DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN CONSULTANT

Company: Bassett Furniture

Location: Garden City, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Sales & Design Operations

Date Posted: September 03, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive significant revenue growth by leveraging interior design expertise and consultative selling techniques within a retail showroom environment.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships through personalized design consultations and a deep understanding of customer needs and preferences.

• Maximize selling opportunities by translating customer visions into tangible furniture and design solutions, utilizing comprehensive product knowledge and design trend awareness.

• Proactively manage a sales pipeline and client base through effective clienteling, virtual appointments, and in-home/business consultations to achieve and exceed sales targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the role functions within a sales operations framework, focusing on revenue generation through consultative selling and client relationship management in a retail setting. The core responsibilities and required skills align with a sales-focused role that requires design expertise, rather than a pure design role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Engage customers in consultative sales processes to understand their design needs, lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

• Conduct comprehensive interior design consultations, leveraging knowledge of furniture construction, design trends, and color/texture coordination to propose tailored solutions.

• Develop, present, and sell product and design solutions, creating compelling proposals that meet customer requirements and drive sales.

• Proactively build and manage a loyal client base through consistent follow-up, personalized outreach, and fostering long-term relationships.

• Perform in-home or in-business makeovers and design consultations, requiring travel to customer residences and businesses.

• Conduct virtual appointments and live chats to expand reach and cater to diverse customer needs and preferences.

• Achieve and exceed individual sales goals and contribute to overall showroom performance targets through effective sales strategies and execution.

• Maintain an expert-level understanding of Bassett Furniture's product catalog, including construction, customization options, and material specifications.

• Continuously stay updated on interior design trends, color palettes, and market demands to provide informed and relevant design advice.

• Collaborate with showroom management and team members to contribute to a positive and productive sales environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities heavily lean into sales execution and client management, supported by design skills. The emphasis on "maximizing selling opportunities," "exceeding sales goals," and "commission-based compensation" clearly positions this as a sales-driven role within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operations.

🎓 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 company-provided training programs is a requirement for success. Experience:

• Proven track record of success in a sales environment, preferably in furniture, home decor, or a related retail sector.

• Demonstrated experience in clienteling and building long-term customer relationships.

• Experience conducting design consultations or providing personalized design advice. Required Skills:

• Passion for Design: Genuine enthusiasm for interior design, aesthetics, color, and texture.

• Sales Acumen: Highly driven to meet or exceed sales goals with proven success in commission-based environments.

• Color & Texture Coordination: Ability to discern and effectively coordinate colors and textures for cohesive design schemes.

• Exceptional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging clients and presenting design solutions.

• Interpersonal Skills: Friendly, outgoing, and approachable personality with a strong ability to build rapport.

• Customer Needs Assessment: Ability to actively listen and translate customer wants, lifestyle, and investment range into appropriate design choices.

• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using computer systems for sales, design visualization, and communication (e.g., CRM, design software, virtual meeting platforms).

• Self-Motivation & Clienteling: Proactive and self-motivated approach to building and managing a client base.

• Professionalism: Polished image and career-minded professionalism expected in a retail and client-facing role.

Preferred Skills:

• Formal Interior Design Training/Certification: Formal education or industry certifications in interior design.

• Furniture Construction Knowledge: In-depth understanding of furniture build quality, materials, and customization options.

• Virtual Selling Experience: Experience conducting sales or consultations via video conferencing and live chat platforms.

• Home Makeover Experience: Practical experience in planning and executing home design makeovers.

• CRM Software Proficiency: Familiarity with CRM systems for sales pipeline management and customer tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Proven track record of success in sales" and "Desire to work in a commissioned sales environment" highlight the sales operations focus. The skills list is a blend of sales competencies and design aptitudes, crucial for this hybrid role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Consultation Process: Showcase examples of how you have guided clients through the design selection process, from initial needs assessment to final solution presentation. Highlight your approach to understanding client preferences and translating them into actionable design plans.

