We Read the Fine Print, You Cash the Checks

Between managing inventory, scheduling test drives, and dealing with that guy who’s “just looking,” the last thing you need is another headache — like deciphering Ford Co-op rules. That’s where we come in.

At 9 Clouds, we specialize in making sense of Ford’s ever-evolving co-op requirements. Weirdly, we kind of love it. And we’re really good at it.

Why This Matters Now

Ford’s co-op cash is free money… until it isn’t. The rules love to evolve (and 2025 is no exception). One tiny oversight, missing disclaimer, unapproved platform and poof: no reimbursement.

That’s where we come in. 9 Clouds handles the messy details, keeps your creative compliant, and helps you get every penny you’ve earned.

What Qualifies for Ford Co-op in 2025

Before you hit submit, make sure your ad creative checks these boxes:

✅ Promotes new Ford vehicles, Ford Blue Advantage -Gold Certified only, Ford service, or ownership experience

✅ Runs on an approved channel: digital, broadcast, video, direct mail, social media, etc.

✅ Includes clear pricing, compliant lease terms, and required fine print

✅ Uses a FordDirect website

Basically, if it’s not by the book and brand-approved, you’re not getting reimbursed.

Compliance: The Part We Keep Behind the Curtain

Ford has more logo rules, tagline laws, and legal fine print than your last software update and yes, the wrong font size can void your claim. 

Instead of publishing the entire rule book here (boring for you, proprietary for Ford), trust that we eat, sleep, and breathe these guidelines so you don’t have to. 

Starting in 2025, compliance monitoring is ramping up, and Ford will even let dealers check their status in real time.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Random audits are real. Ford samples digital ads, social media, SEM, websites, all of it.
• Pre-approvals are unlimited and a big time-saver later. Use them like confetti.
• Stamps = mistakes. Ford flags errors using a “pillar” system so you know what to fix. (Example below)
• Noncompliance = chargebacks. Break the rules, and you might have to pay money back. Womp womp.

Rather not worry about all that? Cool, we’ll handle it.

Co‑op Killers: The Four Big Ones

Here’s what tanked the most claims last year (and what we help you avoid):

❌ Missed Deadlines: Claims must be submitted within 60 days of the month the ad ended.

❌ Non‑Compliant Creative: If you guessed wrong on tagline usage or pricing layout, you’re probably out of luck.

❌ Sloppy Paperwork: Screenshots, invoices, and proof-of-run. Yep! Ford wants it all.

❌ Unapproved Vendors: Always double-check. Ford has favorites, and they’re not shy about it.

How 9 Clouds Makes Co‑op Easy

Here’s how we simplify the chaos and get you paid faster:

✅ Co‑op‑Ready Campaigns: We design your creative to Ford specs from the start — no cleanup needed.

✅ Pre-Approval Patrol: We catch logo or tagline issues before they become expensive.

✅ Hands‑On Claim Filing: We handle the screenshots, PDF invoices, specs, and everything in between.

✅ Fewer Denials, Faster Dollars: Most of our clients get paid faster than the standard 4–6 week wait.

Quick FAQs

Q: How long do I have to submit a claim?

A: You have 60 days from the end of the month in which the ad last ran. Miss that window and you’re out of luck.

Q: What if my ad gets denied?
A: Don’t panic. You’ve got 30 days to fix it. We’ll handle the edits and resubmit it for you.

Q: How long does reimbursement take?

A: Typically 4–6 weeks after approval, depending on volume.

Q: How do I check my available co‑op funds?
A: Log in to the Ford Dealer Co‑op Dashboard or just ask your 9 Clouds Account Manager.

Q: Who actually reviews these claims?

A: Ford’s partner, Ansira, reviews claims and invoices. They’ll let you know if you’ve been paid in full, partially paid, or denied (and why).

The TL;DR:

Co-op funds shouldn’t feel like that group project where you do all the work and still get a C. Toss the fine print, the endless guidelines, and the 40-page PDF to someone who actually enjoys them (hi, that’s us).

We’ll handle the rules, so you can focus on the test drives, the sales, and yes, getting paid.

Don’t Leave Co-Op Fund Behind »