DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Manchester, Missouri, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: Entry-level to Mid-level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive revenue growth through expert interior design consultations and personalized sales strategies within a retail showroom environment.

• Cultivate and manage long-term customer relationships, acting as a trusted design advisor from initial consultation to project completion.

• Leverage comprehensive product knowledge and an understanding of design trends to create tailored solutions that meet diverse customer needs and preferences.

• Utilize a consultative selling approach, incorporating virtual appointments and live chats to expand customer reach and engagement.

• Contribute to a high-performing sales team, consistently striving to meet and exceed individual and team sales objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and emphasis on sales goals, commission, and client relationship management firmly place this role within a sales-driven operations context, specifically in retail and GTM functions. The role requires a blend of design acumen and robust sales execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients, assessing their tastes, lifestyles, and budget constraints to recommend appropriate furniture and design solutions.

• Develop and present comprehensive product and design proposals, effectively communicating the value and benefits of Bassett Furniture's offerings.

• Execute a "relationship selling" methodology to build rapport, trust, and long-term loyalty with a diverse clientele.

• Actively manage and grow a personal client base through proactive outreach, networking, and follow-up, aiming for repeat business and referrals.

• Utilize and adapt to various sales channels, including in-store consultations, virtual appointments, and live chat interactions, to maximize selling opportunities.

• Maintain an expert-level understanding of Bassett Furniture's product lines, including furniture construction, materials, customization options, and current design trends.

• Collaborate with design and sales teams to share insights, best practices, and support overall store performance goals.

• Drive sales to meet or exceed individual commission targets and contribute to overall store revenue objectives.

• Stay current with industry trends, competitor offerings, and emerging design styles to maintain a competitive edge.

• Manage sales process from initial contact through to closing, including order placement, follow-up, and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "relationship selling," "makeovers," and "dream rooms" suggests a proactive, client-centric approach that goes beyond transactional sales, requiring strong operational skills in customer management and project execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Completion of design-focused courses or certifications is a plus.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a sales-oriented role, preferably within retail, interior design, or a client-facing capacity. Proven success in meeting sales targets is critical.

Required Skills:

• Passion for interior design and home furnishings.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport quickly.

• Proven sales acumen with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals.

• Ability to discern and coordinate colors, textures, and styles effectively.

• Strong customer service orientation and a friendly, outgoing personality.

• Self-motivated and driven to cultivate and manage a client base.

• Proficiency in computer applications, including CRM systems and general office software.

• Ability to listen actively and translate customer needs into tangible design choices.

• Professional demeanor and polished appearance suitable for a retail showroom environment.

• Willingness to work weekends and holidays as required by retail operations.

• Ability to travel to customer residences and businesses for on-site consultations and makeovers.

• Aptitude for conducting virtual appointments and engaging in live chat customer interactions. Preferred Skills:

• Formal training or certification in interior design.

• Experience with CRM software for client management and sales tracking.

• Familiarity with design software or visualization tools.

• Demonstrated ability to create and present compelling design solutions.

• Experience in a commission-based sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level indicates that this role is suitable for individuals starting their careers in design sales, with a strong emphasis on passion, trainability, and a drive for success. The company provides extensive training to develop necessary skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of design consultations and proposed solutions, demonstrating an understanding of client needs and effective problem-solving.

• Include case studies that highlight successful sales outcomes, detailing the client's initial request, the design solution provided, and the final sale.

• Present visual examples of color palettes, mood boards, or space planning that illustrate an eye for design aesthetics and coordination.

• Demonstrate how you have translated customer wants into specific product selections and design choices. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to client needs assessment, including how you gather information about taste, lifestyle, and budget.

• Illustrate your process for creating and presenting design proposals, from initial concept to final sales pitch.

• Outline your strategy for building and nurturing a client base, including follow-up procedures and methods for encouraging repeat business.

• Detail your experience with managing sales transactions, from order entry to post-sale follow-up.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be strictly required upfront for an entry-level role, candidates will be expected to demonstrate their design sensibility and sales process through their resume, interview responses, and potentially through a practical exercise or presentation during the interview process. The ability to articulate one's sales and design process is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Estimated $70,000 - $105,000 annually for experienced Design Consultants, with top performers potentially earning up to $135,000+. This is a commission-based compensation plan with potential for bonuses.

Benefits:

• Paid training to develop product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.

• Disability insurance.

• Life insurance.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Tuition assistance programs for continued learning.

• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Generous employee discounts on Bassett Furniture products.

• Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom environment.

• Clear pathways for career growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an expectation to work weekends and holidays as dictated by retail operational needs. Specific daily hours will align with showroom operating schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the provided information of $70,000-$105,000/year for experienced consultants and up to $135,000 for top writers. This is a commission-based role, so actual earnings will vary based on sales performance. The benefits package is robust, typical for a full-time retail sales position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture has a long-standing heritage in the home furnishings industry, known for its quality custom furniture and blend of style, comfort, and value.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture operates numerous retail showrooms across the United States and has a significant manufacturing presence. It is a well-established, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: BSET).