• Sales Achievement Case Studies: Provide case studies demonstrating your ability to meet and exceed sales targets. Quantify results where possible, detailing the strategies employed and the outcomes achieved.

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Examples: If possible, illustrate how you have used CRM tools or clienteling techniques to build and nurture long-term customer relationships, leading to repeat business or referrals.

• Design Solution Presentation: Include examples of how you present design concepts and product recommendations to clients, showcasing your ability to articulate value and inspire confidence in your recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Customer Needs Assessment Workflow: Document your typical process for understanding a customer's needs, including the questions you ask, the information you gather, and how you identify key decision drivers.

• Design Proposal Development: Outline your steps in creating a design proposal, from initial concept to final presentation, including how you select products, coordinate elements, and present the final package.

• Sales Cycle Management: Illustrate your approach to managing a sales cycle from lead generation (or showroom engagement) through to closing the sale and post-sale follow-up, emphasizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" might not be standard for this specific role, candidates are expected to demonstrate their sales process, clienteling methodology, and design consultation approach through examples. This section infers the need to present these as "portfolio pieces" during the interview process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Annual Income: $70,000 - $105,000 (Commission-based, with top performers potentially earning up to $135,000+/year).

• Explanation: This range is based on the provided information stating, "The potential income for our experienced Bassett Design Consultants averages $70,000-$105,000/year. With our corporate top writers making up to 135,000/year." This is a commission-driven role, meaning base salary may be minimal or non-existent, with total compensation heavily reliant on sales performance. Regional market data for similar sales roles in Garden City, NY, supports this potential earnings range for experienced professionals.

Benefits:

• Paid training: Comprehensive initial and ongoing training programs.

• Health/Dental/Vision coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Disability: Short-term and/or long-term disability insurance.

• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance policy.

• 401(k) plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Tuition assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Paid time off: Accrued vacation, sick leave, or personal days.

• Generous Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Bassett Furniture products.

• Work in a State-of-the Art Showroom: Access to a modern and well-equipped retail environment.

• Opportunity for growth and advancement: Potential career progression within Bassett Furniture. Working Hours:

• The role requires flexibility, including willingness to work weekends and holidays, which are critical selling periods in retail. A standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours, but schedules will vary based on showroom needs and customer demand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as commission-based with an average and top-earner range. Benefits are standard for a full-time retail sales position. The working hours note emphasizes the retail nature of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture is a long-standing American brand, established in 1902, known for quality custom furniture, craftsmanship, and value. They focus on innovating furniture retailing while maintaining a heritage of quality.

Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a publicly traded company with a significant retail footprint across the United States. The specific showroom in Garden City would be part of a larger network of stores and corporate operations. This implies a structured environment with established processes and support systems.

Founded: 1902. This extensive history signifies stability, brand recognition, and deep-rooted expertise in the furniture industry.

Team Structure:

• Showroom Team: The Design Consultant will be part of a local showroom team, likely including a Showroom Manager, other Design Consultants, and potentially support staff.

• Reporting Structure: Typically reports to the Showroom Manager, who oversees daily operations, sales performance, and team development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily focused on direct sales, collaboration with design, logistics, and customer service departments at a corporate or regional level may occur to resolve customer issues or ensure smooth order fulfillment.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Sales: The core methodology revolves around "relationship selling" and consultative approaches, prioritizing understanding and meeting customer needs.

• Design-Driven Solutions: Utilizing design expertise and product knowledge to create personalized solutions that drive sales and customer satisfaction.

• Data-Informed Performance: While not explicitly stated as a "data-driven" culture in the traditional operations sense, sales performance is tracked, and goals are set, indicating a focus on quantifiable results.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Bassett's long history, reputation for quality, and focus on customer experience. The team structure and methodology reflect a typical retail sales environment with a strong emphasis on consultative selling and relationship building.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level Sales/Design position. It requires a blend of sales experience and design aptitude, serving as a direct revenue-generating role within the GTM function. It's a career path for individuals who excel in client interaction and sales, with a passion for interior design.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Showroom Manager. This structure provides direct oversight, coaching, and performance management, common in retail sales environments.

