Tesla to Allow Post-Order Referral Code Application, Addressing Long-Standing Customer Request

Tesla is set to implement a significant update to its "Refer and Earn" program, allowing customers to add a referral code even after a new vehicle order has been placed. This change, reported by prominent Tesla observer Sawyer Merritt via a recent tweet, directly addresses a long-standing request from the customer base. Previously, once an order was finalized, the opportunity to apply a referral code was lost, often leading to missed benefits for buyers.

Until now, Tesla's official policy mandated that referral links or codes be applied at the initial point of order. This often created frustration for customers who either forgot to use a code or were unaware of the requirement before completing their purchase. Attempts to retroactively add codes through customer service or email channels were frequently met with denials or unmonitored inboxes, as indicated by numerous customer reports.

The "Refer and Earn" program offers various incentives for both new buyers and existing owners who provide referrals. Current benefits for new vehicle purchases can include discounts, such as up to $2,500 off a Model 3 or $500 off a Model Y, along with perks like months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) trials or Supercharging credits. Referring parties, in turn, earn credits redeemable for merchandise, Supercharging, or even future vehicle purchases.

This upcoming policy adjustment is expected to significantly enhance the customer experience by removing a common point of friction in the ordering process. By providing flexibility to apply referral codes post-order, Tesla aims to ensure more customers can access the benefits of the program, potentially boosting participation and loyalty. The exact timeline for the rollout of this new feature has not yet been specified, but it signals a positive response from Tesla to direct customer feedback.