DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN CONSULTANT
Company: Bassett Furniture
Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Sales & Design Operations
Date Posted: August 29, 2025
Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on driving sales and fostering customer loyalty through expert interior design consultations and personalized sales approaches, aligning with GTM strategies focused on customer-centric sales.
• Key responsibilities include understanding customer needs, translating them into design solutions, and managing the sales process from initial contact to closing, emphasizing a consultative sales methodology.
• Success in this position requires a blend of design acumen, strong interpersonal skills, and a results-oriented mindset, crucial for driving revenue growth within a retail operations framework.
• The role involves building long-term client relationships, leveraging design expertise to create dream rooms, and contributing to the overall sales performance and brand reputation of Bassett Furniture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Sales & Design Operations due to its direct impact on revenue generation and customer experience, requiring a deep understanding of both sales processes and design principles. The focus on building client relationships and consultative selling aligns with modern GTM operational strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive interior design consultations with customers to understand their style preferences, functional needs, and budget constraints.
• Develop and present personalized design solutions, including furniture selections, color palettes, and layout recommendations, to meet customer requirements.
• Utilize relationship selling techniques to build rapport and establish long-term client relationships, fostering repeat business and referrals.
• Actively pursue and achieve or exceed sales targets and revenue goals through effective sales strategies and client engagement.
• Maintain a deep understanding of Bassett Furniture's product catalog, design trends, and furniture construction to provide expert advice.
• Manage the sales pipeline, from initial customer contact and needs assessment through to closing the sale and post-sale follow-up.
• Collaborate with design teams and store management to optimize showroom displays and enhance the overall customer shopping experience.
• Drive sales through both in-store consultations and virtual appointments, adapting communication and presentation styles as needed.
• Proactively engage with potential clients through various channels, including virtual consultations and live chats, to identify and capture new business opportunities.
• Strive for continuous improvement in design skills, sales techniques, and product knowledge through ongoing training and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a consultative sales approach, which is a key component of successful GTM strategies. The focus on building client relationships and driving revenue through personalized design solutions highlights the operational aspect of sales excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a background or demonstrable passion for Interior Design, Fashion, or a related creative field is highly valued.
• Training in design principles, color theory, or space planning would be beneficial.

Experience:

• Proven track record of success in a sales-oriented role, preferably within a retail or customer-facing environment.
• Experience in consultative selling or relationship-based sales is a significant advantage.
• Prior experience in the furniture or interior design industry is a plus, but enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are prioritized.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for design, aesthetics, and creating appealing living spaces.
• Exceptional Selling Skills: Demonstrated ability to persuade, influence, and close sales, with a focus on consultative and relationship-driven approaches.
• Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to articulate design concepts clearly, listen actively to customer needs, and build rapport effectively.
• Color & Texture Coordination: Aptitude for discerning and harmonizing colors, textures, and styles to create cohesive and attractive designs.
• Customer Relationship Management: Skills in nurturing client relationships, understanding their evolving needs, and fostering loyalty.
• Self-Motivation & Goal Orientation: A proactive and driven attitude, with a commitment to meeting and exceeding sales performance metrics.
• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using computer systems for sales tracking, client management, and potentially design visualization tools.
• Positive Outlook & Professionalism: A friendly, outgoing demeanor, a positive attitude, and a polished, career-minded approach to client interactions.
• Listening Skills: Ability to deeply understand customer requirements and translate them into actionable design and product recommendations.

Preferred Skills:

• Interior Design Certification or Training: Formal education or certification in interior design.
• Experience with Design Software: Familiarity with design visualization or CAD software.
• Clientele Development: Proven ability to build and manage a personal client base.
• Virtual Selling Capabilities: Experience conducting sales consultations and client interactions remotely via digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are heavily weighted towards customer interaction, sales performance, and design aptitude, reflecting the dual nature of the role. The emphasis on a "passion for design" and "relationship selling" indicates a need for individuals who can connect with customers on a personal and creative level, aligning with advanced sales operations strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for entry-level, candidates are encouraged to showcase their design sensibility through any relevant projects or visual examples.
• Demonstrations of how you've translated client needs into successful outcomes (even in non-design contexts) are valuable.
• Examples of how you've managed customer interactions and built relationships can highlight your sales process understanding.
• A portfolio demonstrating an understanding of aesthetic principles, color theory, and spatial arrangement, even through personal projects or mood boards, would be beneficial.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to understanding and fulfilling customer needs, demonstrating a structured process for client engagement.
• While formal process documentation isn't expected, the ability to articulate how you would manage client interactions from initial consultation to sale is key.
• Discussing methods for tracking client preferences and sales progress would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "relationship selling" and "interior design consultations" implies a need for candidates who can articulate a client-centric sales process. While a formal operations portfolio isn't expected for an entry-level sales role, demonstrating an understanding of sales lifecycle management and customer engagement strategies is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Salary: $35,000 - $50,000 per year (This is an estimate based on typical entry-level sales roles in Richmond, VA, and may not reflect the full commission potential).
• Commission & Bonus Potential: Commission-based compensation with an average potential income of $70,000-$105,000 per year for experienced consultants. Top performers can earn up to $135,000 per year.
• Methodology: The estimated salary range is derived from industry benchmarks for entry-level sales positions in the Richmond, VA metropolitan area, factoring in the retail sector and the commission-heavy nature of the role. The stated commission potential is directly from the job description.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive training programs to build product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.
• Health Insurance: Health, Dental, and Vision coverage options.
• Disability Insurance: Provides financial support in case of disability.
• Life Insurance: Offers financial protection for beneficiaries.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan for long-term financial planning.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrued paid leave for vacation, sick days, or personal time.
• Generous Employee Discounts: Discounts on Bassett Furniture products for employees.
• State-of-the-Art Showroom: Opportunity to work in a modern, well-equipped retail environment.
• Career Advancement: Opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays, which are typically peak shopping times in retail.
• The role is commission-based, so hours may extend based on client needs and sales opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary structure is heavily commission-driven, which is common in retail sales operations. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for full-time retail positions, offering support for employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail and Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture is a long-standing American brand, established in 1902, known for quality custom furniture. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Bassett Furniture operates numerous showrooms across the US, suggesting a medium to large-sized enterprise with a significant retail footprint. This implies a structured yet potentially dynamic work environment. Founded: 1902. This long heritage signifies stability, established brand recognition, and deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• Design Consultants likely operate within a retail store environment, reporting to a Store Manager or Showroom Manager.
• They will collaborate closely with other sales associates, design staff, and potentially customer service or delivery coordination teams within the store.
• Cross-functional collaboration would extend to marketing, merchandising, and operations teams to ensure a cohesive customer experience.

Methodology:

• The sales methodology is described as "relationship selling" and "consultative selling," focusing on understanding customer needs and providing tailored design solutions.
• Emphasis is placed on building long-term customer relationships and leveraging design services as a key tool for sales growth.
• The company supports continuous learning through comprehensive training programs, online resources, and one-on-one coaching, fostering a culture of skill development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on custom furniture suggest a culture that values craftsmanship, quality, and customer satisfaction. The emphasis on training and development indicates a commitment to employee growth, which is important for sales operations roles that require continuous skill enhancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level or early-career stage within sales operations, specifically focusing on customer-facing sales and design consultation. It’s an individual contributor role with a direct impact on revenue. Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Store Manager or Showroom Manager. This structure provides direct oversight and guidance on sales performance and customer engagement strategies. Operations Impact: The primary operational impact is on direct sales revenue generation and customer satisfaction. Successful Design Consultants contribute to achieving store sales targets, building brand loyalty, and enhancing the store's reputation for design expertise.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Advancement: Potential to move into senior Design Consultant roles, specializing in high-end sales or specific design areas.
• Management Track: Opportunities to progress into Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager positions, overseeing sales teams and store operations.
• Design Specialization: Possibility to become a certified interior designer through Bassett's training programs, deepening design expertise and client service capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Potential to move into roles related to sales training, merchandising, or showroom management, leveraging their understanding of the customer and sales process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path clearly leads from individual sales contributor to potential leadership or specialized roles within the retail operations framework. The company's investment in training and certification suggests a structured approach to developing talent within their operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is a retail showroom, which is typically a well-lit, aesthetically designed space showcasing furniture and design samples. Office Location(s): The role specific to Richmond, Virginia, will be based in one of Bassett Furniture's retail showrooms in that area.