Operations Impact: The Design Consultant directly impacts revenue through sales generation. Their ability to build client relationships and close deals is critical to the financial success of the showroom and, by extension, the company. They are the frontline of the customer experience and brand representation, influencing customer loyalty and repeat business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Leadership: Progression to Senior Design Consultant, Lead Design Consultant, or Showroom Manager roles.

• Specialization: Developing expertise in specific design styles, product categories, or client segments (e.g., commercial clients).

• Training & Certification: Opportunities for advanced interior design certification and continuous professional development through Bassett's training programs.

• Regional/Corporate Roles: Potential for advancement into roles in sales management, training, or product development at a regional or corporate level, depending on performance and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on career progression within a sales and retail management track, emphasizing advancement opportunities tied to sales performance and leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom. This is a customer-facing, design-focused space featuring display furniture, fabric swatches, design tools, and sales consultation areas.

Office Location(s): Garden City, New York. This location suggests a suburban retail setting, potentially within a shopping center or design district, accessible to a diverse customer base.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The showroom is a shared space where Design Consultants work alongside colleagues, often interacting and sharing insights. The environment is geared towards customer engagement and sales activities.

• Tools and Technology: Access to showroom displays, fabric samples, design software or tools for visualization, computers for CRM and order processing, and communication devices for virtual appointments.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with fellow Design Consultants and the Showroom Manager for support, training, and collaborative problem-solving. The culture encourages a supportive team dynamic.

Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility, including willingness to work weekends and holidays. While a standard work week might be 40 hours, schedules are typically structured to ensure showroom coverage during operating hours, which are often extended during peak seasons or weekends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is clearly defined as a retail showroom, emphasizing customer interaction, collaborative sales efforts, and the use of design and sales tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review and potentially a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• In-Person Interview(s): Likely involves meeting with the Showroom Manager and potentially other team members. This stage will focus on assessing personality fit, communication skills, and passion for design and sales.

• Sales & Design Assessment: Candidates may be asked to present a mock design consultation or a "sales pitch" demonstrating their approach to understanding customer needs and proposing solutions. This could involve using sample materials or discussing past client interactions.

• Portfolio Review (Informal): While not a formal "operations portfolio," candidates may be asked to discuss past design projects, sales successes, or how they approach clienteling. Bringing examples of previous work (if applicable and relevant) can be beneficial.

• Final Interview: May involve higher-level management or a final assessment of cultural fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Passion: Be ready to discuss your personal design philosophy, favorite styles, and how you stay updated on trends.

• Highlight Sales Successes: Prepare specific examples of how you've met or exceeded sales goals, emphasizing your clienteling strategies and relationship-building skills. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Demonstrate Consultation Skills: Be prepared to walk through your process for a hypothetical client consultation. Explain how you would assess needs, present options, and handle objections.

• Visual Examples (Optional but Recommended): If you have a personal design portfolio or examples of successful sales strategies you've implemented (e.g., customer testimonials, project photos), have them ready to share.

• Company Research: Show that you've researched Bassett Furniture's brand, products, and commitment to quality and design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Consultation: Practice conducting a brief, simulated design consultation, focusing on active listening, needs assessment, and solution presentation.

• Sales Scenario: Prepare for scenarios where you might need to overcome customer objections or close a sale on a complex custom order.

• Product Knowledge Application: Be ready to discuss how you would learn and apply Bassett's product knowledge to customer needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes assessing sales and design capabilities through practical demonstrations and discussions, rather than a formal operations portfolio. Preparation should focus on showcasing sales acumen and design passion.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: For managing customer interactions, tracking leads, pipeline management, and clienteling. (Specific system not named, but essential for sales operations).

• Design Visualization Software/Tools: Potentially proprietary or industry-standard software for creating mood boards, floor plans, or 3D renderings.

