Unlike standard Nectar rewards, which are fulfilled automatically, Custom Rewards are fulfilled manually by your team or a trusted vendor. This gives you full control over rewards like swag, experiences, or perks that require extra details or coordination.
With Custom Rewards, you can:
Collect custom information at redemption (like size or color)
Require a shipping address when needed
Automatically notify a vendor or internal team when a reward is redeemed
Custom Rewards are ideal for anything that can’t be instantly fulfilled.
Tip: Scroll to the bottom for popular Custom Reward ideas!
How do I create a Custom Reward?
To create a new Custom Reward:
Go to the Workspace Settings tab and then Rewards.
Click Custom Rewards > Manage Custom Rewards > Create Custom Reward
Provide Basic information:
Reward Name: The reward name users will see (e.g., Branded Hoodie).
Description: Add important details users should know before redeeming.
Cost to Redeem Reward: Set the point value based on fulfillment cost.
Note: 10 points = $1 USD
Reward Image: Upload one or more images to represent the reward.
Link to Product (optional): Internal reference link (not visible to users).
Create Reward Detail Fields toggle: Enable this to collect information about the item (e.g., size, color) when users redeem this reward.
Require User's Shipping Address toggle: Enable this if you want to require the user's shipping address when they redeem this reward.
If your reward requires shipping:
Enable Collect user shipping address
Users will select or add an address during redemption
The address is included with the redemption details for fulfillment
Tip: Use dropdowns whenever possible to reduce unclear responses.
2. Set Who Can Redeem this reward:
This setting is to define who can view and redeem this reward.
All Users: It will be available to everyone in your account.
Custom Rules: You will be able to set up rules for who can view and redeem the reward by Office Location, Department or other Custom Properties.
3. Set the Redemption Quantity Limits
This section allows you to define how many times a redemption can be submitted.
Maximum Workspace Redemption Quantity
Specify how many total times this reward can be redeemed in this workspace. (i.e. if you only have 10 tickets to an event)
Maximum Individual Redemption Quantity
Specify how many times this reward can be redeemed by a single user in this workspace. (i.e. you want to allow everyone to be able to claim it but only up to 1 time)
4. Set up the Vendor Notification Settings (optional)
Vendor Notifications automatically send an email to a vendor or internal team when a Custom Reward is redeemed.
Instead of manually forwarding redemption details, Nectar sends a transactional email with everything the vendor needs to fulfill the reward.
Note: Vendor Notifications send information only, not payment.
All billing, invoicing, and fulfillment agreements are handled directly between your organization and the vendor.
When should I use Vendor Notifications?
Vendor Notifications work best when fulfillment is handled outside of Nectar and requires manual processing.
Use Vendor Notifications if:
You work with a swag or merchandise vendor
Rewards require manual fulfillment
You want to reduce admin follow-ups after redemption
The vendor does not have an API or automated integration
Common use cases include:
Branded apparel (shirts, hoodies, hats)
Swag boxes or welcome kits
Event or conference merchandise
Internal fulfillment or marketing teams
How do Vendor Notifications work?
Here’s what happens when a user redeems a Custom Reward:
The user completes the Redemption Form (for example, size or color).
The user selects or adds a shipping address (if enabled).
The redemption is submitted.
Nectar automatically sends an email to the configured vendor.
The vendor uses that email to fulfill the reward.
What information is sent to the vendor?
Each vendor notification email includes:
Reward name
Redeemer name and email
Redemption Form responses
Shipping address (if collected)
Redemption timestamp
Optional admin note
What should I do before enabling Vendor Notifications?
If you’re notifying an external vendor, coordinate with them before enabling notifications.
Confirm these details with your vendor:
What information they need to fulfill orders
(for example, size format or address requirements)How information should be formatted
(dropdown selections vs. free-text fields)Where emails should be sent
(single inbox or distribution list)How fulfillment is billed
(per-order invoice, monthly invoice, prepayment, etc.)Who to contact if questions come up
Note: Nectar does not manage vendor pricing, billing, or invoicing.
What are best practices for swag vendors for Custom Rewards?
Use dropdown fields for size, color, or fit to avoid confusion
Write clear, vendor-friendly field labels (e.g., Men’s Shirt Size)
Add an admin note for special instructions
Set the Reply-To address to the person managing the vendor relationship
Test the redemption flow before making the reward live
How does privacy and data sharing work?
When Vendor Notifications are enabled:
User data (such as name, email, and shipping address) is shared with the vendor
Users are informed during redemption what data will be shared
Vendors should only use this data to fulfill the reward
Make sure your vendor complies with your organization’s privacy and data-handling policies.
What don’t Vendor Notifications do?
Vendor Notifications:
❌ Do not process payments
❌ Do not place orders automatically
❌ Do not manage inventory
❌ Do not reconcile invoices
❌ Do not track shipment status
They simply send the right information at the right time to start fulfillment.
5. Set up Redemption Request Approvals
Use this section to input who can approve redemption requests and what's required for approval.
Specify Reward Admins that will be in charge of approving, fulfilling, and denying this reward. You may add multiple Reward Admins, but it is recommended to only choose one for each reward.
Any user may be a Reward Admin (not limited to admins or managers). All users added as Reward Admins will be notified each time a redemption request is submitted for this reward.
6. Turn your reward on!
To turn on your Custom Reward, go to the Reward Activation Status at the bottom.
Set reward as active when you're ready for relevant users to be notified after saving changes.
Your reward will now appear in the Rewards tab for your team to redeem!
What are popular Custom Reward ideas?
Swag and merchandise:
Branded hoodies, jackets, or polos
Custom swag boxes
Event or conference merchandise
Anniversary or milestone gifts
Experiences:
Sporting event tickets
Concert tickets
Local classes or workshops
Escape rooms or team activities
Food or local perks:
Local restaurant gift cards
Team lunches or catered meals
Coffee shop credits
Wellness rewards:
Gym or fitness class passes
Massage or spa vouchers
Wellness boxes or subscriptions
Work-life balance rewards:
Extra PTO
Flexible workday rewards
“Leave early” passes
Growth and recognition rewards:
Conference tickets
Learning or course reimbursements
Professional coaching sessions
Note: You can tailor these to your company culture and budget!