Try this experiment: for the next 30 days, tell every customer you offer monthly payment options. That's it. Don't be surprised if you close more deals, book bigger projects and hear fewer "let me think about it" responses by the end of the month.
For most home improvement contractors, price is the #1 reason deals fall through. Not because your pricing is wrong, but because a lump sum feels like a big commitment. When you introduce financing early in the conversation, you change the entire dynamic. Instead of asking a homeowner to come up with (for example) $12,000 on the spot, you're offering them a manageable monthly payment.
Here's your game plan for the next 30 days.
Tip 1 - Promote It Everywhere.
Put "Financing Available" or “We Offer Monthly Payment Options” on your website, your email signature and your estimates. Make sure every customer knows about your financing options before you even sit down with them. If you're already a Foundation Finance dealer, visit our marketing materials page for free posters, window clings and brochures to help promote your financing options.
Tip 2 - Lead with Payments, Not Totals.
Customers are used to thinking in monthly terms for their car, their home and other large purchases, so instead of saying, "The project will be $12,000," try, "We can get this done for around $160 a month.*" It reframes the conversation and makes scheduling the project feel like a decision they can make right away.
Tip 3 - Offer It to Every Customer.
Make financing part of every conversation. You'd be surprised how many customers prefer a payment plan even when they could pay cash. It frees up their savings for other priorities. With Foundation Finance, you can offer approvals for customers with FICOs as low as 550 and premium benefits for FICOs starting at 725.
Tip 4 - Don't Wait for Them to Ask.
If a customer doesn't know you offer financing, they might walk away thinking they can't afford the project. When you bring it up first, you remove that barrier and keep the conversation focused on the project, not the price tag.
Tip 5 – Show Them the Real Numbers.
Offer to prequalify your customer for financing. It won’t affect their credit score** and once you have an approval, you can run the payment estimator to show them what their monthly payment would be. That takes the guesswork out of the decision for your customer.
A Small Step That Pays Off
Adding financing to your process doesn't take long, so keep offering it even after your 30 day experiment is over. When you work with Foundation Finance, your customers can prequalify in minutes using your custom app link and get a decision fast, often while you're still at the kitchen table. Meanwhile, you get paid for completed work just like a cash deal.
Offering financing isn't just a nice extra; it's one of the most effective tools you have to close more sales.
Interested in other ways Foundation Finance can help you close your next sale?
Contact us for more info: 1-855-241-0024, [email protected].
*Estimates shown are examples only. Monthly payments will differ based on project costs, interest rate and term length.
**Upon receipt of a completed credit application and executed contract documents, a hard inquiry (which may affect the applicant’s credit score) will appear on the applicant’s credit report.
