Introduction: what is caching
Caching is a way of reducing the amount of time it takes to load a particular webpage or piece of content on the internet. You can learn more by visiting Caching Explained.
Overview
Why we use caching
In order to show the rewards launcher and panel on your website, we have to first fetch your reward program configuration from Smile's servers. Caching lets us retrieve this information really quickly, which helps make sure that Smile can load on your site with minimal delay, no matter how many customers are shopping!
Smile UI's caching behavior
Any customer-specific information in the rewards panel is never cached (i.e. points balance, current VIP tier, referral URL, points history, etc.)
All program-level information/configuration in the rewards panel is cached for 15 minutes (i.e. earning and spending rules, VIP tiers & perks, referral options, etc.)
All visual styles and text customizations in the rewards launcher + panel are cached for 15 minutes (i.e. headings, colours, positioning, etc.)
What this means for you
In practice, our current caching behaviour means you could:
➡️ Launch your rewards program, but not have the rewards launcher/panel show up on your website for up to 15 minutes
➡️ Change an earning/spending rule, but not see the change reflected in the rewards panel for up to 15 minutes
➡️ Update your rewards panel style or text, and not see those changes on your website for up to 15 minutes
Important notes:
💡 Generally speaking, it will take around 15 minutes for changes you make to be reflected in the rewards launcher and panel. However, in some rare cases, it may take a bit more or less time than that. If you're unsure, wait about 25 minutes (and refresh your website a few times) just to be safe before reaching out to us!
💡 Even though you (and your customers) might not see changes immediately, any changes you make will take effect immediately. For instance, if you change your earning rule from "Earn 1 Point for every $1 spent" to "Earn 2 Points for every $2 spent", Smile will start giving new orders 2 Points for every $1 as soon as you hit save within Smile Admin. It’s only your rewards launcher and panel that won't display this new configuration for up to 15 minutes.
If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to our team at help@smile.io!
What's next?
Learn more