DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN CONSULTANT
Company: Bassett Furniture
Location: Garden City, New York, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Sales / Retail / Art & Design
Date Posted: October 2, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on driving sales within a retail environment by leveraging interior design expertise and relationship-building skills.
• The Design Consultant will be responsible for managing the full sales cycle, from initial customer engagement to closing deals and fostering long-term client loyalty.
• A key aspect involves providing personalized design consultations, utilizing product knowledge and an understanding of design trends to meet customer needs.
• Success in this position is measured by achieving and exceeding sales goals through effective client engagement and a passion for interior design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input suggests a "Design Consultant" role, the emphasis on "selling skills," "sales goals," and "commission-based compensation" strongly indicates this is a sales-focused position within the interior design and furniture retail sector, rather than a pure design or operations role. Therefore, the "Category" has been broadened to include Sales and Retail, and the "Role Summary" highlights the sales imperative.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a robust client base by actively engaging with customers, understanding their design preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations, offering expert advice on furniture selection, color coordination, fabric choices, and overall space planning.
• Utilize "relationship selling" techniques to build trust and rapport, transforming customer wants into tangible design solutions and purchases.
• Proactively seek out sales opportunities through in-store interactions, virtual appointments, live chats, and potential customer home visits for makeovers.
• Achieve and consistently exceed individual sales targets and contribute to overall store revenue goals through effective selling strategies and client satisfaction.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Bassett Furniture's product lines, including furniture construction, materials, customization options, and the latest design trends.
• Present and sell product and design solutions effectively, creating compelling proposals that align with customer needs and aesthetic desires.
• Collaborate with team members to foster a positive and productive sales environment, sharing insights and best practices to collectively achieve store objectives.
• Drive sales through exceptional customer service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience from initial contact through post-purchase follow-up.
• Participate actively in ongoing training programs to enhance product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills, staying current with industry advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description provided a high-level overview. These responsibilities have been expanded to detail the day-to-day activities and strategic functions expected of a Design Consultant in a commissioned sales environment, emphasizing the blend of sales, design, and client relationship management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background or demonstrated interest in Interior Design, Fashion Merchandising, or a related creative field is highly beneficial. Experience: A proven track record in commissioned sales, preferably within a retail or design-centric environment, is essential. Entry-level candidates with strong sales aptitude and a passion for design will be considered.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine enthusiasm for aesthetics, color palettes, textures, and creating beautiful living spaces.
• Sales Acumen: Proven ability to drive sales, meet and exceed targets, and thrive in a commissioned environment.
• Exceptional Communication: Clear, articulate, and persuasive verbal and written communication skills.
• Active Listening: Ability to attentively listen to customer needs, preferences, and concerns to translate them into effective design solutions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Friendly, outgoing, and approachable demeanor to build rapport and long-term customer relationships.
• Color & Texture Discernment: A keen eye for coordinating colors, selecting appropriate fabrics, and understanding material qualities.
• Self-Motivation & Drive: Proactive and self-directed approach to client acquisition and sales development, with a strong internal motivation to succeed.
• Computer Proficiency: Comfort with using computers for client management, design software (if applicable), and communication tools.
• Positive Outlook: Maintaining an optimistic and encouraging attitude, essential for customer engagement and team collaboration.
• Teamwork Orientation: Willingness to collaborate with colleagues, support store objectives, and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Professional Image: Maintaining a polished and professional appearance that aligns with a high-end retail and design brand.

Preferred Skills:

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Familiarity with using CRM systems to track leads, manage client interactions, and nurture relationships.
• Interior Design Software/Tools: Experience with design visualization tools or software that aids in presenting design concepts.
• Furniture Construction Knowledge: Basic understanding of furniture materials, construction methods, and quality indicators.
• Clientele Development: Experience in proactively building and managing a personal client book.
• Virtual Selling Experience: Adeptness at conducting sales consultations and client interactions remotely via video calls and chat.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Job Qualifications" and "Job Requirements" from the original text have been consolidated and refined into distinct "Required" and "Preferred" skills. This section now emphasizes the blend of sales and design competencies, incorporating industry-relevant keywords like CRM, design visualization, and client relationship management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Sales Success Metrics: Quantifiable achievements demonstrating success in meeting and exceeding sales targets, ideally presented with clear metrics and growth over time.
• Client Relationship Examples: Case studies or descriptions of how you have built and nurtured long-term customer relationships, showcasing your approach to client retention and loyalty.
• Design Consultation Process: Documentation or examples of your process for conducting client consultations, from initial needs assessment to presenting design solutions. This could include mood boards, fabric swatches, or 3D renderings.
• Sales Presentation Materials: Samples of presentations, proposals, or visual aids used to effectively communicate design ideas and product benefits to clients.

