April isn’t just about taxes; it’s an opportunity for HVAC contractors. For many Americans, tax refunds are one of the biggest financial deposits they’ll receive all year. In 2024, the average U.S. refund topped $3,000.
Many consumers treat this refund as “found money,” giving them the freedom to catch up on essentials or upgrade their lives. This results in a surge in spending on high-ticket items and/or delayed services like:
- ACHR replacements
- Auto or home repairs
- Cosmetic dental work
- Elective medical procedures
- Pet surgeries or veterinary care
Stories about how to “spend your refund wisely” are flooding the media. Be a part of the conversation and capture refund revenue by ensuring that your payment experience is frictionless and mobile-friendly. Clunky checkout processes or rigid payment policies, such as requiring full payment upfront or long approval waits for financing, can cause hesitation and lost sales.
Tax season can be your biggest opportunity of the year. Be sure to meet customers where they are, with the right message, and with the right way to pay.
How Everyday Businesses Are Using Mobile Payment Tools to Close More Sales
Mobile payments are transforming the way everyday businesses close sales and get paid. From HVAC contractors to veterinary clinics, businesses are meeting customers where they want to be met, on their phones.
With features like text-to-pay, digital invoices, and built-in financing, businesses can offer a seamless payment experience that customers can easily enjoy.
See it in action:
- A home services company uses text-to-pay invoices paired with same-day scheduling to reduce the dropoff between the original estimate and the provided service.
- A HVAC business increases the number of estimates for optional services by promoting flexible financing options.
- A field services contractor helps turn high-cost services into manageable monthly plans, using digital checkout tools that clients can access from their phone.
Why it works:
- Less friction: no paper invoices, no clunky payment portals, and no waiting around for financing decisions.
- More accessibility: when payments feel more manageable, customers are more likely to say “yes”, especially for big-ticket or time-sensitive services.
- Positive customer experiences: fast, familiar, and mobile-friendly payment options build confidence and trust.
Today’s mobile payment solutions are designed for small to midsize service businesses. They’re affordable, easy to set up, and simple for your team to use in the field or at the front desk.
Five Ways to Maximize Revenue This Refund Season
It’s time to turn tax season into sales season. With the right messaging, offers, and team readiness, you can turn refunds into revenue.
- Make mobile payment options visible: Don’t wait until checkout to mention flexible payments. Address it early in quotes, estimates, social posts, and in office signage. Be sure to use action-driven language such as: “No cash? No problem. Pay over time.”
- Create time-bound tax season offers: Link your services directly to refund season: “Upgrade your AC with your tax refund” or “update your windows now, pay later”.
- Train your team: Field techs to front desk staff should feel comfortable explaining payment options. A simple script can be helpful: “We offer flexible monthly payments – would you like to see what that might look like?”
- Market with intent: Use key phrases like “flexible financing” on social media, email, and local ads to align your messaging with tax season and what customers are searching for.
- Track what’s working: Monitor closing rates, average sale size, and payment timing. Test different messages or offers to find what works best for you and your business.
Make this Tax Season Count
Tax season presents an advantageous but time-sensitive opportunity for HVAC businesses to drive sales. With average refunds exceeding $3,000, many consumers are actively looking to spend on meaningful upgrades and overdue services.
Mobile-friendly, flexible payment options help remove common sales barriers like cost hesitation, lengthy approvals, or clunky checkout experiences. By offering financing and frictionless payment tools, you’re creating a more confident buying experience while closing more deals.
Success starts with visibility and communication. Make sure your team is trained to talk to and about payment flexibility. Use your marketing channels, including social media, to reinforce messaging and promotional offers.
Track what’s working, whether it’s a certain offer, message, or tool, so you can refine and improve your strategy year over year. Tax season is a chance not just to boost revenue, but to build long-term momentum.