Selling well is mostly about preparation. The rate gap between decent traders is small; the losses come from claims that stall, fees that appear late and cash that arrives slowly.
Step one: lodge a complete claim
A claim with clear photos, correct serials and a signed assignment form clears faster, and a rate that is locked on lodgement of a complete claim only helps if the claim is complete. Our photo guide and assignment form guide cover the basics.
Step two: compare on net terms
Use the same scorecard for every provider: rate, lock, fees, settlement time, support. Ask for it in writing. See how to get the best STC price.
Step three: decide whether to hold
Some installers wonder whether to hold certificates and wait for a better price. With the Clearing House at $40 and spot at roughly $38 to $40 at the time of writing, the upside from waiting is slim, and you are paying for the delay in cash flow. Unless you have a specific view, sell promptly.
Step four: build the relationship
A named account manager, a quick phone call and a consistent process save you more than chasing the last 20 cents. Volume also matters: tiered programs reward regular partners.
What this means for installers
Energy Merchants publishes its buy rate daily on the pricing page, with zero fees and a named account manager. You can start trading in a few minutes or read how the STC trading process works from install to payment.
Prices move, so treat any number here as a snapshot and check the live figure before you quote a job.
Finally, keep records of every sale: the rate, the date and the payment received. They support your tax reporting and give you real data when reviewing your trader. See the guide on RCTI, GST and ABN payments for how the paperwork should look.
If your volume is growing, ask what the next tier looks like. Programs that reward regular partners, such as our Partner Program, can improve the economics without any need to haggle job by job. A predictable arrangement is easier to plan around than a negotiated price that changes every month.