OPTIMUS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

OPTIMUS is a one-of-a-kind financing platform powered by EGIA (Electric & Gas Industries Association). It integrates multiple lenders into a single platform, enabling contractors to offer payment solutions to homeowners across all credit profiles.

Why OPTIMUS?

• Fast & easy financing for contractors and homeowners
• 90%+ approval rates across all credit tiers
• Access to the best loan plans in one streamlined platform
• Helps contractors grow their business by offering flexible payment options

OPTIMUS simplifies the financing process, making it easier for contractors to close more sales and provide homeowners with affordable solutions.

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?

1. Provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in HVAC.
2. Operates Contractor University, an industry leader in contractor training.
3. Powers OPTIMUS, a premier financing platform helping contractors offer payment solutions to homeowners.

No, OPTIMUS is not a bank or a lender. It is a financial platform that connects contractors and homeowners with lending partners across Prime, Near-Prime, and Subprime credit tiers to provide the best possible financing solutions.

How OPTIMUS Works:

• Partners with top lenders in the HVAC/home improvement industry.
• Delivers 90%+ approval rates by matching customers with the best available financing.
• Simplifies the financing process by housing all applications in one single-sign-on platform.

• Contractors enroll for free.
• Customers apply in minutes. The application takes less than 10 minutes and can be completed on a smartphone or tablet.
• OPTIMUS finds the best loan match. Customers are automatically routed to the best available lender.
• Contractors close more sales. With a 90%+ approval rate, contractors can offer flexible financing to all homeowners.

Benefits for Customers:

• Quick and easy approvals – Get approved for an unsecured loan in as little as 10 minutes.
• Flexible payment solutions – Financing options 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 financing for more customers and reduce lost sales.
• Larger ticket sizes – Financing helps homeowners afford premium upgrades and increases job values.
• Earn exclusive rewards – Contractors can qualify for the OPTIMUS Rewards Program, unlocking better rates, exclusive content, and cash bonuses up to $1,500+ as they fund more loans.
• Stronger close rates – Offering financing early in the sales process helps convert more leads into customers.

• There is no monthly charge or setup fee for using OPTIMUS.
• Some financing plans may include a dealer fee, sometimes referred to as a “merchant” fee by lenders.

Key Cost Considerations:

• Zero-cost enrollment – No setup or recurring charges.
• Dealer fees vary by loan plan – Contractors choose whether to offer plans with dealer fees.
• Many loan options with zero dealer fees – OPTIMUS provides multiple no-cost financing plans.

OPTIMUS is available to most contractors who want to offer financing.

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 financing solutions.

Enrolling in OPTIMUS is quick and easy, taking only about 10 minutes to complete.

Enrollment Process:

1. Complete the OPTIMUS enrollment application – Requires basic business and owner information.
2. Submit the application for review.
3. Await approval – Most applications are processed within 7-10 business days.

Tip: Ensure all business details are 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.

Additional Documentation That May Be Needed:

• 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.

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

1. Verify that you're using the correct email address associated with your OPTIMUS account.
2. Check your spam/junk folder for the password reset email.
3. If you still can’t log in, contact optimusengagement@egia.org for further assistance.

You can access training and resources on how to use OPTIMUS through the following:

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 find your customer application link in the OPTIMUS Member Portal by following these steps:

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

Tip: Save this link or add it to your website for quick access when sharing payment options with homeowners.

If your customer application link isn’t working, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check GreenSky Training Requirements
• Ensure the POA/SC user on your account has completed GreenSky Employee Training.
• Make sure your Annual GreenSky Company Training is complete.
• Complete Training Here
2. Test the Link in a Private/Incognito Window
• The link has built-in security features, so if you're testing it on your own device, copy and paste it into a private/incognito browser window to check functionality.
3. Verify Your Account Status
• Ensure your OPTIMUS account has not been suspended or terminated by GreenSky.
• To confirm your status, contact GreenSky Merchant Concierge at 800-357-1558.