Workspace Context:

• The showroom environment is designed to be customer-centric and inspiring, encouraging interaction and exploration of furniture and design options.
• Associates will have access to product samples, design tools, and potentially digital visualization aids to assist clients.
• The workspace fosters collaboration among sales associates and with management, encouraging a team-oriented approach to achieving sales goals.
• There's an expectation of being present and engaged on the sales floor, ready to assist customers.

Work Schedule:

• The schedule is typically retail-based, requiring availability on weekends and holidays, as these are peak customer traffic times.
• While a standard full-time schedule might be around 40 hours, flexibility is often required in commission-based sales roles to accommodate customer availability and sales opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The retail showroom environment is critical for a design consultant’s success, providing the necessary backdrop and tools for client consultations. The flexible, customer-driven schedule is a common characteristic of sales operations roles in the retail sector.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screening to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• In-Person Interview: A more in-depth interview with the Store Manager or Showroom Manager, focusing on sales experience, design passion, and problem-solving abilities. This may include situational questions.
• Design/Sales Challenge: Candidates may be asked to present a design concept, discuss a past sales success, or role-play a customer interaction to assess practical skills.
• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a regional manager or senior leadership for final evaluation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Sensibility: If you have a portfolio (even personal projects, mood boards, or design sketches), highlight your understanding of color, texture, and style.
• Demonstrate Sales Acumen: Prepare examples of how you've successfully persuaded clients, solved customer problems, or achieved sales targets in previous roles.
• Highlight Relationship Building: Be ready to discuss how you build and maintain customer relationships, emphasizing active listening and personalized service.
• Quantify Achievements: If possible, use numbers to demonstrate your sales success (e.g., "exceeded sales targets by X%," "increased customer retention by Y%").
• Present a "Dream Room" Concept: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a room for a hypothetical client, showcasing your process and creative thinking.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Bassett's Brand: Research Bassett Furniture's style, product lines, and customer base to tailor your responses.
• Practice Sales Scenarios: Rehearse how you would handle common sales objections, client consultations, and closing techniques.
• Prepare Design Examples: Think about how you would articulate design choices, explain color palettes, and justify furniture selections.
• Focus on Customer Needs: Emphasize your ability to listen and translate customer input into tangible design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both sales skills and design aptitude. Preparing to discuss both aspects, potentially with visual aids or examples, will be crucial for demonstrating suitability for this operations-focused sales role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a customer relationship management system for tracking leads, customer interactions, sales pipelines, and client history. Salesforce, HubSpot, or a proprietary system are possibilities.
• Point of Sale (POS) System: Used for processing transactions, managing inventory, and generating sales reports.
• Design Visualization Tools: Potential use of software or digital platforms for creating mood boards, 3D room visualizations, or product configurators to aid customer design choices.
• Communication Platforms: Standard office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for email, scheduling, and document creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Tools to track individual and store sales metrics, conversion rates, and average transaction value.
• Customer Data Analytics: Utilizing CRM data to understand customer preferences, buying patterns, and loyalty.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM for lead management, customer segmentation, and personalized outreach.
• Potential use of email marketing or automation tools for customer follow-up and relationship nurturing.
• Integration between CRM, POS, and potentially inventory management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with CRM systems and a general understanding of sales analytics are important. While specific design software is a plus, the core operational tools revolve around customer data management and sales transaction processing.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting customer needs to drive satisfaction and loyalty.
• Sales Excellence: Commitment to achieving and exceeding sales targets through effective strategies and client engagement.
• Design Passion: Embracing creativity and a keen eye for aesthetics to guide customers in creating their ideal spaces.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues to support store goals and create a positive customer experience.
• Professionalism & Integrity: Maintaining a polished image and ethical conduct in all client and internal interactions.
• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn, adapt, and develop skills in design, sales, and customer service.

