Free Referral Agreement Templates (Word)
General
by iracemadesouza
A referral agreement spells out how one party gets paid for sending business to another, which keeps a friendly arrangement from turning into a dispute later. This collection of 50 templates suits real estate agents, attorneys, marketers, and small-business owners who want clear terms on referral fees, payment timing, and exclusivity before the leads start flowing.
Each template is editable in Microsoft Word, ready for you to drop in names, fee percentages, and conditions. Adjust the clauses to match your industry and save a signed copy for both sides. Referral rules vary by profession and state, so check local regulations before you sign. Download the agreement that fits your arrangement and protect the deal in writing.
When to use this Simple Referral Agreement template
- A real estate agent in Arizona wants to formalize a verbal referral deal with a mortgage broker, ensuring both parties agree on commission splits and lead exclusivity before closing the first deal.
- A freelance marketing consultant needs to outline clear terms with a local business owner for client referrals, specifying how many leads trigger payment and whether the consultant can refer competitors in return.
- Two small-business owners in the same industry (e.g., a bakery and a café) want to define how they’ll split referral fees when one sends customers to the other, including whether the arrangement is mutual or one-sided.
- A lawyer assisting a startup client needs a streamlined template to propose referral terms to potential service providers (e.g., accountants or web designers), covering confidentiality and termination clauses upfront.
Which format should I download?
Use the Word format exclusively for this collection. Word is ideal here because it allows for easy editing of legal and financial terms (e.g., adjusting referral percentages, payment schedules, or exclusivity clauses) while preserving professional formatting. Since these agreements often require collaboration or revisions before signing, the flexibility of Word ensures all parties can review and adjust language without technical barriers.
Choose from 50 Simple Referral Agreement Templates
How to use this Simple Referral Agreement template
Do these templates include provisions for non-compete clauses if I’m referring competitors?
No template in this collection assumes a non-compete scenario by default, as referral agreements typically focus on incentivizing collaboration, not restricting competition. If you need to address exclusivity (e.g., preventing a referred party from poaching your clients), you’ll need to add that language manually or consult a legal professional to tailor the terms.
Can I use one of these templates to set up a multi-tiered referral program for my business?
These templates are designed for straightforward one-to-one or mutual referral arrangements, not complex multi-tiered systems. For example, they won’t automatically handle scenarios where you pay a commission to both the original referrer and a secondary party who brought them to you. Start with a basic template, then expand on the terms section to outline any additional layers of compensation.
What if the parties involved are in different states—should I include choice-of-law provisions?
This collection doesn’t include default choice-of-law clauses, as those depend on the specific states involved and their laws. If the referral spans state lines, consider adding a brief provision (e.g., ‘This agreement shall be governed by the laws of [State]’) or consult a lawyer to ensure compliance with both jurisdictions’ regulations, especially for payment or dispute resolution.
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