Key takeaways
- Financing can help customers say yes to bigger projects.
- Most contractors offer it through a third party lender.
- Mention it early, not only after the customer hesitates.
- Check the lender's rules before advertising specific terms.
For big projects like driveways, roofs, remodels and outdoor living, price is often the last hurdle. Offering financing can turn "we'll think about it" into a signed job.
1. Why offer financing
- Customers can do the full project now instead of a smaller version.
- It can help close jobs that would otherwise stall.
- It sets you apart from contractors who don't offer it.
2. How it usually works
- You sign up with a financing company or lender that works with contractors.
- The customer applies, often online or on a phone, and gets a decision.
- The lender pays you according to its terms. The customer repays the lender.
- The lender may charge you a fee, depending on the plan.
3. Is it a fit for your business?
- Your average job is large enough that customers think hard about the price.
- You lose jobs to "we need to wait" more than to competitors.
- Your margins can handle any lender fees.
4. Promoting it
- Mention financing on your website, service pages and estimates.
- Bring it up early in the sales conversation.
- Include it in follow up messages after you send an estimate.
- Add it to your Google profile where it fits.
5. Be careful
Before advertising financing
- Ask your lender what you can and can't say in ads.
- Specific terms like monthly payments or rates can require extra disclosures.
- Don't promise approval.
- Keep the lender's current terms on hand for customers.
Related: text to pay for contractors.
