Joining a trader is mostly paperwork, and most delays come from missing items. Gather these first.
Business and tax details
- ABN and entity name, exactly as registered.
- GST registration status. It changes how payment and tax invoices work.
- Bank account in the business name for settlement.
- A signed RCTI agreement, if the trader issues recipient-created tax invoices. See RCTI, GST and ABN.
Accreditation and installer details
- Installer accreditation numbers and any licences relevant to the work: solar, battery, hot water or heat pump.
- Certificate holder or registry details, if you have registered in the REC Registry.
- Contact for compliance questions, so queries reach the right person.
Paperwork for the first job
Have a template assignment form ready, see the STC assignment form guide, and photos taken to the photo requirements. For batteries, the battery submission guide applies.
Commercial terms to confirm
| Item | Confirm |
|---|---|
| Rate and lock trigger | When is the price fixed? |
| Settlement time | From which event? |
| Fees or deductions | In writing |
| Clawback | Scope and time limit |
| Exclusivity | Can you also use another trader? |
| Portal access | Logins and training |
See what to check in an STC trader contract for the detail.
The test claim
Send one small job first. Check the rate applied, the time to payment, the RCTI and how the portal handled any query. If it all lines up, move more volume.
What this means for installers
Treat onboarding as a short project with a checklist and an owner in your office. At Energy Merchants the first claim for a new partner clears in 48 to 72 hours while we verify your details, then you are on 24-hour settlement, and your named account manager walks you through lodging. You can start trading any time, compare rates on the pricing page and see the how it works overview. If you are coming from another trader, switching mid-month has the sequence.