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

1. Log into your OPTIMUS Member Portal.
2. Click the "Add OPTIMUS User" button on the top right of your dashboard.
3. Assign the appropriate access level for each employee:
• Administrator – Full visibility into all loan application information and the ability to complete funding for any application within your company.
• Employee – Access to their own loan volume history only.
• No Access – Cannot view any loan volume data.
4. Once you’ve added all employees, click Submit.
5. Your employee roster will be updated within 1 business day.

To remove users from your OPTIMUS account, email optimusengagement@egia.org with the names of the users you'd like to delete.

Users will be removed within one business day.

Follow these steps to complete your required GreenSky Merchant Employee Training:

1. Log into your 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 Compliance Training module, where your individual user information is pre-loaded.
• Verify and update any discrepancies (all fields must be completed).
• Click Submit once your information is correct.
4. Read through the training slides and complete the 6-question True/False test.
5. Once you pass, your training is complete.

1. Refresh your screen or log out and log back in.
2. The red “Complete Training” button will change to a blue “Enter Here” button in the top right corner, confirming completion.

You can access and manage your GreenSky loan plans through your GreenSky portal:

• Log into your GreenSky portal to view available loan plans.
• Activated and Deactivated Loan plans will automatically update in OPTIMUS immediately.

Tip: Ensure your selected plans align with your business needs and customer preferences for the best financing experience. Ask your OPTIMUS Regional or Growth Manager about popular loan plans or best practices.

Yes, you can update your company's OPTIMUS loan packages as needed, but in most cases, you will only need to manage your GreenSky loan plans. Each lender has a different process:

• GreenSky Plans – Manage directly through the GreenSky Portal.
• FTL Finance Plans – OPTIMUS preselects zero dealer fee loan plans for you. If you choose to pay dealer fees, contact isr@ftlfinance.com to manage your plan options.
• Microf Plans – No management required. Customers are automatically matched with a payment solution based on their credit situation.

Upon enrollment in OPTIMUS, your company is automatically enrolled with each of the lenders in our preferred lending programs.

• Customers are automatically routed to the appropriate lender based on their OPTIMUS pre-qualification (soft credit check).
• All loan applications and funding are processed directly through the OPTIMUS platform.

Yes, customers can switch loan plans, but the process depends on the lender:

• GreenSky – Customers can switch plans directly through the GreenSky app.
• FTL Finance – Customers must call FTL Applicant Support at 888-314-4588.
• Microf – Customers must call Microf Customer Support at 855-642-7631 (Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM).

Not automatically. You can choose to enroll in plans with dealer fees—though most contractors don’t. By default, contractors are enrolled in no-dealer-fee plans for Near Prime and Subprime lenders.

However, if you choose, you can opt into loan plans with dealer fees. These plans:

• Lower the customer’s interest rate.
• Add a dealer fee cost to you, the contractor.

Most contractors stick with no dealer fee plans because Near Prime and Subprime customers expect higher interest rates based on their credit profile and value having payment options available.

The lenders in OPTIMUS may change over time, but currently, the platform partners with three lenders to provide financing options for all credit profiles:

• Prime Lender (GreenSky) – Serves customers with great-to-excellent credit. Approves most HVAC and home improvement projects (excluding solar).
• Near-Prime Lender (FTL Finance) – Serves customers with mid-range credit scores. Finances HVAC and most home improvement jobs.
• Subprime Lender (Microf) – Serves credit-challenged customers. Finances only HVAC (unitary systems) and water heaters.

Your GreenSky Merchant ID (MID) is your contractor identification number for the Prime Lender (GreenSky).

Where to Find Your GreenSky MID:

• GreenSky Dashboard – Available in the web-based portal or the GreenSky app.
• OPTIMUS Enrollment Activation Email – Sent when your enrollment is approved.
• OPTIMUS Representative – Reach out to your OPTIMUS representative for assistance.

To access OPTIMUS Commercial, follow these steps:

• Log into your OPTIMUS Member Portal.
• Click the "Commercial Loan Application" tile.
• Fill out the required fields, and a representative will reach out to you.

OPTIMUS Commercial financing differs from residential financing in that it is designed for business entities rather than individual homeowners.

