Our $100 cash referral program is one of the most straightforward referral offers in the Chicago auto repair market. Refer someone — a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker — who completes a repair at Chicago Transmission, and we mail you a check or send you $100 via Venmo within 48 hours of their repair completion.
How the Program Works
Step 1: Send Your Referral to Us
Give your friend, family member, or neighbor our number — (312) 555-0180 — and tell them to mention your name when they call or come in. That's it. They don't need a coupon or a code. Your name is your referral code.
Step 2: They Get Their Vehicle Repaired
Your referral needs to complete a repair (not just a diagnostic) to trigger your payment. There's no minimum repair amount — even a solenoid replacement or a filter service counts. Any completed, paid repair qualifies.
Step 3: You Get $100
Within 48 hours of their repair completion, we contact you to confirm payment preference. We pay by:
- Venmo — fastest, same business day once we have your handle
- Check by mail — mailed within 48 hours
- Cash pickup — if you'd prefer to stop by the shop
No waiting 30 days. No "pending approval." Paid within 48 hours.
Is There a Limit on Referrals?
No. You can refer as many people as you want. Each completed repair earns you $100. We've had customers earn $500–800 in a single year by telling their friends and coworkers. Word-of-mouth is how we've grown since 1987 — we pay for it directly.
Can I Refer My Business's Fleet?
Yes — if you refer a business owner who sets up a fleet account with us, you earn $100 for each fleet vehicle that completes its first repair. Refer a company with 5 vehicles and you could earn $500.
Who Qualifies?
- Any Chicago-area driver whose vehicle is serviced at Chicago Transmission
- The referral must be a new customer — someone who hasn't been to our shop before
- The referral must complete a paid repair (not just a free diagnostic)
- You must be named as the referral source when they call or come in
Why Do We Pay $100?
A new customer who comes to us through a referral — from someone who trusts us enough to send their friends — starts the relationship with confidence. That's worth more to us than a Google ad. A referred customer who has a good experience often becomes a long-term customer and refers others in turn. We've seen referral chains that started in 1991 still running today.
It's also simple math: acquiring a new customer through advertising costs $150–300. We'd rather give that money to the person who actually brought them in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't know the person's exact name who will come in?
Have your referral give us your name and phone number when they call to schedule. That's enough for us to track it.
What if my referral comes in a few months after I told them?
No time limit on referrals. If someone you sent our way shows up 6 months later and mentions your name, you still earn your $100.
Do you pay $100 for every subsequent visit by the same referral?
No — you earn $100 once per new customer you refer. Subsequent visits by the same customer don't generate additional referral payments.
What if I'm not sure if they're a previous customer?
We'll check our records. If they've been to our shop before, the referral doesn't qualify — but we'll let you know immediately so there's no confusion.
Spread the Word
If you've had a good experience at Chicago Transmission — or even if you haven't been here yet but want the referral credit — share our information: 2450 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614. Phone: (312) 555-0180. Hours: Monday–Friday 7:30am–6pm, Saturday 8am–4pm.
See the complete $100 referral program page for all details. Free diagnostic available for anyone you refer — and for you, too.
