Episode 94: Lyon Financial with Sarah Bess: How to Offer Pool Financing Options to Your Customers
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Soundcloud, Google Podcasts, Youtube, or on your favorite Podcast platform.
In this episode, we sat down with Sarah Bess who is the Director of Marketing and Dealer Services for Lyon Financial. She jokingly refers to financing as the little “F” word that people throw around, but do not really understand and after recording the episode with her, we agree. As part of the episode, we break down financial terms such as secured and unsecured loans and interest rates so that you can have a better understanding of the topic. This will help you educate your customers when discussing these types of options with them. Swimming pool financing is something that not everyone knows is out there, but they should. It can help with everything from new builds and remodels to equipment sets, pergolas, and even outdoor furniture. As long as the project is over $5,000 there is an option for every type of pool business out there. If we knew this was available when we ran Brothers Pool Service it would have been a no brainer to add to our bid process.
Lyon Financial is all about customer service, they look at it as creating partnerships and are there for you and your customer every step of the way. They offer low-interest rates and long-term loans, and they even have a pool loan calculator right on their website, so your customers can get an estimated monthly payment. With everything going on in the world right now, homeowners will be looking for options to upgrade their backyard experience and you can give that to them. Don’t know where to get started? Don’t worry, we have teamed up with our friends at Lyon to create a custom checklist so that you can become a preferred vendor. Do not miss this opportunity to enhance your customer service, go to the episode webpage to download the form now!
Connect with Lyon Financial
Resources Mentioned
Sponsors
Episode 94 Transcript
Show Notes
[02:43] - Introduction to Lyon Financial Director of Marketing and Dealer Services Sarah Bess
[03:39] - Sarah Bess grew up in Gastonia North Carolina and went to Christian School Kindergarten through 12th grade. Just like Tyler Rasmussen.
[08:09] - Sarah’s role and responsibilities at Lyon Financial
[10:46] - Lyon Financial History
[11:50] - The demand for swimming pool financing
[15:09] - Financing swimming pool equipment or anything home improvement as long as it’s over $5,000
[18:33] - Pentair Trade Grade program
[19:14] - What is financing and what are the different options out there?
[21:27] - The difference between secured and unsecured loans
[22:32] - The “F” word finance and why some people don’t like this option
[27:04] - Repeat customers for adding additions to their backyard
[27:58] - Lyon gets photos of each phase of the swimming pool build process
[29:54] - How interest rates are determined
[33:43] - A swimming pool adding value to the home
[36:34] - Saving money by buying a pool because of what you save from vacation trips
[39:01] - Stock up for the summer with PoolRx Spring Big Sale Event
[40:07] - The loan process for a homeowner
[42:33] - Lyon sets up between 60-100 contractors a month
[44:36] - Proving contractors with flyers, pamphlets, payment charts, etc.
[45:32] - How are contractors getting the best results from using Lyon Financial
[47:41] - Adding graphics and other assets offered by Lyon to websites and emails
[51:41] - How Lyon Financial is different and unique compared to other financing options
[54:21] - When will the contractor building the pool get the check?
[57:01] - Involved until the project is complete
[01:01:42] - Different loan options with Lyon Financial
[01:03:44] - Gain in applications recently during COVID-19
[01:04:19] - Biggest takeaway from this episode