Key Differences:

• Customer Type – Commercial financing is used for businesses and organizations, such as churches, restaurants, medical offices, and educational buildings, instead of residential homes.
• Loan Structure – Commercial loans may have different approval criteria, funding timelines, and loan terms compared to residential financing.
• Project Scope – Typically covers larger-scale projects with higher loan amounts suited for business operations.

Tip: Contractors looking to expand into commercial financing can apply directly through the OPTIMUS Member Portal by selecting the "Commercial Loan Application" tile.

Log into your OPTIMUS Member Portal, then click the blue "Application Dashboard ENTER HERE" button at the top right of the page to access your dashboard.

Easily track your OPTIMUS financing activity and reports from the OPTIMUS Dashboard:

• Financing activity – Located under the "Transactions" tab in the top left of your dashboard.
• Application data – Found under the “Applications” tab on the top left of your dashboard.

Date Range Selection:

• By default, the dashboard displays the last 7 days of activity.
• To view a different time period, click the date selector at the top of your dashboard and choose a custom date range.

You can submit your first application as soon as you are fully enrolled and activated on OPTIMUS. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Log into your OPTIMUS Member Portal.
2. Ensure your required GreenSky Merchant Employee Training is complete.
3. OPTIONAL: Review the OPTIMUS training modules to better understand the application process.

Once these steps are completed, you can begin submitting applications immediately.

Loans are typically funded within 1-2 business days after the customer has confirmed project completion.

OPTIMUS Member Portal: Used for managing your account, including:

1. Adding users
2. Accessing additional resources
3. Viewing training materials & educational content

OPTIMUS Dashboard: Used for tracking and managing financing activity, including:

1. Viewing & tracking applications
2. Completing funding
3. Reviewing transactions

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:

1. Understanding Lease-to-Own (Video)
2. The Subprime Pathway

You will receive an email notification when a new customer appears in your dashboard. However, ongoing application status updates are not sent via email—you must track them in your OPTIMUS dashboard.

To view application status:

1. Click the "Applications" tab in the top left corner of your dashboard.
2. Click on the applicant's name to open the application details.

You can resend a customer’s application based on their progress in the process:

• If the customer has NOT moved forward from prequalification:
1. Go to the Application Dashboard in your OPTIMUS Member Portal.
2. Click on the customer’s application to open the details.
3. Click the "Invite Homeowner" button at the top of the application timeline to resend the application.
• If the customer has already started the application:
1. Click the three dots at the top right of the application screen.
2. Select "Resend Homeowner Link" from the dropdown menu.
3. This will send the customer a link that takes them directly to where they left off in the application process.

If your customer has not received an offer, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Wait for Processing: It can take 5-20 minutes for a decision/offer to come through from our lenders.
2. Check Spam/Junk Folder: Ensure the customer checks their email spam/junk folder for the offer notification.
3. Resend the Application Link:
• Click the three dots in the top right of the application.
• Select "Resend Homeowner Link" from the dropdown menu.
• This will send the customer a link that takes them back to where they left off in the application process to complete any necessary steps.
4. Contact the Lender Directly: If the offer does not appear after these steps, the customer should reach out to the lender for further details:
• GreenSky (Prime Lender): 866-936-0602
• FTL Finance (Near Prime): 888-314-4588
• Microf (Subprime): 855-642-7631 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 7 PM)

Once the work is completed, an Admin-level user must finalize the financing process by following these steps:

1. Go into the application and click the "Complete Project" button at the top of the application timeline.
2. Depending on the lender, you will need to:
• Enter Final Project Details (for Prime and Subprime lenders).
• Create a Completion Certificate (for the Near Prime Lender).
3. Submit the final project details.
4. The customer will receive an email (or text) with a link to confirm project completion. They must click the link to finalize the process.
5. Once the customer confirms completion, funds will be disbursed within 1-2 business days.

Tip: Encourage customers to confirm completion while the install team is still in the home to avoid delays in funding.

You can create an account for rebate submissions at:

Your Dealer Number is your Account Number with your Distributor or Manufacturer if you purchase equipment directly.

• If you’re unsure of your Dealer Number, contact your Distributor or Manufacturer sales representative for assistance.

