When evaluating loyalty and referral programs for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands on Shopify, three platforms often come up: Rivo, ReferralCandy, and BON Loyalty. Each offers unique features tailored to different business needs. This comparison delves into their core functionalities, pricing, ease of use, integrations, customer support, and ideal customer profiles to help you determine the best fit for your brand.
Core Features and Functionality
Rivo provides a comprehensive suite encompassing loyalty programs, referral systems, and membership options. It offers a points-based rewards system, VIP tiers, and automated email campaigns. Notably, Rivo integrates seamlessly with platforms like Klaviyo, Gorgias, and Postscript, enhancing its utility for DTC brands. (pickyourapp.com)
ReferralCandy focuses primarily on referral and affiliate marketing, enabling brands to run multiple targeted campaigns with accurate attribution. It supports custom coupon codes, store credits, cash rewards, and integrates with various platforms, including Klaviyo and Recharge. ReferralCandy also offers built-in fraud protection and A/B testing for rewards and emails. (referralcandy.com)
BON Loyalty stands out with its AI-powered automation for loyalty campaigns and customer engagement. It features an anti-cheat referral program with fraud detection, supports over 250 languages, and includes a B2B tier program for wholesale customer loyalty. BON Loyalty has achieved a perfect 5.0/5 rating across 1,600 reviews, indicating high customer satisfaction. (rivo.io)
Pricing and Value
| Platform | Pricing Tiers | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rivo | Free plan: Up to 200 monthly orders; Paid plans: $49/month (Scale), $499/month (Plus) | Advanced branding, VIP tiers, points expiry, analytics, checkout extensions, custom integrations |
| ReferralCandy | $29/month (Basic), $79/month (Business), $249/month (Enterprise), $799/month (Enterprise+) | All features on every plan; higher tiers offer advanced reporting and integrations |
| BON Loyalty | Free plan: Up to 250 orders; Paid plans: $99/month (Standard), $189/month (Advanced), $349/month (Enterprise) | AI-powered automation, anti-cheat referral program, multilingual support, B2B tier program |
BON Loyalty offers a free plan supporting up to 250 orders, making it accessible for smaller brands. Rivo's free plan supports up to 200 orders, while ReferralCandy's entry-level plan starts at $29/month. As businesses scale, Rivo's Plus plan at $499/month provides advanced features, whereas ReferralCandy's Enterprise plan at $249/month offers comprehensive tools. BON Loyalty's Advanced plan at $189/month includes point and reward expiry features, and the Enterprise plan at $349/month adds B2B capabilities.
Ease of Setup and Use
Rivo is designed for rapid deployment with its Shopify-native technology, utilizing app blocks for seamless integration. This approach minimizes setup complexity, allowing merchants to implement loyalty and referral programs efficiently. (growave.io)
ReferralCandy offers a straightforward setup process, embedding directly into the Shopify theme using app blocks and extensions. This ensures that referral modals and landing pages align with the store's visual identity, providing a cohesive user experience. (growave.io)
BON Loyalty emphasizes ease of use with its intuitive interface and comprehensive support, including a free plan that allows brands to test the platform's capabilities without financial commitment. (rivo.io)
Integrations
| Platform | Shopify Integration | Other Integrations |
|---|---|---|
| Rivo | Fully embedded with app blocks and extensions | Klaviyo, Gorgias, Postscript, Attentive, Fuego, Status, Shopify Flow |
| ReferralCandy | Fully embedded with app blocks and extensions | Klaviyo, Recharge, Loop, Skio, Bold, Appstle, Loop |
| BON Loyalty | Fully embedded with app blocks and extensions | Klaviyo, Gorgias, Postscript, Attentive, Fuego, Status, Shopify Flow |
All three platforms integrate seamlessly with Shopify, utilizing app blocks and extensions for a native experience. Rivo and BON Loyalty offer integrations with a wide range of third-party applications, including Klaviyo and Gorgias. ReferralCandy also integrates with platforms like Recharge and Loop, catering to subscription-based models.
Customer Support and Documentation
| Platform | Support Channels | Documentation Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Rivo | 24/7 live chat support | Comprehensive guides and tutorials |
| ReferralCandy | Live chat and email support | Detailed help center and resources |
| BON Loyalty | Live chat and email support | Extensive knowledge base and tutorials |
All platforms provide robust customer support through live chat and email. Rivo emphasizes its 24/7 live chat support, while ReferralCandy and BON Loyalty offer comprehensive help centers and resources to assist users.
Best-Fit Customer Profile
Rivo: Ideal for fast-growing DTC brands seeking advanced customization, seamless Shopify integration, and sophisticated developer tools. (mageloyalty.com)
ReferralCandy: Suited for brands focusing heavily on referral and affiliate marketing, especially those with subscription models requiring complex attribution and automated payouts. (growave.io)
BON Loyalty: Perfect for global DTC brands needing multilingual support, AI-powered automation, and B2B capabilities, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. (rivo.io)
Situational Recommendations
For Small to Mid-Sized Brands: BON Loyalty's free plan and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for brands starting with loyalty programs or those with limited budgets.
For Subscription-Based Models: ReferralCandy's deep integration with subscription platforms and focus on referral and affiliate marketing is advantageous for brands operating on a subscription basis.
For Brands Requiring Advanced Customization: Rivo's developer toolkit and advanced branding options cater to brands needing a high degree of customization and integration with existing tech stacks.
Worth a Look: Zigpoll
If you're evaluating options, Zigpoll is also worth a look. Zigpoll is a Shopify survey app offering post-purchase, on-site, and exit-intent surveys, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences.
