KETTERING, OHIO—GE Money’s Sales Finance unit recently launched a Web-based training library for business partners— any retailer currently enrolled in a consumer finance program offered by GE—to help educate and effectively communicate financing to the consumer.

The site — www.gemoney.com/training — being called the GE Money Training Resource Center, features “a variety of topics extremely relevant to the role of credit in the flooring retail industry,” said Paul Schlehr, industry vice president, flooring industry for GE Money-Sales Finance.

The curriculum currently consists of nine courses for flooring dealers and their sales associates to choose from based on the specific training need. These courses cover various topics from the basic to advanced material, Schlehr noted. “The curriculum is dynamic, and we’re constantly adding material to the site. Everything is covered, from basic material related to using the terminal or understanding how promotions work, to more sophisticated material that offers proven best practices and strategies on how to broaden your market, sell effectively with credit and help customers understand how financing can be used to stretch their budget further.”

The educational site was developed in direct response to GE Money’s customer requests for additional training to better understand how to leverage financing to stimulate growth, meet consumer needs and increase customer satisfaction. And, ultimately, he added, these are its goals— higher customer sales and satisfaction— especially in a down economy where consumers are being more prudent in their spending habits.

“By educating flooring retailers and their sales teams about financing, they can be more confident in offering credit as a payment option to meet the sale and satisfy the customer’s desire to have the highest quality products within their budget,” Schlehr explained. “Ensuring that the customer’s expectations are managed and they have a good experience will lead to repeat business and referrals for dealers.”

He noted the initial response to the self-paced training has been “favorable.” To utilize or obtain more information on the GE Money Training Resource Center, visit the site—www.gemoney.com/training— or call GE Money’s client services at 800.333.1082.