If rebate programs do not appear in your drop-down list, follow these steps:

1. Log into your account at Dealer Portal.
2. Click on “Change Profile.”
3. Under “Program Participation,” make sure the correct Brand (Manufacturer) and Programs are checked.
4. Click Save at the bottom of the Profile page.
5. Allow 48 hours for the programs to appear.

If the programs still don’t appear, email:

• dealerrebates@egia.org
• jchandler@egia.org

Tip: Double-check that your Dealer Number is correctly entered in your profile, as this can impact program visibility.

Once your rebate account is set up and active, you can download the current Terms & Conditions by:

• Clicking on the “Terms” link in your rebate account.
• Contacting your Distributor or Manufacturer sales representative for the latest rebate terms.
• Reaching out to the OPTIMUS team at optimus@egia.org for assistance.

Tip: Rebate terms may change periodically, so it’s best to review them before submitting a claim.

Manufacturer partners of EGIA/OPTIMUS typically offer financing buy-down and instant rebate programs on a quarterly basis for qualified equipment.

To find out which rebates are currently available:

• Contact your Distributor or Manufacturer sales representative for current promotions.
• Check your rebate account dashboard for active rebate offerings.

Tip: Rebate availability may vary by equipment type, location, and program participation, so always confirm details with your sales rep.

To submit a rebate claim, follow these steps:

1. Ensure your account is set up and activated at Dealer Portal.
2. Click the drop-down menu under “Pick a claim and press green button” to select the claim type.
3. Click “Start a New Claim.”
4. Enter all required fields and upload the necessary documents (listed on the screen).
5. Click “Submit” once all required fields are completed.

Rebate claims are typically paid within 4-6 weeks from the date of approval.

For rebate-related questions or support, contact:

EGIA Rebate Team – dealerrebates@egia.org | 888-691-0387

Tip: When reaching out, include your Dealer Number and claim details to expedite assistance.

An acceptable product registration certificate must be printed or downloaded from the Manufacturer’s website when registering the product.

The certificate must include the following details:

• Your company name
• Homeowner’s name and address
• Product model and serial numbers for the product being claimed

For full details, refer to the Manufacturer’s Terms & Conditions in your rebate account profile.

You can obtain proof of funding from the OPTIMUS Dealer Portal or the lender’s transaction portal.

How to Capture Proof of Funding in OPTIMUS:

1. Log into the OPTIMUS Dealer Portal.
2. Click on “Transactions” (left side of the screen).
3. Click on the customer’s name to open the transaction details.
4. Take a screenshot or screen clip of the Transaction window that appears.

If a customer was declined by the Near Prime lender, their application may not be routed to the Subprime lender due to eligibility restrictions.

Common reasons include:

• The Subprime lender may not finance the type of project the customer is applying for.
• The customer does not meet the minimum approval requirements for the next lender.

If you are unable to fund an application, check for the following:

• User Permissions: If you are not marked as an Admin in your OPTIMUS role, you will not be able to fund applications.
• Customer Loan Activation:
• GreenSky: The customer must activate the loan before funding.
• FTL: The customer must sign the contract.
• Microf: The customer must make the first payment.
• The “Complete Project” button will not be available until all required steps are completed.

If the customer is expecting an approval call but hasn’t received it, follow these steps:

1. Confirm the correct phone number was provided in the application.
2. Check the lender’s processing time – some approvals may take longer during high-volume periods.
3. Have the customer check voicemail – the call may have been missed.
4. Contact the lender’s support team if further assistance is needed:
• GreenSky (Prime Lender): 866-936-0602
• FTL Finance (Near Prime): 888-314-4588
• Microf (Subprime): 855-642-7631 (Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 7 PM)

To update your business information (such as address, bank details, or authorized users):

1. Log into your OPTIMUS Member Portal.
2. Navigate to the Account Settings section.
3. Update the necessary details and submit changes.
4. If assistance is needed, contact optimusengagement@egia.org.

• Try selecting from the dropdown menu to see if your question is covered.
• For quick support, contact us at optimusengagement@egia.org or call 833-678-1687.