OPTIMUS FAQS - OPTIMUS Financing

OPTIMUS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pre-Enrollment / About OPTIMUS

OPTIMUS is a one-of-a-kind payment solution platform powered by EGIA (Electric & Gas Industries Association). It integrates multiple lenders into a single platform, enabling contractors to offer payment solutions to consumers across all credit profiles. OPTIMUS simplifies the payment solution process, making it easier for contractors to close more sales and provide consumers with affordable options.

The Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the HVAC and home improvement industry for nearly 90 years.

What Does EGIA Do?

  • Provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in HVAC.
  • Operates Contractor University, an industry leader in contractor training.
  • Powers OPTIMUS, a premier payment solution platform that helps contractors and consumers.

No, OPTIMUS is not a bank or a lender. It is a payment solution platform that connects contractors and consumers with lending partners across Prime, Near-Prime, and Subprime credit tiers to provide affordable options.

Benefits for Consumers:

  • Quick and easy approvals – Get approved for an unsecured loan in as little as 10 minutes.
  • Flexible options – Payment solutions available for all credit profiles.
  • Seamless experience – A simple, hassle-free process that makes home improvement projects more affordable.

Benefits for Contractors:

  • Higher approval rates (90%+) – Secure payment solutions for more consumers and reduce lost sales.
  • Larger ticket sizes – Payment solutions help consumers afford premium upgrades and increases job values.
  • Stronger close rates – Offering payment solutions early in the sales process helps convert more leads into customers.
  • Earn exclusive rewards – Contractors can qualify for the OPTIMUS Rewards Program. Unlock better rates, gain access to exclusive content and receive cash bonuses up to $1,500+ just for growing your business by utilizing payment solutions via OPTIMUS.
  • There is no setup fee or monthly charge to use OPTIMUS.
  • No-cost payment solutions are available across all credit tiers.
  • Some loan plans may include a dealer fee, often referred to as a “merchant” fee by lenders.
  • Contractors choose whether or not to offer plans with dealer fees

OPTIMUS is available to most contractors who want to offer payment solutions.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a licensed contractor (where required).
  • Must be registered as a business with the state.
  • Must have a web presence (e.g., company website, social media, or business listing).

Tip: Even if you're a small contractor or just getting started, OPTIMUS can help you grow by providing flexible payment solutions.

Enrollment

Enrollment Process:

  1. Complete the OPTIMUS enrollment application – Requires basic business and owner information. Takes only about 10 minutes to complete.
  2. Upload a copy of a voided check for the account in which you want funding deposits to be made.
  3. Review and sign lender agreements.
  4. Submit your application.
  5. An enrollment coordinator will review your application within 1-2 business days and communicate next steps via email.
  6. Most applications are vetted and a decision made within 7-10 business days.

Tip: Ensure all information provided on the application is accurate to avoid delays in processing.

  • For most businesses, enrollment does NOT impact credit.
  • Only sole proprietors will have their credit pulled as part of the enrollment process.
  • LLCs, corporations and other business entities do not undergo a personal credit check.

Tip: If you're a sole proprietor and concerned about a credit pull, consider registering your business as an LLC or corporation.

All enrollment applications require a copy of a voided check for the account in which you want funding deposits to be made.

The following documentation may be requested as part of the enrollment process:

  • Proof of active Secretary of State status (business registration).
  • Current contractor licensing (if required in your state).
  • Copy of your Operating Agreement (for LLCs).
  • Shareholder Statement (for corporations).

Tip: Having these documents ready before starting your application can speed up the approval process.

Member Portal & Dashboard

OPTIMUS Member Portal grants you single sign-on access to:

  • Your OPTIMUS Dashboard
  • Adding users
  • OPTIMUS Commerical
  • View training materials & educational content
  • Additional resources

OPTIMUS Dashboard is where you:

  • Send your custom OPTIMUS prequalification link to consumers
  • View pending invites
  • Track applications
  • Request funding
  • View funding transaction details

Log into the OPTIMUS Member Portal and then click the blue "Application Dashboard ENTER HERE" button at the top right of the page.

You can begin using OPTIMUS immediately upon activation. Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Log into the OPTIMUS Member Portal.
  2. Complete the required GreenSky Merchant Employee Training, if you haven’t already done so.
  3. It can be helpful to review the OPTIMUS training modules before sending your first invite.

Once these steps are completed, you can begin sending consumers your custom OPTIMUS prequalification link.

System Set-Up & Navigation

If you're unable to reset your password or haven’t received the reset email, follow these steps:

  1. Be sure you’re using the email address associated with your OPTIMUS account.
  2. Check your spam/junk folder for the password reset email.
  3. Contact OPTIMUSengagement@egia.org for further assistance.

