In-Home Design Consultant ($150k-250k)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: In-Home Design Consultant

Company: Express Flooring

Location: San Ramon, CA

Job Type: 1099 – Direct Seller (Contractor)

Category: Sales & Customer Engagement

Date Posted: July 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on consultative, in-home sales, requiring a strong focus on driving revenue through direct customer engagement and closing deals within a single appointment.

• Success relies on building rapport, understanding homeowner needs, and presenting tailored flooring solutions to achieve ambitious sales targets and maximize uncapped commission earnings.

• The position demands an entrepreneurial spirit, independent management of a sales pipeline, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience from consultation to signed agreement.

• This is a performance-driven opportunity for individuals who excel in a commission-only sales environment and are motivated by substantial earning potential directly tied to their sales success.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and compensation structure clearly indicate a high-performance sales role focused on closing deals in-home, rather than a purely design-focused position. The "1099 – Direct Seller" classification emphasizes the independent contractor nature and commission-driven compensation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-home consultations with homeowners to understand their needs, lifestyle, and project goals for flooring solutions.

• Present customized product selections and design recommendations, guiding customers toward confident purchasing decisions.

• Accurately measure spaces and prepare detailed project estimates, including financing options and promotional offers.

• Drive the sales process to achieve a "one-call-close" outcome, securing signed agreements during the initial customer appointment.

• Consistently achieve and exceed individual sales goals through effective consultative selling and relationship building.

• Partner with internal support teams to ensure a seamless customer journey from the point of sale through to installation.

• Manage an independent schedule, prioritizing and managing a pipeline of pre-scheduled appointments to maximize efficiency.

• Educate customers on product benefits, installation processes, and post-sale support to foster trust and satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "one-call-close" and driving sales from consultation to signed agreement highlights the high-pressure, performance-oriented nature of this sales role, common in consumer direct sales environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a college degree is preferred. Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in in-home sales, outside sales, or consultative sales roles.

• Demonstrated history of consistently meeting or exceeding sales performance targets. Required Skills:

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating value propositions effectively to homeowners.

• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport quickly.

• Proven ability to understand customer needs and translate them into tailored product solutions.

• Proficiency in managing a personal sales pipeline and schedule independently, demonstrating an entrepreneurial mindset.

• Confidence and capability in a "one-call-close" sales environment, with a focus on immediate deal closure.

• A results-driven approach with a strong motivation for uncapped commission earnings.

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to accommodate customer availability.

• Physical ability to lift and move product samples and materials up to 55 lbs.

• Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation for client visits.

• Comfort and proficiency in traveling within an assigned geographic market. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the flooring or home improvement industry.

• Familiarity with design principles or interior decorating concepts.

• Skills in preparing accurate measurements and project estimates.

• Knowledge of financing options and sales promotions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2+ years" experience, combined with the emphasis on "one-call-close" and commission structure, suggests the company seeks candidates who are already proficient in direct-to-consumer sales and can ramp up quickly. The preference for a college degree indicates a desire for well-rounded candidates, though practical sales experience is paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful sales closures, ideally with case studies highlighting the consultative process from initial contact to signed agreement.

• Showcase examples of how you identified customer needs and presented solutions that led to successful sales conversions.

• Provide evidence of effective client relationship management and follow-through, even in a "one-call-close" environment.

• Quantify achievements with specific sales figures, conversion rates, and earnings, especially in commission-based roles. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your personal sales process, from lead qualification and appointment setting to in-home consultation, needs assessment, solution presentation, and closing.

• Detail how you manage your sales pipeline, prioritize leads, and schedule appointments to maximize efficiency and conversion rates.

• Explain how you adapt your sales approach based on customer interactions and needs identified during in-home consultations.

• Describe methods for educating customers on product features, benefits, financing, and promotions to facilitate informed decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a 1099 sales role, a traditional "process portfolio" might not be formal. Candidates should prepare to articulate their personal sales process, demonstrate past successes with quantifiable results, and explain their approach to managing client interactions and closing deals, potentially through examples from their sales history.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Uncapped commission structure.

• Average first-year earnings: $150,000 - $250,000 USD annually.

• Top performers can exceed $300,000+ annually. Benefits:

• Pre-scheduled appointments provided by the company, eliminating the need for cold calling.

• Company-provided iPad and measuring tool to support sales activities.

• Consistent lead generation through company marketing efforts.

• Dedicated support teams available before and after the sale to assist with logistics and customer satisfaction.

• Access to an optional contractor benefits program offering discounts and resources.

• Comprehensive 7-week paid training program covering sales techniques, product knowledge, and company systems.

