> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mention-me.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Understanding Non-Paying Referrers > Understand why a referrer doesn't need to be an existing customer, and what happens to their status once they register. Referrers do not need to have previously bought from your business. A visitor browsing your website can register on your referral landing page and refer a friend without ever having placed an order. ## Why Non-Paying Referrers Are Allowed Allowing visitors to register as referrers is useful when someone isn't ready to buy themselves but knows a friend who would be interested in your products or services. The reward on offer for their friend's first order gives them a reason to share, and that reward can also encourage the referrer to become a customer themselves in future. ## What Happens When Someone Registers as a Referrer Once a visitor completes registration, the Mention Me platform classes them as a Referrer and treats them as an existing customer, even though they haven't made a purchase yet. This classification has two consequences: * They can no longer be referred by another friend * They can't claim the introductory offer that's normally available to new referees If you only want paying customers to be eligible to register as referrers, see [How to Restrict Referrer Eligibility to Paying Customers](/knowledge/referral/gaming/restrict-referrer-eligibility). For guidance on manually changing a customer's status between non-paying and paying, see [How to Change a Customer's Status](/knowledge/referral/customers/change-status).