> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enable3.io/enable3/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enable3.io/enable3/how-it-works.md).

# HOW IT WORKS

Launch any type of loyalty program for your Shopify store or digital product in just a couple of days.

With the Enable3 platform, you can run:

* **Point-based programs** (users complete actions, earn points on their point balance, and then can exchange these points for rewards)
* **No-point programs** (users complete actions and get instant rewards)
* **Tier-based programs** (users complete actions and unlock tiers that provide special benefits)
* **Referral programs** (users refer their friends, and when the friend registers or makes another meaningful action in the store or in the digital product, both get rewards)
* **Mixed programs** (the mechanics above combined)

The program setup happens through intuitive configurations in the admin dashboard, so a store admin without a technical background can launch a fully functional program without support from a developer. 

This document explains how each loyalty program type works and how to set it up.

### Point-Based Programs

**How it works**: Users earn points for defined actions (purchases, account creation, referrals, social follows, reviews, etc.). Points accumulate in a users’ balance and are redeemed for rewards — discounts, free products, gift cards, or other configured incentives.

**Admin setup**: The admin defines:

* Which actions earn points
* The point value per action
* The redemption catalog (what points can be exchanged for and at what cost)

No code is required — each rule is configured through dropdown menus and input fields in the dashboard.

**Best suited for**: Brands who want to reward repeat engagement over time and encourage users to return to accumulate more points.

<a href="/enable3/missions.md" class="button primary">How to incentivize meaningful actions</a>

### No-Points (Instant Reward) Programs

**How it works**: Instead of accumulating points, the user receives a reward immediately upon completing a qualifying action. There's no balance to track or redeem later — the action itself directly triggers the reward.

**Admin setup**: The admin selects a triggering action (e.g., first purchase, signing up, or reaching a spend threshold) and assigns a direct reward to it. The reward is issued automatically once the action is detected.

**Best suited for**: Brands who want a simpler mechanic with less delay between user action and reward, or who want to avoid managing a points economy.

<a href="/enable3/rewards-marketplace.md" class="button primary">How to set up Rewards</a>

### Tier-Based Programs

**How it works**: Users are grouped into tiers (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold) based on criteria such as total spend, number of orders, or points earned. Each tier unlocks a different set of benefits, and customers move up as they meet the next tier's threshold.

**Admin setup**: The admin defines:

* The number of tiers and their names
* The qualifying criteria for each tier (spend amount, order count, etc.)
* The benefits unlocked at each tier (discounts, early access, exclusive rewards, etc.)

Tier logic runs automatically once configured — the platform evaluates each customer's activity and assigns or upgrades their tier without manual intervention.

**Best suited for**: Brands who want to reward and retain their highest-value users with escalating benefits.

<a href="/enable3/tiers.md" class="button primary">How to set up Tiers</a>

### Referral Programs

**How it works**: Existing users share a unique referral link or code with others. When a new user uses that link to make a qualifying action (typically a first purchase or sign-up), both the referrer and the new user receive a reward.

**Admin setup**: The admin configures:

* The reward for the referrer
* The reward for the new user (if applicable)
* The reward for the new users’ friends who joined (multi-level referrals)
* The qualifying action that triggers the reward (e.g., completed purchase)

**Best suited for**: Brands who want to grow their user base through word-of-mouth and incentivized sharing.

<a href="/enable3/referral-program.md" class="button primary">How to configure Referrals</a>

### Mixing Program Types

These program types aren't mutually exclusive. **A single Enable3 setup can combine multiple mechanics** — for example:

* Points and tiers, where points earned also count toward tier progression
* A no-points instant reward for first purchase alongside an ongoing points program for repeat users
* A referral program layered on top of a tier system, where referrals help users reach the next tier faster

Each program type is configured as a separate module in the dashboard, and modules can run simultaneously without conflicting.

### Why No Technical Background Is Needed

Every program type above is built through the same no-code configuration flow: select a trigger, define the reward or rule, and publish. There's no custom scripting, no checkout integration work, and no reliance on a developer to launch or update a program. Admins can adjust point values, tier thresholds, or referral rewards at any time and see changes reflected immediately.

<a href="/enable3/how-it-works/how-it-works-for-the-admins.md" class="button primary">How Admin Dashboard works</a><a href="/enable3/how-it-works/how-it-works-for-the-end-users.md" class="button primary">How Loyalty Program looks for end-users</a>

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