DESIGN CONSULTANT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN CONSULTANT Company: Bassett Furniture Location: Wilmington, Delaware, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Sales / Interior Design Date Posted: 2025-08-29T04:00:00 Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Engage customers to understand their design preferences, lifestyle, and budget to provide personalized furniture and interior design solutions.
• Develop and maintain strong, long-term customer relationships through exceptional service and expert design consultations.
• Drive sales by leveraging in-depth product knowledge, understanding of design trends, and effective "relationship selling" techniques.
• Utilize a consultative sales approach, including in-home or virtual "makeovers," to create compelling design proposals and close sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Design Consultant," the core responsibilities and requirements heavily emphasize sales performance and customer relationship management within an interior design context. This role is primarily a sales role with a strong design component, aiming to drive revenue through personalized customer engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth interior design consultations with clients to identify their needs, style preferences, and budgetary requirements.
• Develop and present comprehensive design solutions, including furniture selection, space planning, and color/texture coordination, to meet client objectives.
• Build and nurture a robust client base through proactive outreach, personalized follow-ups, and exceptional customer service.
• Actively pursue and achieve individual sales targets and contribute to overall store revenue goals within a commissioned sales environment.
• Maintain a high level of product knowledge, including furniture construction, materials, design trends, and customization options, to effectively advise customers.
• Execute "relationship selling" strategies, focusing on understanding and fulfilling customer needs to foster loyalty and repeat business.
• Collaborate with store management and team members to contribute to a positive and productive sales environment.
• Manage customer accounts, process orders accurately, and ensure timely delivery and follow-up for a seamless customer experience.
• Stay current with industry trends, design principles, and Bassett's product offerings through ongoing training and self-study.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a blend of sales acumen and design expertise. Responsibilities focus on consultative selling, client relationship management, and driving revenue through design-led solutions, consistent with a high-end retail sales environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Fine Arts, Marketing, or a related field is advantageous, but not strictly required if equivalent experience is demonstrated.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of proven sales experience, preferably in a retail, interior design, or luxury goods environment, with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales quotas.
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining customer relationships and clienteling is highly valued.
• Experience in a commissioned sales environment is essential.

Required Skills:

• Passion for Interior Design: A genuine interest and aesthetic sensibility for interior design, color theory, and furniture styles.
• Sales Acumen: Strong ability to engage customers, understand their needs, present solutions, and close sales effectively.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, and the ability to build rapport with a diverse clientele.
• Customer Relationship Management: Proven ability to develop and nurture long-term customer relationships through personalized service and follow-up.
• Self-Motivation & Drive: Highly motivated to achieve sales goals and thrive in a performance-driven, commissioned environment.
• Computer Proficiency: Competence in using CRM systems, order processing software, and general office applications.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a sales team and contribute to a positive store culture.
• Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a dynamic retail environment and adapt to varying customer needs and paces of business.

Preferred Skills:

• Color & Texture Coordination: Discernment and ability to coordinate colors, textures, and materials to create aesthetically pleasing designs.
• Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with design visualization tools or software is a plus.
• Clientele Building: Proactive approach to developing a personal client book and generating repeat business.
• Polished Image & Professionalism: Maintaining a professional appearance and demeanor consistent with a high-end retail brand.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to translate customer wants into practical design choices and resolve potential issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level is inferred from the typical progression for sales roles that require clienteling and design consultation. The emphasis on sales performance and client building suggests a mid-level sales position, not entry-level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the design process from initial client consultation through to final installation or delivery.
• Showcase examples of successful client projects, highlighting how you translated customer needs into tangible design solutions.
• Include case studies or project summaries that detail the challenges, your approach, and the positive outcomes for the client, with a focus on customer satisfaction and sales conversion.
• Quantify achievements where possible, such as sales figures, client retention rates, or growth in a personal client book.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the steps involved in a typical client consultation and design project lifecycle.
• Understanding of how to document client interactions, design specifications, and sales orders accurately and efficiently.
• Familiarity with using internal systems for tracking customer interactions, managing sales pipelines, and processing transactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" isn't explicitly requested, the job description implies a need to demonstrate design sensibility and sales success. Applicants should be prepared to discuss past projects and sales achievements that showcase their design consultation and client-building capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base: $30,000 - $40,000 per year (This is an estimate for a base salary component, often lower in commissioned roles, but relevant for total compensation context).
• Commission/Bonus Potential: $40,000 - $65,000+ per year, based on sales performance.
• Total Potential Income: $70,000 - $105,000+ per year, with top performers potentially earning up to $135,000+.

Benefits:

• Paid Training: Comprehensive training programs covering product knowledge, sales techniques, and design skills.
• Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• Insurance: Disability and Life Insurance policies.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan for long-term financial planning.
• Education Support: Tuition assistance programs for continued learning and development.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued paid vacation and personal time.
• Employee Discounts: Generous discounts on Bassett furniture and home décor products.
• Work Environment: Opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art showroom.
• Career Advancement: Clear opportunities for growth and advancement within the company.

