DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Consultant

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Mason, Ohio, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Retail Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 06, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive in-store and virtual sales by providing expert interior design consultations and personalized customer experiences.

• Cultivate and maintain long-term customer relationships through effective clienteling and a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences.

• Leverage comprehensive product knowledge and an understanding of current design trends to offer tailored furniture and design solutions.

• Contribute to a dynamic retail environment by meeting and exceeding sales goals within a commissioned sales structure.

• Actively participate in ongoing training and development to enhance design skills, product knowledge, and sales techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Design Consultant," its core functions are heavily sales-driven within a retail operations context. The emphasis on "relationship selling," exceeding sales goals, and a commission-based compensation plan indicates this is a sales-focused role with a strong design component, rather than a pure design or operations strategy position. The operations aspect lies in managing the customer journey, sales process, and showroom experience efficiently.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with customers, assessing their style, lifestyle, and budget to recommend appropriate furniture and decor solutions.

• Develop and present customized design proposals, including space planning, color palettes, fabric selections, and furniture arrangements, to meet client objectives.

• Utilize "relationship selling" techniques to build rapport, understand customer needs, and guide them through the selection and purchasing process.

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of Bassett Furniture's product lines, including construction, materials, customization options, and current inventory.

• Drive sales performance by actively engaging showroom traffic, following up on leads, and closing sales transactions to meet or exceed individual and store targets.

• Perform in-home or on-site design consultations and "makeovers" for clients, requiring local travel.

• Engage with customers through virtual appointments and live chat platforms to extend reach and provide remote design assistance.

• Coordinate and effectively utilize Bassett's complimentary design services as a tool to enhance customer relationships and drive sales opportunities.

• Maintain a polished and professional appearance and demeanor that aligns with Bassett Furniture's brand image and commitment to quality.

• Collaborate with store management and team members to ensure a seamless customer experience and contribute to overall store success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of sales acumen and design expertise. The "Job Requirements" section further details the practical execution of these responsibilities, including the necessity of driving to client locations and conducting virtual consultations, which are critical operational aspects of this client-facing role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Continuous learning through provided training is expected.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience in a sales, customer service, or design-related role. Proven success in meeting sales targets is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for home decor, furniture, and creating aesthetically pleasing spaces.

• Sales Acumen: Demonstrated ability to engage customers, identify needs, present solutions, and close sales, ideally within a commission-based environment.

• Color and Texture Coordination: A keen eye for discerning and harmonizing colors, patterns, and textures to create cohesive design schemes.

• Exceptional Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly, listen actively to customer needs, and build strong rapport.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) / Clienteling: Proficiency in building and nurturing long-term customer relationships to foster loyalty and repeat business.

• Computer Proficiency: Basic computer skills for utilizing sales systems, communication tools, and potentially design software.

• Self-Motivation & Drive: A proactive approach to seeking out sales opportunities and achieving performance goals.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a varied-paced retail environment and adapt to different customer needs and project scopes.

• Professionalism: A polished image and career-minded approach to customer interactions and professional conduct.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Furniture or Home Decor Retail: Prior sales experience within a similar industry.

• Knowledge of Design Trends: Awareness of current styles, emerging trends, and timeless design principles.

• Consultative Selling Techniques: Experience in guiding customers through complex purchasing decisions.

• Virtual Selling Capabilities: Experience conducting sales or consultations via video conferencing or online chat.

• Basic Space Planning Skills: Ability to visualize and plan furniture layouts within different room dimensions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Job Qualifications" and "Job Requirements" sections in the original description were combined and categorized here. The emphasis is on practical, customer-facing skills essential for a sales-oriented design role. "Computer proficiency" is a broad requirement, but in a retail operations context, it likely includes POS systems, CRM basics, and communication platforms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Candidates are encouraged to showcase examples of their design work, highlighting their ability to coordinate colors, textures, and furniture layouts. This can include personal projects, academic work, or previous professional projects.

• Demonstrations of how they have translated client needs into successful design outcomes are highly valued.

• Visual documentation of "before and after" scenarios from design makeovers or room transformations can be particularly impactful. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement for this role, candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal process for client consultations, needs assessment, design proposal development, and sales closure.

• The ability to articulate how they manage their sales pipeline and client relationships will be assessed.

• Understanding and willingness to follow Bassett's established sales and design consultation processes are crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role doesn't typically require a formal "operations" portfolio in the same way a Revenue Operations Analyst might. The "portfolio" here refers to a collection of design work and sales success stories that demonstrate the candidate's capabilities. The emphasis is on showcasing practical application of design principles and sales effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The potential income for experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000 per year. Top performers can earn up to $135,000+ per year. This is a commission-based compensation structure with potential bonus opportunities.

