At Cilio, we’ve supported installation companies as they learned how to become a Costco contractor. Cilio’s direct integration with Centah simplifies the amount of work needed to handle the increased volume of work – and paperwork!
Being a contractor for Costco allows installation companies to grow their business. Their network of independent Service Providers gives Costco’s customers the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of local installation companies.
How Costco Works with Installation Companies
If you read our blogs on how to become a contractor for Lowe’s and Home Depot, you’ll know that these big box retailers contract directly with installation companies to provide home improvement installations to their customers. This direct relationship gives Lowe’s and Home Depot the ability to manage the sales process for installers while also giving various incentives to their providers.
Costco’s model works differently. Costco works with manufacturers and suppliers directly and allows them to sell their products and services in Costco stores. Once an installation is sold, the manufacturers and suppliers send the new job to their network of authorized installers.
Costco primarily manages home improvement programs through Manufacturers (OEM’s). With OEM leadership, they are able to combine the power of product innovation, marketing and network to deliver value for the Costco customers.
Installers receive the lead through Centah, which in turn is integrated with Cilio’s home installation management system. As the job is scheduled, managed, and completed, Cilio updates Centah, which in turns closes the loop with Costco.
How to Become a Costco Installer
Since Costco works directly with manufacturers and suppliers, you’ll want to become an authorized dealer or installer for the products that align with your services.
Each company will have its own requirements to become a part of their preferred network. Once approved by the manufacturer, you will work with them to leverage Centah for Costco home installation jobs.
Prior to submitting your application to become a subcontractor with Costco, ensure that your business possesses all the necessary licenses and certifications as mandated by your state’s regulations.
Leveraging Cilio for Efficiency
Once you’ve become an authorized dealer or installer for a manufacturer or supplier, you will need to sign up with Centah’s solution for remodelers. From there, adding Cilio to your operations will help you manage new jobs from beginning to end.
The challenge that many providers face is the duplication and extra work of keeping Centah updated along with their own business management & scheduling system. This is where Cilio can help as the largest third-party software provider for Centah. We’ve built the integration to keep Centah updated with all the tools YOU need to run your business. Here are a few examples:
Cilio offers robust tools to manage Big Box installation jobs efficiently:
- Direct Integration: Cilio integrates directly with Centah including leads, providing a centralized platform for managing all work from start to finish.
- Work Management: Cilio pulls job details, installs, permits, and work orders from Centah for all trade categories. The install management feature of Cilio makes your life easier and speeds up your ability to quote or complete new jobs from Costco.
- Real-Time Updates: Maintain your work schedule in Cilio, and it will automatically sync with Centah.
- Automated Documentation: Generate and upload necessary documents to Centah with ease, streamlining the paperwork process.
Conclusion
Becoming an installer for Costco can really help your business grow. It’s great whether it’s your main job or just to keep your team busy. By carefully following these steps and using Cilio’s tools, you can make the process easier and build a strong relationship with Costco.
Want to Learn More?
Take your business to the next level as a Costco installer with Cilio, the leading field management software solution for installation companies. Contact us or schedule a demo to see how Cilio can optimize your installation operations.