Process Documentation:

• Needs Assessment Workflow: A clear outline of how you approach understanding a client's needs, preferences, lifestyle, and budget during an initial consultation.
• Design Solution Development: A description of your methodology for translating client needs into cohesive design proposals, including product selection, space planning, and material coordination.
• Sales Closing Techniques: Examples of your approach to closing sales, addressing objections, and finalizing transactions in a way that maintains customer satisfaction.
• Post-Sale Follow-up Process: An outline of your strategy for post-sale engagement to ensure client satisfaction, encourage repeat business, and generate referrals.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a sales-focused role rather than a traditional operations role, the "Portfolio Requirements" are adapted to reflect a sales consultant's need to showcase their ability to drive revenue and manage client relationships. The focus is on demonstrating sales success, client engagement, and the process of consultative selling.

💵 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 plan, meaning income is directly tied to sales performance.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive initial and ongoing training programs to equip you with product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.
• Health/Dental/Vision Coverage: Access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Disability Insurance: Protection against loss of income due to illness or injury.
• Life Insurance: Financial security for your beneficiaries.
• 401(k) Plan: Retirement savings plan with potential company match.
• Tuition Assistance: Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.
• Generous Employee Discounts: Significant discounts on Bassett Furniture products.
• State-of-the-Art Showroom: Work in a professionally designed and well-equipped retail environment.
• Opportunity for Growth and Advancement: Clear paths for career progression within the company.

Working Hours: This role requires flexibility, including willingness to work weekends and holidays, which are crucial for retail operations and customer accessibility. A standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours, but schedules will vary based on retail demands and customer appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary information was explicitly provided. The "Working Hours" section clarifies the typical expectation for a retail sales role, emphasizing weekend and holiday availability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Manufacturing. Bassett Furniture has a long-standing heritage in the furniture industry, known for its quality craftsmanship and custom furniture offerings since 1902. Company Size: Bassett Furniture Industries is a well-established company, indicating a stable work environment with established processes and a significant market presence. This size typically allows for structured training and defined career paths. Founded: 1902. With over a century of operation, Bassett Furniture brings a wealth of experience and brand recognition, combining tradition with a forward-looking approach to furniture retailing and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Sales Team: Design Consultants work within a retail store environment, likely reporting to a Store Manager or Sales Manager. The team structure prioritizes collaborative selling and client support.
• Reporting Hierarchy: The primary reporting line will be to store management, with potential for interaction with regional sales leadership.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily customer-facing, Design Consultants will collaborate with store operations staff, visual merchandisers, and potentially delivery or customer service departments to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centric Approach: Emphasis on understanding and fulfilling customer needs through personalized design consultations and relationship selling.
• Product & Design Focus: Deep product knowledge and an understanding of design trends are core to the sales methodology.
• Continuous Improvement: The company emphasizes ongoing training and development to enhance associate skills and adapt to evolving retail and design landscapes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description and founding date were used to infer details about its industry position, stability, and culture. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the retail sales nature of the role and the company's stated commitment to customer experience and training.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-to-mid-level sales position within the retail design sector. It serves as a foundational role for individuals passionate about interior design and skilled in consultative sales. Reporting Structure: Design Consultants typically report to a Store Manager or Sales Manager. This structure provides direct mentorship and performance management, crucial for developing sales skills and understanding retail operations. Operations Impact: Design Consultants directly impact revenue generation through their sales efforts. Their ability to connect with customers, understand needs, and provide effective design solutions directly influences customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and overall company profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Consultant/Sales Specialist: Progression to roles with higher earning potential, greater client responsibility, and potentially specialized product expertise.
• Store Management: Advancement into leadership positions such as Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager, overseeing store operations, staff, and sales performance.
• Training & Development Roles: Opportunities to become a trainer or mentor for new associates, leveraging experience to guide others through Bassett's training programs.
• Corporate Sales/Design Roles: Potential pathways into corporate positions related to sales strategy, product development, or design support at a larger scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Opportunity" section in the original text provides clear indications of growth paths. This section elaborates on those opportunities, framing them within a typical retail and sales career progression, emphasizing the direct impact of the role on business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based within a retail showroom environment. The workspace is designed to be visually appealing, showcasing Bassett Furniture's product lines and design capabilities. Office Location(s): Garden City, New York. The specific showroom location in Garden City provides a local market focus. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Showroom: The showroom serves as a dynamic workspace where Design Consultants interact with customers and potentially collaborate with colleagues on design solutions or client needs.
• Product Showcase: The environment is a key sales tool, requiring consultants to be familiar with the layout, product placement, and overall aesthetic of the showroom.
• Customer Interaction Hub: The primary function of the workspace is to facilitate customer consultations, design presentations, and sales transactions.