Benefits:

• Paid training

• Health, Dental, and Vision coverage

• Disability insurance

• Life Insurance

• 401(k) plan

• Tuition assistance

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Generous Employee Discounts on Bassett Furniture products

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

• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. The role requires willingness to work weekends and holidays, aligning with typical retail operating hours. The specific schedule will be determined by store needs and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided and is commission-driven, with potential for bonuses. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for full-time retail positions. The working hours emphasize the weekend and holiday requirement inherent in retail operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture & Home Furnishings Retail. Bassett Furniture has a long-standing heritage in the market, emphasizing quality, customization, and value.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a well-established company with a significant retail footprint. The specific store size in Mason, OH, will influence team dynamics, but the overall organization is large enough to offer structured training and career paths.

Founded: Since 1902. This long history signifies stability, brand recognition, and a deep understanding of furniture craftsmanship and retail operations.

Team Structure:

• The sales team at a Bassett Furniture store typically consists of Design Consultants, a Showroom Manager, and potentially Sales Associates.

• Reporting is generally direct to the Showroom Manager, who oversees sales performance, customer service, and daily operations.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with Design Consultants working closely with each other to support customer needs and maintain showroom presentation, and interacting with delivery or logistics teams as needed. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While design is creative, the sales aspect requires a data-informed approach to understanding customer preferences and market trends.

• Relationship-Centric Sales: The core methodology is "relationship selling," focusing on building long-term client loyalty rather than transactional sales.

• Process Optimization: Continuous improvement of sales processes, design consultation methods, and showroom experience to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history (since 1902) and focus on quality and customization are key cultural differentiators. The "Methodology" section interprets the sales and design approach as a form of operational strategy focused on customer lifetime value and showroom effectiveness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents an entry-level to mid-level position within the retail sales and design operations spectrum. It is focused on direct customer interaction, sales generation, and applying design principles in a commercial setting.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report directly to a Showroom Manager or Store Manager, who oversees sales targets, operational efficiency, and team performance.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation and customer acquisition/retention. They also influence brand perception and customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional design services and a positive showroom experience. Their ability to build client relationships contributes to the company's long-term customer lifetime value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Advancement to Senior Design Consultant, Sales Lead, or Showroom Manager positions, involving greater responsibility for sales targets, team management, and store operations.

• Design Specialization: Opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in specific design styles or product categories, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.

• Training & Certification: Access to Bassett's comprehensive training programs, including Interior Design certification, which enhances professional skills and marketability.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into related areas within the retail operations umbrella, such as visual merchandising, sales training, or customer experience management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is clearly defined within retail sales and management. The "Operations Impact" emphasizes how sales and design contribute to the broader business objectives, including revenue and customer loyalty.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom, specifically a Bassett Furniture store. This is a customer-facing, on-site role.

Office Location(s): Mason, Ohio. The specific store location will feature a state-of-the-art showroom designed to showcase furniture and facilitate design consultations.

Workspace Context:

• Showroom Environment: A professionally designed retail space with furniture displays, fabric samples, and design resources. The environment is customer-centric and aims to be inspiring and comfortable.

• Technology Integration: Access to computer systems for sales transactions, customer management, and potentially design visualization tools. Virtual appointment capabilities suggest integrated communication technology.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: While individual sales performance is key, there is an inherent need for collaboration among team members to support customers, manage showroom flow, and share best practices.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position requiring flexibility. A significant aspect of the role involves working weekends and holidays to accommodate customer availability, which is standard for retail operations. The schedule will be structured around store operating hours and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description clearly defines the work environment as a retail showroom. The "Workspace Context" highlights the blend of physical space, technology, and team interaction that defines the daily operational experience for a Design Consultant.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves an application review and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and enthusiasm for design and sales.

• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Showroom Manager or hiring team. This will focus on your passion for design, sales experience, communication skills, and understanding of customer needs. Be prepared to discuss your approach to design consultations and sales.

• Design/Sales Challenge: You may be asked to present a hypothetical design scenario, discuss how you would approach a customer's needs, or showcase design concepts. This is where your portfolio or examples of your work will be crucial.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of your personality, professionalism, and ability to collaborate with the existing team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a district manager or senior leader, depending on the store's structure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Examples: Choose 3-5 of your strongest design projects that best showcase your skills in color, texture, space planning, and client-focused solutions.

• Highlight Sales Impact: If possible, include examples where your design work directly led to a successful sale or customer satisfaction. Quantify results if you can.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Digital portfolios are common.

• Tell a Story: For each project, briefly explain the client's needs, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the final outcome. Focus on how you translated client wants into design choices.

• Demonstrate Versatility: Show a range of styles or project types if applicable, demonstrating your adaptability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Bassett's Style: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's product lines, common design aesthetics, and target customer.

• Practice Customer Scenarios: Role-play common customer interactions, from initial greeting to closing the sale, focusing on consultative selling and active listening.

• Prepare Design Concepts: Be ready to quickly sketch or describe design ideas for common room types (living room, bedroom) based on given parameters.

• Articulate Your Process: Be able to clearly explain your step-by-step approach to a design consultation and sales process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the general interview expectations into specific advice tailored for a Design Consultant role, emphasizing the blend of design presentation and sales strategy. The "portfolio" is framed as a demonstration of creative and commercial capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing sales transactions, managing customer accounts, and inventory tracking.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: To manage client information, track interactions, schedule follow-ups, and nurture leads.

