A contractor might become a member of an organization or association for the networking opportunities they offer, the information, and the exclusive events. But today’s HVAC associations and organizations are offering their members even more: money back.
It could be a cashback Mastercard, a partnership program, or a rebate program. Whatever the way, organizations and associations are innovating their offerings the same way manufacturers innovate their products: to better serve the HVAC contractor — those doing the actual, physical work.
Ways To Get Money Back
The types of programs were born out of a desire to help contractors mitigate pain points — and what can help ease the pain? Money. Especially in today’s economy.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) recently launched the ACCA World Elite Business Mastercard, which offers up to 2.1% unlimited cash back on all purchases, with 5% cash back on HVACR equipment and supplies. The program also covers 100% of ACCA membership dues each year.
“It’s our way of helping contractors keep more money in their pockets while investing in their business,” said Sean Robertson, vice president of membership, advocacy, and events at ACCA. “We launched the ACCA Mastercard program because we know how tight margins can be and want every contractor to enjoy the benefits of ACCA membership. … Contractors earn a year of bronze membership after your team puts $30,000 on the card in your first three months. Contractors can also earn renewals — up to our top-tier gold membership — every year thereafter.”
Ultimately, this card means stronger cash flow, lower operating costs, and more flexibility to reinvest in teams and tools for ACCA members.
“It’s about giving contractors more control over their finances,” Robertson said. “And, of course, the fact that the card covers 100% of ACCA membership dues is a huge benefit — offering contractors countless opportunities to learn business and technical skills, connect with best-in-class peers, and grow their businesses.”
Service Nation has more than 100 partners that offer rebates on purchases to its members. Be it annually, biannually, or the majority — quarterly; usually, the rebates far exceed the cost of membership.
“For many members, the program brings in significant extra cash flow,” said Peter Galanek, vice president of strategic alliances at Service Nation. “The more they engage in the partner program, the higher the returns. Our program includes major HVAC manufacturing brands, plumbing brands, distributors, and many partners that help with elements of running your business, like software, marketing, HR, insurance, trucks, etc.”
Members of Nexstar Network are offered a rebate program based on their purchases of products, services, and offerings from vendors participating in the member-owned organization’s Strategic Partner (SP) program. The program is comprised of almost 200 vendors in the home services industry that include manufacturers, distributors, marketing agencies, software and technology providers, answering services, and more. More than 61% of Nexstar members pay at least half their annual dues with rebates earned through the program, and in 2024, the program paid out over $22,000,000 in rebates.
Less Obvious Benefits
Obviously, money back is a huge benefit of rebate or partnership programs. Another, less obvious, benefit is how that money came to be in the first place: through the various types of vendor partnering with organizations and associations to make these programs possible.
“Through the partnership program, vendors aggregate the buying power of our members and offer rebates based on member spend,” said Ilse Larsen, director of strategic partnerships at Nexstar. “These rebates empower our members to invest in resources that fuel their continued growth. We create a win-win scenario where the vendor’s business and relationships deepen and grow as our member contractors thrive. And since our members’ businesses are constantly evolving, their vendor needs are also ever-changing and growing.”
Service Nation’s partnership program was actually born from the desire its partners had to help fund the educational journey its contractor members take with Service Nation.
“Our partners know we help dealers grow substantially, and they are with us, and our members, in every step of that journey,” Galanek said. “Members benefit from Cash Back Rewards buying power — featuring over 100 contractor-vetted Preferred Partners. For many members, the program brings in significant extra cash flow, while they are learning every element of running a successful company.”
Collectively, Service Nation’s members have received over $1 billion in rebates annually.
“Most of our manufacturers track and report member purchasing quarterly,” Galanek said. “They also participate in our meetings, most offer additional training, and they exhibit at our annual events.”
Larsen said that Nexstar has found that its contractors come to the organization for its coaching and training, but then they learn about its partner program, and recognize that the vendors in our program are typically their vendors of choice.
“Our partner program doesn’t initially attract contractors to Nexstar — it enables them to invest and engage in the dynamic coaching and training that will sustain and grow their businesses,” said Larsen.
While many of their partnerships have been in place for a long time, Nexstar is still evolving and adding new partners to its program regularly.
“Our members offer us our best partner referrals,” Larsen said. “If they find a vendor that works for them, they’ll recommend that we analyze the potential for our entire membership. Our membership truly values success through education and sharing, so suggesting new partners benefits our entire membership. Recently, we opened our partner program to home services contractors outside of our membership by way of our Buyers Group. Once qualified, contractors gain access to our influential vendors and participate in the Nexstar Strategic Partner program.”
While ACCA’s card membership benefits are only available for contractors, Robertson said the association welcomes manufacturers, distributors, and anybody else who wants to show their support for contractor excellence by applying for the ACCA card. They also encourage manufacturers to get involved through ACCA’s Strategic Partner program.
“At the end of the day, our goal is to support contractors in every way we can,” Robertson said. “From education to advocacy to practical tools like the ACCA Elite Business Mastercard, we’re always looking for ways to help our members succeed. Programs like this aren’t just perks — they’re about ensuring that all contractors have access to benefits that improve the quality of contractors’ lives and the professionalism of our industry.”