• Ongoing coaching and development from sales leadership. Working Hours:

• Flexible schedule required, with availability for evenings and weekends to meet customer needs. The role is structured around managing a personal appointment calendar, with an expectation of full-time effort to achieve sales goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is entirely commission-based, typical for 1099 direct seller roles. The salary range provided ($150k-$250k) represents potential earnings for successful individuals. The "7-week paid training program" is a significant benefit for a commission-only role, indicating investment in candidate success.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Flooring Retail & Installation. Express Flooring provides residential and commercial flooring solutions across multiple states.

Company Size: Express Flooring is described as a "rapidly expanding company" and a "leading provider," suggesting a mid-to-large size organization with significant operations.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's established presence and expansion indicate a mature business model.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a sales team, likely segmented by geographic territory.

• Design Consultants report to sales leadership who provide coaching and performance management.

• Close collaboration is expected with internal support teams responsible for order processing, logistics, and installation to ensure customer satisfaction. Methodology:

• The company employs a system of driving opportunities through marketing and providing pre-scheduled appointments.

• Sales methodology emphasizes consultative in-home selling with a focus on demonstrating product value and closing deals efficiently.

• Emphasis is placed on a high-performance culture driven by individual sales achievement and commission-based earnings.

Company Website: http://www.expressflooring.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on rapid expansion and providing a "superior floor covering experience" suggests a dynamic environment that values customer service alongside sales performance. The "ambitious individuals" sought are likely those who thrive in growth-oriented settings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level opportunity within a sales career path, specifically focused on direct-to-consumer, in-home sales. It requires established sales acumen and the ability to work independently.

Reporting Structure: Design Consultants will report to a Sales Manager or similar leadership role responsible for overseeing a sales territory. This manager provides coaching, performance reviews, and support for achieving sales targets.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is direct revenue generation for Express Flooring. Each successful sale contributes directly to the company's financial performance and market share in flooring solutions. The role also influences customer satisfaction and brand perception through in-home interactions.

Growth Opportunities:

• As a high-earning sales role, career progression could involve moving into senior sales positions, team leadership, or sales management roles within Express Flooring.

• Continuous development is offered through ongoing coaching and development programs, allowing for refinement of sales techniques and product knowledge.

• The company's expansion suggests potential opportunities to move into new territories or specialized sales roles as the business grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given it's a 1099 role, formal career paths might be less structured than in W2 positions. However, sustained high performance in this role can lead to opportunities in sales leadership or management, leveraging proven sales success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is primarily an in-home, field-based sales role. While there might not be a traditional office to report to daily, there will be travel within an assigned market.

Office Location(s): San Ramon, CA, with travel expected throughout the assigned market area.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace is the customer's home, requiring adaptability and professionalism in diverse environments.

• The role is equipped with company-provided tools like an iPad and measuring device to facilitate sales consultations.

• Opportunities for interaction with the broader sales team and support staff will likely occur through regular team meetings, training sessions, and digital communication channels. Work Schedule:

• Requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends, aligning with customer availability. The schedule is largely self-managed, focusing on appointment availability and sales productivity rather than fixed hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature refers to in-home client visits, not a traditional office setting. This requires self-discipline and strong time management skills to balance client appointments, travel, and administrative tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a phone or video call to assess basic qualifications, sales experience, and cultural fit for a commission-driven role.

• Sales Simulation/Role-Playing: Candidates may be asked to demonstrate their sales approach through role-playing scenarios, simulating an in-home consultation.

• In-depth Interview: A more comprehensive discussion with a sales manager to delve into past sales achievements, consultative selling techniques, and motivation for a 1099 commission role.

• Field Ride-Along (Potential): In some cases, candidates might accompany an experienced consultant or manager on appointments to observe and demonstrate their capabilities in a real-world setting.

• Final Assessment: Evaluation based on demonstrated sales aptitude, communication skills, and alignment with the company's performance-driven culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: Be prepared to present specific sales figures, average deal sizes, closing ratios, and earnings from previous commission-based roles.

• Illustrate Process: Clearly articulate your personal sales process, from lead engagement to closing, emphasizing how you build rapport and address customer needs in an in-home setting.

• Showcase Consultative Skills: Use examples to demonstrate how you listen, diagnose customer requirements, and present tailored solutions effectively.

• Highlight "One-Call-Close" Successes: If possible, provide examples of deals closed on the first visit, explaining your strategy for achieving this.

• Address Motivation: Be clear about your motivation for a 1099 commission role and your confidence in achieving the stated income potential.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate questions about handling objections, managing customer expectations, closing techniques, and your strategy for prospecting and time management in a field sales role.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a typical in-home consultation, including your opening, needs analysis, product presentation, and closing steps.

• Be ready to explain your understanding of the flooring industry and how you would position Express Flooring's products and services against competitors.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the "portfolio" is less about formal documents and more about the candidate's ability to articulate their sales process, demonstrate past success with data, and convincingly present their capabilities during interviews and potential role-playing exercises.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• iPad: Company-provided for sales presentations, product catalogs, measurement tools, and potentially order processing. Proficiency in tablet-based applications is essential.