Work Schedule: The schedule is dynamic and customer-driven, requiring flexibility to work weekends and holidays. This ensures maximum availability for clients who typically shop during these times. The role demands presence on the sales floor to engage with walk-in traffic and scheduled appointments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Work in a State-Of-The Art Showroom" benefit and the general nature of retail sales inform the description of the work environment. The emphasis is on the customer-facing and dynamic nature of the showroom setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with required sales and design qualifications.
• First Interview (Phone/Video): A conversation with a hiring manager to discuss your sales experience, passion for design, and motivations. Be prepared to articulate your understanding of "relationship selling."
• In-Person Interview/Showroom Visit: An opportunity to experience the showroom environment, meet potential team members, and discuss your qualifications in more detail. This stage may include a role-playing exercise or a presentation of your portfolio.
• Portfolio Review: Expect to present examples of your sales achievements, client relationship management, and any design-related work that showcases your skills.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion to assess cultural fit and confirm your suitability for the role and commission-based compensation structure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For sales roles, numbers speak volumes. Showcase your sales performance with specific metrics (e.g., % to quota, average transaction value, client retention rate).
• Highlight Client Relationships: Provide examples of how you've built lasting customer relationships, demonstrating your consultative approach and ability to understand client needs.
• Showcase Design Sensibility: Include examples of your design work, mood boards, or successful client makeovers that illustrate your eye for color, style, and space planning.
• Tailor to Bassett: Research Bassett's brand, style, and customer base. Align your portfolio examples with their aesthetic and value proposition.
• Demonstrate Process: Explain your sales process, from lead generation and consultation to closing and follow-up.

Challenge Preparation:

• Sales Scenarios: Be prepared for scenarios where you might need to handle customer objections, upsell products, or close a sale under pressure.
• Design Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would approach a design challenge for a specific room or client profile, demonstrating your creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Product Knowledge Application: Anticipate questions about furniture construction, materials, and how to position Bassett's products against competitors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process and portfolio requirements are inferred from typical retail sales hiring practices, with a specific emphasis on showcasing sales performance and design aptitude relevant to Bassett Furniture.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Point of Sale (POS) System: Essential for processing transactions, managing inventory, and customer data within the retail environment. Familiarity with a modern POS system is expected.
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: For tracking leads, managing client interactions, scheduling follow-ups, and nurturing long-term customer relationships. Examples include Salesforce, HubSpot, or industry-specific CRM tools.
• Microsoft Office Suite / Google Workspace: Proficiency in tools like Word/Docs, Excel/Sheets, and PowerPoint/Slides for communication, reporting, and presentation creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales Performance Dashboards: Ability to interpret and utilize sales reports and dashboards to track personal performance against goals and identify areas for improvement.
• Client Data Analysis: Understanding how to leverage customer data from the CRM to identify trends, personalize outreach, and enhance client engagement.

CRM & Automation:

• Virtual Consultation Tools: Proficiency with video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet) and potentially live chat software for remote client interactions.
• Design Visualization Software (Optional but Preferred): Familiarity with tools that can create 2D or 3D renderings of room designs or product placements (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, or proprietary design software).