Collaboration Style:

• Associates are expected to be supportive team members, assisting colleagues when needed and contributing to a positive store atmosphere.
• Collaboration is key in sharing customer insights, design ideas, and best practices for sales and client management.
• Communication will be frequent with management regarding sales performance, customer feedback, and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of sales drive, creative expression, and interpersonal skills. A collaborative approach to achieving sales goals and serving customers is integral to the operations within a retail showroom.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income: The variable nature of commission pay can be a challenge for individuals seeking stable income, requiring strong sales performance to ensure consistent earnings.
• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently meeting or exceeding sales goals in a competitive retail environment requires ongoing effort, adaptability, and effective sales strategies.
• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively merging creative design consultation with the practicalities of sales targets and customer budgets can be demanding.
• Customer Variability: Adapting to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and decision-making styles requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Weekend/Holiday Work: Working during peak retail hours, including weekends and holidays, is a requirement that demands flexibility.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers formal training and certification, providing a structured path to becoming a recognized interior design professional.
• Sales Skill Enhancement: Continuous training in consultative selling, relationship building, and closing techniques to improve sales performance.
• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of furniture construction, materials, and design trends to better serve clients.
• Mentorship: Opportunities for guidance and coaching from experienced sales professionals and management.
• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement into senior sales, management, or specialized roles within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for commission-based sales roles in retail, emphasizing the need for resilience and strong performance. The growth opportunities, particularly the design certification, offer significant professional development within the operations of the furniture industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you successfully helped a client achieve their design goals."
  • Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer focusing on a past sales or design project where you understood client needs and delivered a successful outcome. Emphasize your process and the positive results.
• "How do you approach building long-term relationships with customers?"
  • Preparation: Discuss active listening, personalized follow-up, understanding evolving needs, and providing ongoing value beyond the initial sale. Highlight your ability to be a trusted advisor.
• "Describe your process for creating a design proposal for a client."
  • Preparation: Outline steps from initial consultation, needs assessment, budget consideration, product selection, to presenting the final design solution and discussing terms. Showcase your structured approach.
• "How do you handle a customer who is indecisive or has conflicting design preferences?"
  • Preparation: Focus on patience, active listening, guiding them through options, presenting pros and cons, and helping them prioritize based on their core needs and budget.
• "What is your experience with commission-based sales, and how do you stay motivated?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your understanding of commission structures and your strategies for self-motivation, goal setting, and performance tracking.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Bassett Furniture, and why are you interested in working here?"
  • Preparation: Research the company's history, values, product lines, and recent news. Connect your passion for design and sales to Bassett's brand.
• "How do you see yourself contributing to our store's sales team and overall customer experience?"
  • Preparation: Emphasize your collaborative spirit, customer-centric approach, and commitment to achieving sales targets.
• "Describe your ideal work environment and team dynamic."
  • Preparation: Align your answer with Bassett's emphasis on a positive, supportive, and results-driven retail culture.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Visual Aids: If you have a portfolio (digital or physical), be prepared to walk the interviewer through key examples, explaining your design choices and the client's needs.
• Narrative: Frame your experience as a story, highlighting challenges, your actions, and the successful outcomes, particularly in sales and client satisfaction.
• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the steps you take from understanding a client's brief to delivering a solution, whether it's a design concept or a sales transaction.
• Enthusiasm: Convey your genuine passion for design and sales throughout the presentation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge, perhaps involving specific room types, styles, or client constraints.
• Sales Pitch: Practice a brief pitch for a signature Bassett product or a design service.
• Problem-Solving: Prepare to discuss how you resolve customer issues or objections in a sales context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that demonstrate both design aptitude and sales success, framed within the company's customer-centric and relationship-driven operational model, will be key to a strong interview performance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce platform.
• Portfolio Customization: If you have design work, sales achievements, or customer testimonials, compile them into a concise format (e.g., a PDF or a simple online portfolio link) that highlights your skills relevant to design sales and customer relationship management.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize sales experience, customer service achievements, any design-related skills or interests, and your ability to work in a commission-based environment. Use keywords from the job description like "interior design," "sales goals," "customer relationships," and "relationship selling."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your passion for design and your sales approach using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Be ready to discuss your understanding of Bassett's brand and how you can contribute to their sales operations.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bassett Furniture's history, product offerings, design philosophy, and current showroom locations to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their operational context.

⚠️ 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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