Working Hours:

• Full-time commitment, typically 40 hours per week.
• Requires flexibility to work weekends and holidays, as is typical in retail sales environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($70,000-$135,000) is based on the company's stated average and top performer earnings. This is a commission-driven role, meaning a significant portion of income is performance-based. The base salary is likely lower, and the provided range reflects total potential earnings. The estimate for base salary is inferred based on industry standards for sales roles with significant commission components.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Furniture Retail & Interior Design Services Company Size: Large (The provided data doesn't specify exact size, but Bassett Furniture is a well-established national retailer, suggesting a company with hundreds to thousands of employees across multiple locations). Founded: 1902, with over a century of heritage in craftsmanship and furniture innovation.

Team Structure:

• Design Consultants typically work within a retail store environment, reporting to a Store Manager or Showroom Manager.
• They collaborate closely with fellow Design Consultants, Sales Associates, and potentially delivery or administrative staff.
• Cross-functional collaboration extends to marketing teams for local store promotions and product development teams for understanding new lines.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "relationship selling" and consultative approaches to understand and meet customer needs.
• Utilizes a complimentary in-house design service as a key tool for customer engagement and sales conversion.
• Focuses on continuous learning and development through structured training programs, including interior design certification.
• Data-driven insights are likely used to track sales performance, customer trends, and inventory management, supporting sales strategies.

Company Website: www.bassettfurniture.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Bassett Furniture's long history (since 1902) indicates a stable company with a strong brand reputation. The culture likely balances traditional retail values with a modern approach to design consultation and customer service. The focus on innovation suggests an openness to new sales and design strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level sales and client advisory position within a retail operations framework. It requires a blend of sales execution, customer service, and a foundational understanding of interior design principles. It's a direct customer-facing role with significant revenue impact.

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

Operations Impact: Design Consultants are pivotal to the revenue generation engine of Bassett Furniture's retail stores. Their ability to connect with customers, understand design needs, and close sales directly impacts store sales performance, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty. Effective consultants contribute significantly to the store's overall financial success and market presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Specialization: Opportunity to become a top-performing sales associate, achieving higher income levels and recognition.
• Design Expertise: Pursue Bassett's Interior Design certification training to deepen design knowledge and client consultation skills.
• Leadership Track: Potential to advance into roles such as Assistant Store Manager, Showroom Manager, or even regional sales management positions, depending on performance and career aspirations.
• Cross-Functional Roles: Opportunities to move into related areas like visual merchandising, sales training, or customer experience management within the retail operations division.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is clearly defined within retail sales and management. The emphasis on training and certification suggests a commitment to developing talent from within, offering a structured growth trajectory for successful Design Consultants.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Retail Showroom Environment Office Location(s): The role is located in Wilmington, Delaware. Bassett Furniture operates numerous showrooms across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• The primary workspace is a professionally designed, state-of-the-art furniture showroom, offering an aesthetically pleasing and inspiring environment for both employees and customers.
• This environment fosters collaboration among sales consultants and provides a hands-on space for product interaction and design visualization.
• Employees will have access to design resources, product samples, and technology to support client consultations and sales processes.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time schedule, typically 40 hours per week.
• Requires flexibility to work a retail schedule, which includes evenings, weekends, and holidays to accommodate customer traffic and sales needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "state-of-the-art showroom" environment is a key selling point for this role, indicating a modern and well-equipped workspace that supports the design consultation process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application and resume to assess qualifications and experience, with a focus on sales track record and design passion.
• Phone/Video Interview: An initial conversation with a hiring manager or recruiter to discuss background, motivation, and fit for the role. Be prepared to articulate your passion for design and sales approach.
• In-Person Interview/Assessment: This may involve an in-depth interview at the showroom, potentially including a situational assessment or a discussion of past design projects and sales experiences. Candidates might be asked to walk through their approach to a client consultation.
• Final Interview: A potential final discussion with a senior manager to confirm suitability and discuss terms of employment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Design Sensibility: If you have a formal portfolio, ensure it highlights your ability to coordinate colors, textures, and styles. Include examples of space planning and furniture arrangement.
• Quantify Sales Success: Prepare specific examples of how your design recommendations led to increased sales or customer satisfaction. Use metrics like sales volume, average transaction value, or client retention if possible.
• Clienteling Examples: Be ready to discuss how you build and maintain client relationships, including follow-up strategies and proactive outreach.
• STAR Method: When discussing past experiences, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear and compelling examples of your sales and design capabilities.
• Passion Articulation: Clearly express your enthusiasm for interior design and helping customers create their dream spaces.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Expect questions about how you would handle specific customer scenarios, such as a demanding client, a complex design challenge, or a customer with a tight budget.
• Sales Pitch Practice: Be prepared to "sell" a product or a design concept, demonstrating your consultative selling skills.
• Product Knowledge: While training is provided, having a basic understanding of furniture types, materials, and current design trends will be beneficial.
• Understanding Bassett's Brand: Research Bassett Furniture's style, history, and customer base to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment with the company's brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't a strict requirement, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design experience and sales achievements as if presenting a portfolio. This demonstrates their ability to articulate their value proposition effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM System: Likely a Customer Relationship Management system for managing client interactions, tracking leads, and monitoring sales pipelines (e.g., Salesforce, proprietary CRM).
• Point of Sale (POS) System: For processing transactions, managing sales orders, and inventory.
• Design Software/Tools: Potentially internal design visualization tools or software to assist with space planning, mood boards, and product rendering.
• Computer & Internet: Standard office productivity software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace) for communication, documentation, and order processing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Sales performance tracking tools to monitor individual and store sales metrics.
• Reporting dashboards for sales, customer engagement, and inventory levels.