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for retail sales and customer-facing roles. The emphasis is on systems that support sales management, client interaction, and basic productivity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized service and design expertise.
• Integrity & Trust: Building long-term relationships based on honesty, transparency, and delivering on promises.
• Passion for Design: A genuine enthusiasm for interior design, aesthetics, and helping clients create spaces they love.
• Results-Driven: A dedication to achieving sales goals and contributing to the overall success of the store and company.
• Teamwork & Support: A collaborative spirit, willingness to assist colleagues, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
• Continuous Learning: An eagerness to learn new products, design trends, and sales techniques to foster personal and professional growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Customer-Centric Collaboration: Working together to ensure every customer receives exceptional service and tailored design solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing insights on design trends, successful sales strategies, and product knowledge with team members.
• Mutual Support: Providing assistance to colleagues during busy periods or when complex client needs arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett's emphasis on customer experience, heritage, and innovation suggests a culture that values client relationships, quality, and continuous improvement. These values are translated into operational expectations for the Design Consultant.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income Fluctuation: Managing income variability inherent in a commission-only sales structure requires strong sales performance and financial planning.
• Meeting Sales Targets: Consistently achieving ambitious sales goals in a competitive retail environment.
• Balancing Design & Sales: Effectively integrating design expertise with persuasive sales techniques to drive transactions.
• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with rapidly evolving design trends, product lines, and customer preferences.
• Handling Diverse Client Needs: Adapting sales and design approaches to a wide range of customer tastes, budgets, and lifestyles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Bassett offers certification training, providing a structured path to enhance design skills and credibility.
• Product Knowledge Mastery: Deep dives into furniture construction, materials, and customization options to become a product expert.
• Sales Technique Workshops: Training on consultative selling, objection handling, closing techniques, and client relationship management.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced sales professionals and store management.
• Career Advancement: Clear pathways to senior sales roles, management positions, or specialized roles within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the realities of a commission sales role and the demands of a dynamic retail environment. Growth opportunities are expanded from the provided text, highlighting specific training and advancement possibilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Sales Approach: "Describe your approach to building customer relationships and understanding their design needs. How do you balance consultative selling with closing the sale?" (Prepare to discuss your "relationship selling" methodology).
• Design Application: "How would you approach designing a living room for a client who loves modern minimalist style but has a limited budget?" (Be ready to walk through your thought process, product selection, and rationale).
• Handling Objections: "A client loves a sofa but expresses concern about the price. How would you address this objection?" (Prepare specific techniques for value-based selling and objection handling).
• Motivation & Goals: "What motivates you in a commission-based sales role, and what are your sales goals for the first 6-12 months?" (Highlight your drive, passion for design, and ambition).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "What interests you about Bassett Furniture specifically, and how do you see your design passion aligning with our brand?" (Research Bassett's history, product lines, and design philosophy).
• Team Contribution: "How would you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment in a retail showroom?" (Emphasize your teamwork and supportive attitude).
• Growth Aspirations: "Where do you see yourself in your career in 3-5 years, and how can Bassett Furniture help you achieve those goals?" (Connect your aspirations to the growth opportunities mentioned).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Quantify Success: Lead with your strongest sales achievements, using numbers to demonstrate impact.
• Tell a Story: For client relationship examples, narrate the situation, your action, and the positive result (STAR method).
• Visualize Design Choices: If presenting design work, explain the client's needs and how your design choices specifically addressed them. Use mood boards or visual aids effectively.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your sales and consultation process, demonstrating a structured and client-focused approach.
• Be Enthusiastic: Let your passion for design and sales shine through your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to assess key competencies for a sales consultant role, focusing on sales strategy, design application, and cultural fit. Portfolio presentation advice is geared towards showcasing sales performance and design acumen relevant to the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided Dayforce link: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/bassett/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/865
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your sales achievements, customer service experience, and any design-related skills or passion. Use keywords from the job description such as "sales goals," "customer relationships," "interior design," and "commissioned sales."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather quantifiable sales results, examples of client interactions or successful design projects, and be ready to articulate your sales and design process.
• Research Bassett Furniture: Familiarize yourself with their product lines, design aesthetic, brand history, and values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common sales and design interview questions, focusing on articulating your skills, passion, and how you can contribute to Bassett's success.

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

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