• Measuring Tools: Specific tools (likely digital) for accurate on-site measurements.

• CRM/Sales Software: Internal system for managing leads, appointments, customer interactions, and sales tracking. Familiarity with similar CRM platforms is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While direct analytics tools might not be used by the consultant, understanding how to track personal sales performance against goals is crucial.

• The company's marketing efforts likely leverage analytics to drive leads, and consultants benefit from this data flow. CRM & Automation:

• The company likely uses a CRM system to manage the customer lifecycle from lead generation to installation. Consultants will interact with this system to update prospect status, schedule appointments, and log sales activities.

• Automation within the CRM might handle appointment confirmations and follow-ups, which consultants need to understand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided tools (iPad, measuring tool) suggest a modern, tech-enabled sales process. Candidates should be comfortable with digital tools for presentations and data management in a mobile sales environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Results-Driven: A strong emphasis on achieving and exceeding sales targets, directly reflected in the uncapped commission structure.

• Customer-Centric: Commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience from initial consultation through installation.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouragement of independent work, self-management of schedules, and proactive pipeline management.

• Performance Excellence: A culture that rewards high performers and invests in their development through training and coaching.

• Integrity & Trust: Building trust with homeowners and representing a reputable brand.

Collaboration Style:

• While primarily an independent field role, collaboration with internal support teams (sales, operations, installation scheduling) is vital for seamless customer service.

• Design Consultants are expected to communicate effectively with these teams to ensure accurate order fulfillment and timely installations.

• A supportive sales leadership team provides coaching and shares best practices, fostering a collaborative learning environment among consultants.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is geared towards high achievers who are self-motivated and thrive in a performance-driven, commission-based environment. The emphasis on "unlimited earning potential" and "exceeding goals" defines the core ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Only Compensation: The primary challenge is the reliance on sales performance for income, requiring consistent high closing rates and resilience through sales cycles.

• In-Home Sales Environment: Navigating diverse customer personalities and home environments, and achieving a "one-call-close" requires exceptional persuasion and rapport-building skills.

• Market Competition: Competing with other flooring providers in the San Ramon market and beyond.

• Time Management: Effectively managing a schedule of pre-booked appointments across a geographic territory, balancing travel, consultations, and administrative tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Paid Training Program: A significant 7-week paid training program provides foundational knowledge in sales techniques, product expertise, and company processes.

• Ongoing Coaching: Continuous development and coaching from experienced sales leaders to refine skills and improve performance.

• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of various flooring materials, installation methods, and design trends.

• Sales Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to hone consultative selling, negotiation, and closing techniques in a high-stakes environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's investment in a comprehensive paid training program mitigates some of the initial risk associated with a commission-only role, indicating a commitment to setting up new consultants for success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Process: "Walk me through your typical in-home sales process, from the moment you arrive at a customer's home to securing a signed agreement." Focus on your needs analysis, solution presentation, and closing techniques.

• Motivation & Earnings: "Given this is a 1099 commission role, what motivates you, and how confident are you in achieving the $150k-$250k average earnings?" Be ready to discuss your earning history and drive.

• Handling Objections: "Describe a time you faced significant customer objections during an in-home sale. How did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?"

• Time Management & Organization: "How do you manage your schedule and prioritize appointments when covering a territory like San Ramon?"

• Product Knowledge & Presentation: "Imagine a customer is undecided between carpet and luxury vinyl plank for their living room. How would you present the benefits of each and guide them to a decision?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Express Flooring, and why are you interested in selling flooring solutions?"

• "How do you see yourself fitting into a performance-driven, commission-only sales culture?"

• "Describe your experience working independently and managing your own sales pipeline." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prepare to discuss specific sales achievements, highlighting total sales volume, closing ratios, and average deal size from previous roles.

• Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe successful sales scenarios, especially those involving consultative selling or "one-call-close" outcomes.

• If you have performance metrics (e.g., conversion rates, sales per month), have them readily available to share.

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the flooring market and how you would differentiate Express Flooring.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing not just sales skills but also resilience, self-motivation, and the ability to perform under pressure in a commission-based, field sales role. Demonstrating a clear, repeatable sales process is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Express Flooring careers page.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight quantifiable sales achievements, consultative selling experience, and any history of success in commission-based roles. Use keywords like "in-home sales," "consultative selling," "closing," "pipeline management," and "revenue generation."

• Portfolio Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific examples of successful sales consultations, your personal sales process, and how you achieved your sales targets. Quantify your achievements with numbers (e.g., total sales, closing percentage, average deal size).

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common sales interview questions, focusing on your ability to handle objections, build rapport, close deals, and manage your time effectively in a field sales capacity. Practice explaining your sales process clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Express Flooring's products, services, and market presence. Understand their value proposition and how you can contribute to their growth.

⚠️ 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.