CRM & Automation:

• Utilizing the CRM for clienteling, follow-up reminders, and personalized marketing outreach.
• Potential use of email marketing or communication platforms for customer engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, proficiency with CRM and POS systems is standard for retail sales roles. The ability to learn and adapt to proprietary design visualization tools is also likely expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and exceeding customer expectations through personalized service and design solutions.
• Sales Excellence: Driving revenue growth and achieving sales targets through consultative selling and building client relationships.
• Design Passion: A commitment to interior design, style, and creating beautiful, functional spaces for clients.
• Teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support among sales associates to create a positive and productive work environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Dedication to ongoing learning, skill development, and staying current with design trends and sales techniques.

Collaboration Style:

• Design Consultants are expected to be supportive team members, sharing insights and assisting colleagues when needed.
• Collaboration involves working with store management to achieve sales objectives and contributing to the overall success of the showroom.
• Open communication and a willingness to share best practices in design consultation and client management are encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize a blend of sales performance and customer-focused design expertise, fostering a team environment that supports individual achievement within collective goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Commission-Based Income: The primary challenge is the variability of income, which is heavily reliant on sales performance and closing deals in a competitive market.
• Customer Needs Balancing: Effectively balancing diverse customer preferences, budgets, and design expectations while staying true to brand aesthetics.
• Market Competition: Navigating a competitive furniture and interior design market requires continuous effort in client acquisition and retention.
• Staying Current: Keeping up-to-date with rapidly evolving design trends, product lines, and customer service expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Interior Design Certification: Access to formal training and certification through Bassett to enhance design expertise.
• Sales Training: Ongoing development in consultative selling, negotiation, and clienteling techniques.
• Product Knowledge Expansion: Deepening understanding of furniture construction, materials, customization options, and new arrivals.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced sales professionals and store management.
• Career Progression: Clear pathways for advancement into leadership roles within the retail operations structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges inherent to commission sales, which also offer significant rewards. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals who excel in sales and client relations, with dedicated training programs supporting career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your personal design philosophy and how you approach helping a client define their style." (Prepare to discuss your approach to understanding client needs, color palettes, and space planning.)
• Sales Strategy: "How do you build rapport with a new customer and guide them through the sales process?" (Focus on consultative selling, active listening, and demonstrating value.)
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to overcome a challenge to close a sale or satisfy a difficult client. What was the situation, your action, and the result?" (Use the STAR method to illustrate your problem-solving and negotiation skills.)
• Clienteling: "How do you proactively build and maintain a base of loyal customers?" (Discuss follow-up strategies, personalized communication, and leveraging customer data.)
• Bassett Brand Alignment: "Why are you interested in Bassett Furniture, and how do your skills and passion align with our brand?" (Research Bassett's history, style, and values.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Bassett Furniture's product lines and design aesthetic?" (Demonstrate you've done your research.)
• "How do you handle working in a commission-based sales environment?" (Showcase your motivation, resilience, and focus on performance.)
• "Describe your ideal work environment and team dynamics." (Align your response with Bassett's emphasis on collaboration and customer service.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Key Projects: Select 2-3 strong examples from your past that best showcase your design consultation and sales success.
• Quantify Results: For each project, present the outcome with measurable results (e.g., "Increased client purchase by 20% by suggesting complementary pieces," or "Achieved 110% of sales target in Q3").
• Visuals if Possible: If you have a digital portfolio, be ready to share relevant images or summaries. Otherwise, be prepared to describe your projects vividly.
• Focus on Client Journey: Explain how you engaged with the client, understood their needs, presented solutions, and managed the process to a successful conclusion.
• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design and helping customers create beautiful spaces with genuine enthusiasm.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of sales capability, design sensibility, and a customer-centric approach. Being able to articulate past successes and align them with Bassett's brand values will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your sales achievements, design experience (even if informal), customer relationship management skills, and any experience in a commission-based environment. Use keywords from the job description like "design consultation," "sales goals," "customer relationships," and "interior design."
• Portfolio Preparation: Compile examples of past design projects or sales successes. If you lack a formal portfolio, prepare to discuss specific instances where you applied design principles to achieve customer satisfaction or sales targets. Be ready to talk about your personal design style and how you translate client needs into tangible outcomes.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common sales and design interview questions, focusing on the STAR method for behavioral questions. Practice articulating your passion for design and your sales approach clearly and concisely.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bassett Furniture's history, product offerings, design aesthetic, and company culture. Understand their brand positioning and target customer to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.