Founded: 1902. With over a century of history, Bassett Furniture combines a rich heritage with a forward-looking approach to innovation in furniture retailing.

Team Structure:

• Design Consultants work within a retail showroom environment, reporting to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager.

• The team typically includes other Design Consultants, Sales Associates, and support staff.

• Collaboration is essential for sharing product knowledge, supporting customer needs, and achieving team sales goals.

• Cross-functional interaction may occur with design support teams, customer service, and potentially manufacturing liaisons for custom orders. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Sales: Utilizing sales data, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and performance metrics to understand customer behavior and drive sales strategies.

• Consultative Design: Employing a client-centric approach that prioritizes understanding customer needs and preferences to deliver personalized design solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Leveraging ongoing training programs and coaching to enhance product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.

• Customer Experience Focus: Prioritizing the creation of a positive and memorable customer journey from initial interaction through post-purchase follow-up.

Company Website: https://www.bassettfurniture.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture emphasizes a blend of tradition and innovation. The company's long history suggests stability and a strong brand reputation, while its focus on custom furniture and evolving retail strategies indicates a dynamic environment. The culture likely values customer relationships, design passion, and sales drive.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry to mid-level position within the retail sales and design operations field. It is focused on direct customer interaction, sales execution, and building a client base.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Showroom Manager or Sales Manager, who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and team development.

Operations Impact: Design Consultants are directly responsible for generating revenue through sales. Their ability to understand customer needs, propose effective design solutions, and close sales directly impacts the profitability and success of the individual showroom and the company as a whole. They are the front line of the customer experience, shaping brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant: Progress to a more senior role with increased responsibility, potentially mentoring junior staff, handling more complex design projects, or achieving higher sales tiers.

• Sales Management: Advance into roles such as Assistant Showroom Manager or Showroom Manager, focusing on team leadership, operational oversight, and strategic sales planning.

• Specialized Design Roles: Develop expertise in specific product categories or design styles, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Training & Development: Opportunities to become a trainer or coach for new hires, leveraging experience to guide others.

• Interior Design Certification: The company offers interior design certification training, providing a structured path for professional development in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided information highlights a clear career progression path, from entry-level to potentially management or specialized roles, supported by company-provided training and certification. This indicates a commitment to employee development within the sales and design operations framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a retail showroom environment. Candidates will work on-site in a dedicated furniture showroom designed to showcase Bassett Furniture's products.

Office Location(s): Manchester, Missouri. The specific showroom location will offer a professional and aesthetically pleasing workspace designed to facilitate client consultations and product displays.

Workspace Context:

• A dynamic retail setting where interaction with diverse customers is constant.

• Workspace includes a personal design area or desk, access to product samples (fabrics, finishes), and a showroom floor for client engagement.

• Collaboration with colleagues in a team-oriented sales environment.

• Exposure to a wide variety of furniture styles, design trends, and customer projects.

• Utilizes technology for customer relationship management, order processing, and potentially design visualization.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment requires availability on weekends and holidays, aligning with typical retail operating hours. Flexibility in schedule is necessary to accommodate customer appointments and peak business periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is customer-facing and fast-paced, typical of a retail sales role. The emphasis on a "state-of-the-art showroom" suggests a modern and well-equipped workspace designed to enhance the customer experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an HR or hiring manager review of applications and resumes, focusing on sales experience, design passion, and alignment with required skills.

• First Interview: Typically a behavioral and situational interview to assess personality, communication style, sales aptitude, and understanding of the role. May include questions about design passion and customer interaction.

• Design Challenge/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a design concept, review a client scenario, or showcase their design portfolio (if available) to demonstrate their design thinking and presentation skills.

• Showroom Experience: Potentially includes a shadowing opportunity or a practical exercise on the showroom floor to assess customer interaction and sales approach in a real-time setting.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior management or the showroom manager to discuss career aspirations, compensation expectations, and final fit for the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• If you have a formal design portfolio, ensure it showcases a range of projects demonstrating your ability to work with different styles, color palettes, and client needs.

• Prepare 1-2 detailed case studies of successful sales or design projects. Focus on how you identified customer needs, proposed a solution, overcame challenges, and achieved a positive outcome (e.g., a significant sale, high customer satisfaction).

• Be ready to articulate your design process and sales methodology clearly. Explain how you approach client consultations, manage customer expectations, and close sales.

• Highlight any experience with virtual consultations or remote client engagement if applicable.

• Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "exceeded sales targets by X%," "grew client base by Y%"). Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's product lines, design aesthetics, and brand positioning.

• Practice articulating your passion for interior design and how it translates into effective sales strategies.

• Prepare responses to common sales interview questions, focusing on your ability to handle objections, build rapport, and close deals.

• Understand the dynamics of a commission-based sales environment and how you plan to achieve success in it.

• Be ready to discuss how you would handle a challenging customer or a complex design request.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both the candidate's design sensibility and their sales prowess. Demonstrating a structured approach to sales and design, coupled with a genuine passion for interiors, will be key. A portfolio showcasing both visual design and sales success is advisable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Used for managing customer interactions, tracking leads, sales pipeline management, and client follow-up. Candidates should be comfortable with data entry and utilizing CRM for sales strategy.

