By Carissa Carleton, MBA, CET
In a world where just about everything has a price tag, I’ve found myself quietly (but firmly) taking a stand on something that may seem small to some: I don’t believe in charging or accepting referral fees.
I know it’s common practice in many industries. Pay-to-refer models, affiliate commissions, “finder’s fees” – whatever you call them, they all operate on the same principle: if I send you business, I expect compensation in return.
But here’s the thing. I genuinely like connecting good people with other good people. I’m not motivated by kickbacks or commissions. I’m motivated by alignment, integrity, and a belief that we’re all better off when the right people find each other.
If I recommend a service provider, it’s because I trust them, I believe in their work, and I know they’ll take care of the person I’m sending their way. That’s it. That’s the whole equation. I don’t want money muddying the water.
To me, that kind of honesty and generosity is what should define business relationships, not be the exception.
The Cost of Doing Business Is Already High Enough
Business owners, especially small and medium ones, are already pulled in every direction. We’re paying rising supplier costs, managing teams, covering software, subscriptions, insurance, admin… the list never ends.
So when another business wants to take a cut just for a name drop – one that might not even be aligned with what the client actually needs – it doesn’t sit right with me.
I understand that people are trying to monetize their networks. I get that it’s “just how business works” in some circles. But I also think we can choose to work differently.
Let’s Normalize Genuine Referrals
I believe in giving freely when I can. In recommending people I admire. In championing great businesses without expecting anything in return.
I believe referrals should be rooted in alignment and trust, not transactional benefit.
I want to see more businesses succeed because their work is excellent, not because they’ve paid for exposure.
And honestly? The relationships I’ve built by operating this way – open, honest, no-strings-attached – have been far more fulfilling (and valuable in the long run) than any referral cheque would have been.
What I’d Love to See More Of
- Businesses openly sharing about the people and services they love
- Collaborations based on shared values, not shared fees
- More trust. More generosity. Less gatekeeping.
If I believe in what you’re doing, I will tell everyone I know. Not because I expect anything, but because that’s the kind of business I want to run and the kind of ecosystem I want to contribute to.
What’s your take?
Do you charge or accept referral fees in your business? Why or why not? I’d love to hear your thoughts – even (especially) if you see it differently.
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