• Design Software/Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, proficiency with design visualization tools, mood board creation software, or even basic CAD/sketching tools could be advantageous. Bassett may provide proprietary tools.

• Communication Platforms: Email, internal messaging systems, and video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Teams) for virtual appointments and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: To monitor individual sales figures, conversion rates, average transaction value, and progress towards goals.

• Customer Data Analysis: Utilizing CRM data to understand customer demographics, purchase history, and preferences for targeted outreach.

CRM & Automation:

• Clienteling Tools: Features within the CRM to manage customer loyalty programs, track preferences, and personalize communications.

• Appointment Scheduling Software: For managing virtual and in-person consultation bookings efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers the typical technology stack for a retail sales role with a design component. The focus is on systems that support sales operations, customer management, and efficient client engagement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A primary focus on understanding and meeting customer needs to deliver exceptional experiences and drive satisfaction.

• Passion for Design: An intrinsic enthusiasm for interior design, aesthetics, and creating beautiful living spaces.

• Sales Excellence: A drive to achieve and exceed sales targets through effective selling techniques and relationship building.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A willingness to support colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to the overall success of the store team.

• Professionalism & Integrity: Maintaining high standards of conduct, appearance, and ethical practice in all customer and internal interactions.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to ongoing development of product knowledge, design skills, and sales techniques.

Collaboration Style:

• Supportive & Cooperative: Team members are expected to assist each other, share insights on customer needs, and contribute to a positive showroom environment.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to receiving and giving constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team processes.

• Customer-Focused Alignment: All team efforts are aligned towards providing a seamless and positive customer journey from initial contact through purchase and beyond.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates the company's values and desired team dynamics from the job description's emphasis on customer relationships, passion for design, and sales achievement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: The primary challenge is managing income fluctuations inherent in a commission-only or heavily commission-based sales structure. This requires consistent lead generation and strong closing skills.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with the objective of closing sales, ensuring customer satisfaction without compromising on revenue targets.

• Adapting to Diverse Customer Needs: Catering to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and project complexities, requiring flexibility and strong problem-solving skills.

• Staying Current with Trends: Continuously updating knowledge of furniture styles, design trends, and product offerings to remain a valuable consultant.

• Managing Time & Travel: Efficiently managing time between showroom duties, in-home consultations, virtual appointments, and administrative tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Comprehensive Product & Design Training: Access to Bassett's structured training programs, including product knowledge, sales methodologies, and potentially formal Interior Design certification.

• Mentorship & Coaching: One-on-one coaching from experienced managers and senior sales staff to refine sales techniques and design application.

• Sales Performance Incentives: Opportunities for bonuses and recognition based on exceeding sales targets.

• Career Advancement Tracks: Clear pathways for promotion to senior roles, management positions, or specialized areas within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential difficulties in the role and outlines the corresponding opportunities for professional development and growth, linking them to the company's training and career path structures.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your personal process for understanding a client's design needs and translating them into furniture selections. How do you balance their aesthetic preferences with their budget?" (Focus on your consultative selling approach and needs assessment skills.)

• "Walk me through a challenging design project you've managed. What were the obstacles, and how did you overcome them to achieve a successful outcome for the client?" (Prepare a concise case study highlighting problem-solving and client satisfaction.)

• "How do you stay motivated in a commission-based sales environment, especially during slower periods? What strategies do you employ to maintain consistent sales performance?" (Demonstrate your drive, resilience, and proactive approach to sales.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Bassett Furniture specifically, beyond just the design aspect? What do you know about our brand and our commitment to quality?" (Research Bassett's history, values, and product philosophy.)

• "How would you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment on our showroom floor?" (Emphasize your teamwork, communication, and supportive nature.)

• "Describe your experience with clienteling or building long-term customer relationships. How do you ensure repeat business and customer loyalty?" (Highlight your understanding of customer retention and relationship-driven sales.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project in your portfolio, have a 1-2 minute narrative ready that outlines the client's problem, your proposed solution, and the positive outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out how specific pieces in your portfolio demonstrate your ability to coordinate colors, textures, and space, as well as your understanding of client needs.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any measurable results, such as increased client satisfaction scores, successful sales conversions from a design consultation, or positive client testimonials.

• Digital Readiness: Be prepared to share your digital portfolio seamlessly via screen-sharing during a virtual interview or present a well-organized physical portfolio in person.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are tailored to assess the core competencies required for a Design Consultant role, focusing on design sensibility, sales effectiveness, and cultural fit within a retail operations context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in sales, customer service, interior design, and any achievements in meeting sales targets or client satisfaction. Use keywords from the job description such as "interior design," "sales," "relationship selling," and "customer consultations."

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a digital or physical portfolio showcasing your best design work. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to coordinate colors, textures, and furniture layouts effectively, and ideally, those that led to successful client outcomes.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common interview questions related to sales strategy, design principles, customer service, and your motivation for joining Bassett. Practice presenting your portfolio and discussing your design process.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bassett Furniture's history, brand values, product lines, and current design aesthetic. Understand their commitment to quality and customer experience to align your responses with their culture and operational focus.

⚠️ 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.

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