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

• Communication Platforms: Email, phone, and potentially internal messaging systems for team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools used by management to track individual and showroom sales performance against targets.

• Reporting Tools: Likely integrated within the CRM or POS system to generate sales reports, customer data summaries, and trend analyses.

CRM & Automation:

• Clienteling Tools: Features within the CRM or standalone tools used to maintain customer profiles, track preferences, and facilitate personalized outreach.

• Virtual Appointment Platforms: Software like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or dedicated virtual showroom tools for conducting remote consultations and client chats.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is geared towards retail sales operations, focusing on CRM for customer management, POS for transactions, and communication tools for client engagement and team collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the customer experience and satisfaction through personalized service and design expertise.

• Sales Excellence: A drive to achieve and exceed sales targets through professional and consultative selling methods.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with team members to create a supportive and productive showroom environment.

• Passion for Design: A genuine appreciation for interior design, aesthetics, and helping customers create beautiful spaces.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high standards in all customer interactions and business dealings.

• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to learning new products, design trends, and sales techniques.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: Encourages sharing of best practices and mutual support among Design Consultants.

• Customer-Centric: All team efforts are directed towards providing an exceptional customer experience and driving sales.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to improve individual and team performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes sales performance, customer satisfaction, and a collaborative spirit within a design-focused retail setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Volatility: Managing income fluctuations inherent in a commission-only or heavily commission-driven sales role.

• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving ambitious sales goals in a competitive retail environment.

• Balancing Design and Sales: Effectively integrating design expertise with strong sales closing techniques.

• Customer Demands: Managing diverse customer expectations, budgets, and design preferences.

• Travel Requirements: Ability to travel to customer homes or businesses for consultations can be a logistical challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Opportunity to earn a professional interior design certification through Bassett's training programs.

• Advanced Sales Training: Continuous development in consultative selling, clienteling, and negotiation techniques.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening expertise in furniture construction, materials, customization, and new product lines.

• Career Path Development: Clear pathways for advancement into leadership roles within showrooms or corporate functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses the inherent challenges of commission sales and retail environments, while highlighting structured growth and development opportunities provided by the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to understanding a customer's design needs and translating them into a sale." (Focus on active listening, needs assessment, and solution presentation.)

• "How do you build and maintain long-term relationships with clients in a retail setting?" (Highlight clienteling strategies, follow-up, and customer service excellence.)

• "Walk me through a time you exceeded a sales target. What strategies did you employ?" (Prepare a STAR method answer demonstrating sales acumen and goal achievement.)

• "How do you stay current with interior design trends, and how do you apply that knowledge in your sales approach?" (Show passion for design and ability to leverage trends for customer benefit.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Bassett Furniture? What interests you about our brand and products?" (Research Bassett's heritage, values, and product lines.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture." (Emphasize collaboration and professionalism.)

• "How do you handle working in a commission-based compensation structure?" (Express confidence and a results-oriented mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Sales Impact: When discussing past projects or experiences, emphasize the sales outcomes and customer satisfaction achieved, not just the design aesthetics.

• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and data to support your claims of success (e.g., "increased sales by X%", "achieved Y% of quota").

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain your step-by-step approach to customer engagement, from initial contact to closing.

• Passion and Personality: Let your enthusiasm for design and sales shine through. Your personality and energy are key in a client-facing role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating sales proficiency, design passion, and cultural fit, with specific examples of how to answer common sales and customer service-related questions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in sales, customer relationship management, and any interior design background. Use keywords from the job description such as "design consultant," "sales goals," "customer relationships," and "interior design."

• Prepare Your "Portfolio": Be ready to discuss specific examples of your sales successes, how you manage client relationships, and your process for design consultations. If you have visual examples of design work or sales achievement metrics, have them accessible.

• Research Bassett: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's history, product lines, design philosophy, and current marketing. Understand their commitment to quality and customization.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you would introduce yourself, explain your qualifications, and demonstrate your passion for design and sales in a hypothetical interview scenario.

⚠️ 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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