Read this page as a quick path: scan the headings, use the step blocks, and escalate if the expected result does not happen.
Referral Factory gives you six methods to qualify leads. You can use one or combine them depending on your tech stack and workflow.
All six methods are accessible from the Qualify leads button at the top of the Leads tab.
1. CRM integration (HubSpot, Salesforce, Intercom, ServiceTitan)
Connect your CRM and set a qualification rule based on a contact property change or deal stage change. When that event happens in your CRM, the referral qualifies automatically. See: HubSpot · Salesforce · Intercom · ServiceTitan
2. Payment integration (Stripe)
Connect Stripe and set a rule based on payment activity. When a referred customer makes a qualifying payment, the referral qualifies automatically. See: How to qualify via Stripe
3. API
Send a qualification signal programmatically via the Referral Factory API. Use the
PUT /api/v2/users/qualification endpoint with the lead identifier and "qualified": true. Best for businesses with custom systems. See: API and webhooks FAQ4. Webhook
Configure an inbound webhook so that events from your systems trigger qualification automatically without custom API code. See: How to qualify via webhook
5. Automation tools (Zapier, Make, n8n)
Use a no-code automation platform to connect almost any tool to Referral Factory and trigger qualification based on events in your stack. See: How to qualify via Zapier
6. Manual (one-by-one or CSV upload)
Qualify leads manually from the Leads tab, or upload a CSV of qualified email addresses or codes in bulk. Best for businesses without automated systems or as a fallback. See: How to qualify leads manually
The right method depends on where your conversion events are recorded. If you use Stripe, HubSpot, or Salesforce, use their native integrations. If not, Zapier or a direct API call are the most flexible options.
the 6 ways to qualify leads in referral factory: qualify leads modal showing all six qualification methods as cards
Qualify Leads modal showing all six qualification methods as cards
Common misconception: "I connected my integration — aren't referrals qualifying automatically?"
Connecting an integration is not the same as configuring qualification. Many users connect HubSpot or Salesforce, see leads appearing in their CRM, and assume qualification is also working. It is not — until you explicitly set a qualification rule inside the integration settings.
Go to Campaign Settings → Integrations and API → CRM and check whether a qualification rule is configured. If it says "Do not qualify my referrals", no automatic qualification is happening.
What counts as a conversion is entirely up to you
Some programs qualify on lead submission (as soon as someone fills in a form). Others wait until a payment clears, a deal closes, or a subscription activates. The right trigger depends on what protects you from rewarding low-quality referrals while still being achievable enough to motivate referrers.