to help.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Business Name]
The “Client Appreciation” Email Template
A dedicated client appreciation email shows your clients just how much you value them while offering a natural segue into asking for referrals. This template centers around gratitude, making the referral request feel genuine and heartfelt.
This email gives clients a reason to feel valued and reinforces your relationship, making it a perfect way to ask for referrals without feeling transactional.
Subject Line:
We Appreciate You! Thank You for Being a Valued Client
Body:
Hi [Client’s Name],
We just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Working with clients like you is what makes our job so rewarding, and we truly appreciate your trust in us for your [mention service].
If you’ve enjoyed your experience with us, we’d be thrilled if you could share our name with anyone else who might be looking for [mention service]. Referrals are a huge part of how we grow, and everyone helps us reach more wonderful clients like you.
Thanks again for being part of our community. We look forward to many more projects together!
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
[Your Position/Business Name]
DecoNetwork Helps Build Stronger Client Relationships
DecoNetwork is the all-in-one software built to make customer management simple for garment decorators. With tools to organize client interactions, automate follow-ups, and manage projects, DecoNetwork helps you stay connected and deliver a standout experience every time. From tracking orders to managing artwork approvals and setting up branded online stores, DecoNetwork gives you everything you need to keep clients happy, encourage referrals, and grow your business efficiently.
Request your free DecoNetwork demo to learn more.
The Takeaway: Make Referrals Easy, Friendly, And Rewarding
Asking for referrals doesn’t have to be complicated or awkward—it’s all about timing, appreciation, and keeping things easy for your clients. By using these templates, you can seamlessly incorporate referral requests into different stages of your client relationships, whether it’s right after a successful project or during seasonal check-ins. Remember, clients who love your work are usually happy to spread the word—they just need a little prompt and a simple way to share. So don’t hesitate to reach out, show appreciation, and let them know how much referrals mean to your business growth. With a friendly nudge and these templates at your fingertips, you’ll be well on your way to building a network of loyal clients who bring more like-minded customers your way.
