Best Contractor Financing For Customers

If you’re a contractor working with multiple clients, then you may have already had some trouble getting paid on time or getting enough money to get your project off the ground. Sometimes you can wait a few extra weeks or months for that late payment. However, on other occasions, that cash can be essential to carrying your project through to its completion. If you need cash fast and you haven’t been paid yet, taking a look at a contractor financing service could be a good idea.

What is contractor financing?

While many clients provide an upfront down payment, sometimes that money just isn’t enough to complete the first stages of a project. That’s where contractor financing comes in. This type of funding allows you, the contractor, to be paid enough to keep things rolling until the next payment. 

Benefits for your business

• Guaranteed payment
• Reduced job cancellations and sales appointments
• Better customer satisfaction and higher loan approval rates can result in more projects
• Increased average job size once you can afford larger projects and better materials
• Higher sales closing rates

Benefits for your customers

• Customers have access to larger projects
• Adds ease to the financing process
• Payments can be deferred for up to 18 months, so customers and contractors do not have to pay for everything upfront and out of pocket
• Contractors can get projects rolling immediately, without a long wait for other forms of financing
• Can drive repeat business

How do you offer financing to customers?

The first thing you’ll want to do is let customers know about the financing option, as well as the details, including what their upfront payment, rates and repayment term will be. When presenting the financing option, you should also be sure to emphasize how much the financing can increase the overall size and quality of the project. 

How can I get financing for my contracting business?

The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out the amount of financing that you need. The next step is then to find a contracting finance company that you’re eligible for and that will work with you on an affordable and repeat basis. 

How do you finance a project?

Different financing companies have different structures. However, you’ll want to have a breakdown of each of your expenses for the project beforehand. Once you’re approved for financing with one or more companies, you’ll then receive funding, usually in the form of an ACH deposit into your bank account or in the form of a convenient ATM card. You can use these funds to purchase any supplies or materials related to the project. 

Contractor Financing Options

LightStream

» MORE: LightStream Personal Loans Review

SoFi

APR range:	5.99% to 16.99% APR (with AutoPay)
Available loan terms:	24-84 months
Loan amounts:	$5,000—$100,000
Time to fund:	Typically 7 days
Origination fee:	None
Credit needed:	680+
Income needed:	$50,000+
Soft Credit Check?	Yes
Best for:	Young professionals and graduates, good credit
Click "Check Rates" to apply to SoFi Check Rates

» MORE: SoFi Personal Loans Review

APR range:	6.95%—35.97%
Available loan terms:	36-60 months
Loan amounts:	$2,000—$40,000
Time to fund:	One day
Origination fee:	2.41%–5%
Credit needed:	620+
Income needed:	Varies
Soft Credit Check?	Yes
Best for:	Those with a steady income
Click "Check Rates" to apply to Prosper Check Rates

» MORE: Prosper Personal Loans Review

Conclusion

Whether you’re a contractor working on your first project, or you have a full work schedule for the year, contractor financing can help you get ahead and improve both the quality and size of your projects. Additionally, it can improve customer satisfaction and simplify the financing process, thus leading to more business, more projects and more revenue. In addition to helping you boost the quality of your work, contractor financing also guarantees payment and allows you to get ahead right from the start and carry your project through to its completion.  

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