• Point of Sale (POS) / Order Entry System: For processing customer orders, managing transactions, and tracking sales.

• Design Software/Visualization Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency with any interior design software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Chief Architect, or proprietary tools) or visualization aids would be advantageous for creating client presentations.

• Communication Platforms: For virtual appointments, live chats, and internal team communication (e.g., video conferencing tools, email, instant messaging).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales performance dashboards and reports provided by the company to track individual and team achievements against sales goals.

• Understanding of key sales metrics such as conversion rates, average transaction value, and customer acquisition cost. CRM & Automation:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Essential for building and maintaining client relationships, tracking sales cycles, and managing customer data.

• Communication Automation: Potential use of automated email campaigns or follow-ups for customer engagement and nurturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CRM systems is crucial for success in this role, as it underpins the "relationship selling" methodology. The ability to adapt to company-specific sales and design tools will be expected, with training provided.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: Prioritizing client satisfaction and building lasting relationships through exceptional service and design expertise.

• Passion for Design: A genuine love for interior design, home furnishings, and helping customers create beautiful, functional spaces.

• Sales Drive & Accountability: A commitment to achieving sales targets, taking ownership of performance, and thriving in a commission-based environment.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive and productive showroom atmosphere.

• Continuous Learning: Embracing training opportunities, staying updated on design trends, and refining sales techniques.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintaining a polished image and conducting business with honesty and ethical standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Showroom Synergy: Working collaboratively with fellow Design Consultants and showroom staff to ensure a seamless customer experience and support team-wide sales objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team meetings and discussions to share insights on products, design trends, and effective sales strategies.

• Mutual Support: Assisting colleagues with client needs, product inquiries, or operational tasks when necessary to foster a supportive team environment.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to enhance individual performance and team effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture likely cultivates a culture that balances individual sales achievement with team support and a shared passion for design. The company's long history suggests a value placed on customer loyalty and brand integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Meeting Sales Quotas: Consistently achieving demanding sales targets in a competitive retail environment, especially in a commission-only structure.

• Client Acquisition: Building a robust and consistent pipeline of new clients through proactive prospecting and effective marketing of design services.

• Design Versatility: Adapting to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and project complexities, requiring a broad design knowledge base.

• Market Fluctuations: Navigating seasonal demand shifts and economic factors that can influence consumer spending on home furnishings.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively integrating design expertise with strong sales techniques to drive conversions without compromising client trust.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification Program: The company offers a valuable certification, providing formal training and credentials in interior design.

• Product Knowledge Deep Dives: Continuous training on new collections, materials, and customization options to maintain expert-level product understanding.

• Sales Skills Enhancement: Workshops and coaching focused on consultative selling, negotiation, objection handling, and closing techniques.

• Showroom Operations Training: Understanding of inventory management, visual merchandising, and customer service protocols within the retail context.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced sales professionals and managers within the showroom.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for significant growth in both design expertise and sales capabilities, with formal training and a clear path for advancement. Overcoming the inherent challenges of a commission-based sales role is key to unlocking these opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully helped a customer visualize their dream room. What was your process?" (Assesses design thinking, client engagement, and consultative selling.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining long-term customer relationships in a sales environment?" (Evaluates clienteling skills and understanding of relationship selling.)

• "Imagine a client loves a certain style, but it doesn't fit their space or budget. How would you handle this situation?" (Tests problem-solving, negotiation, and product recommendation skills.)

• "What are your strategies for meeting and exceeding sales goals in a commission-based role?" (Gauges sales drive, motivation, and business acumen.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Bassett Furniture specifically, and why do you want to be a Design Consultant here?" (Assesses research, brand alignment, and genuine interest.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends and color palettes?" (Evaluates passion for design and commitment to continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture." (Assesses cultural fit and collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If presenting a portfolio, structure it logically: Introduction > Client Need > Your Solution/Design > Outcome/Sale.

• For each project, clearly state your role, the client's objectives, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them.

• Use high-quality visuals (photos, mood boards, sketches) to illustrate your design concepts.

• Be prepared to discuss the sales aspect of each project: how you presented the value, secured the sale, and achieved customer satisfaction.

• Practice your presentation to be concise, engaging, and within any time limits. Focus on demonstrating both your design eye and your sales capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can articulate both their passion for design and their ability to drive sales. Demonstrating a structured approach to client engagement and a clear understanding of how design translates into revenue is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce job portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any experience in sales, customer service, interior design, or related fields. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., sales targets met, client base growth).

• Portfolio Preparation: If you have a design portfolio, curate your strongest projects that showcase your design sensibility and ability to meet client needs. Be prepared to discuss your design process and sales approach.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common sales and design interview questions. Practice articulating your passion for design and your strategies for success in a commission-based role.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bassett Furniture's history, brand values, product lines, and current design offerings. Understand their commitment to custom furniture and their retail strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.