Self-Service Training & Learning Resources

  • OPTIMUS LMS – Step-by-step training modules
  • OPTIMUS Member Portal
    • Member Resources – Guides & best practices
    • Sales Library – Sales strategies & financing tools
    • FAQ Page – Quick answers to common questions
    • Additional resources unlock as you progress through the OPTIMUS Rewards Program

You can send or copy your link from your OPTIMUS Dashboard by following these steps:

  1. Log into the OPTIMUS Member Portal.
  2. Click the blue "Application Dashboard ENTER HERE" button at the top right of the page.
  3. Your link is displayed at the top of your dashboard under “Send your OPTIMUS link.”
  4. You can send the link from your dashboard via email or copy and share it manually.

Tip: Save this link or add it to your website for quick access when offering payment solutions to consumers.

If your link isn’t working, please contact the OPTIMUS team at:

To add users to your OPTIMUS account, follow these steps:

  1. Log into the OPTIMUS Member Portal.
  2. Click the "Add OPTIMUS User" button on the top right of the screen.
  3. Assign the appropriate role for each user:
    • Administrator – Grants access to all application information and the ability to request funding.
    • Employee – Grants access to only those applications that originated from a prequalification link sent to a consumer directly from their OPTIMUS Dashboard.
    • No Access – Will not have any access to OPTIMUS applications.
  4. Once you’ve added all users, click Submit.
  5. Your roster will be updated within one business day.

To remove users from your OPTIMUS account, email OPTIMUSengagement@egia.org with the names of the users you'd like to remove. Your roster will be updated within one business day.

There are two required GreenSky trainings:

  • Annual Compliance Training
  • Merchant Employee Training

Annual Compliance Training needs to be completed by one individual on behalf of the company. The link to complete this training is: https://greensky.my.salesforce-sites.com/merchant/WistiaLogin.

Merchant Employee Training needs to be completed by each individual OPTIMUS user. Follow these steps to complete this training:

  1. Log into the OPTIMUS Member Portal.
  2. Click on the "GreenSky Merchant Employee Training - Required" banner or the "Complete Training" button in the top right corner.
  3. You will be directed to the GreenSky Merchant Training module and your individual user information will pre-populate.
    • If any of your information is incorrect, please contact the OPTIMUS team at 833-678-1687 or OPTIMUSengagement@egia.org.
    • Click Submit once your information is correct.
  4. Go through the training slides and complete the 6-question True/False test.
  5. Once you pass, you’ll receive a confirmation email from GreenSky.
  6. To update your training status, you will need to logout of the OPTIMUS Member Portal and log back in.

OPTIMUS Commercial

You can send your custom OPTIMUS Commercial application link via email from the OPTIMUS Commercial tile on the OPTIMUS Member Portal. You also have the option to copy the link and share it manually.

Loan Applications & Funding

Our Lease-to-Own Program provides flexible, pay-over-time lease options for customers with challenged credit. Unlike traditional loans, approval is based on ability to repay rather than a FICO score. Customers also have the option to pay off early to reduce overall costs.

For a deeper understanding of lease-to-own financing, explore these resources:

  • Understanding Lease-to-Own (Video)
  • The Subprime Pathway

Admin role users will receive an email notification when a customer completes the prequalification and submits it to find their lender. Ongoing application status updates are not sent via email, but can be tracked in your OPTIMUS dashboard.

To view application status:

  1. Click the "Applications" tab in the top left corner of your dashboard.
  2. You can search by customer name (first or last) or app ID using the search box in the upper right corner.
  3. Click on the applicant's name to open the application details.

If the consumer HAS NOT completed/submitted the prequalification to find their lender:

  1. Go to your OPTIMUS dashboard
  2. Click on the consumer’s email under “Pending Prequalification”
  3. Click the “Resend Invitation” button

If the consumer HAS completed/submitted the prequalification to find their lender:

  1. Go to your OPTIMUS dashboard and click the “Applications” tab
  2. Go into the consumer’s application and click the three dots at the top right of the screen.
  3. Select “Resend Homeowner Link” from the dropdown menu.
  4. The consumer will receive an email with a link that will take them to where they left off in the process.

Once the project is complete, an Admin role user can follow these steps to request funding:

  1. Go into the application and click the "Complete Project" button at the top of the timeline.
  2. Enter and submit the final project details.
  3. The consumer will receive an email (or text) with a link to confirm project completion.
  4. Once the consumer confirms completion, funds should hit your account within 1-2 business days.

Tip: To avoid delays in funding, submit the final project details and encourage consumers to confirm completion while the install team is still in the home.

Rebates

You can reach the EGIA Rebate Team at dealerrebates@egia.org or 888-691-0387. When reaching out, include your Dealer Number and claim details, if applicable, to expedite assistance.

Not Finding the Answer you Need?

Contact the OPTIMUS Team at OPTIMUSengagement@egia.org or 833-678-1687.
Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern Standard Time.

GET STARTED TODAY

Consumer financing doesn’t have to be confusing and overwhelming. Our mission is to help you find the right finance program to fit your business. Our experts will work directly with you to choose a lending pathway, learn marketing strategies, and incorporate sales processes that will help you generate more revenue.