Customer Service Representative
Position Summary
Aid customers with part needs, interact extensively to clarify requirements, research and recommend parts, provide quotes, and process orders. Generate sales and leads for Outside Sales. Provide sales support and service to OEMs, industrial companies, heavy equipment customers, etc., where fluid power is used. Handle automation products like actuators, air valves, compressors, and require a mechanical background.
Essential Functions
- Process customer orders and quotes via email or phone inquiries
- Answer delivery questions, follow up on purchasing and receiving of products, check stock availability, track back orders, and update shipping dates
- Work from worksheets, inventory lists, part number files, and other relevant information to assist customers
- Gather cost, discount, and stock availability information
- Expedite order inquiries, check order status, follow up on back orders, and resolve lost orders
- Investigate defects, damages, and incorrect shipments, and follow up on in-house repairs
- Assist walk-in customers with product needs through identification, technical support, and order processing
- Monitor customer returns, investigate causes, approve reshipments or credits, and process paperwork
- Seek and grow business opportunities by qualifying and opening new accounts using sales techniques to add-on sell, up-sell, and provide professional customer service
- Maintain and develop professional relationships with sales accounts and keep a detailed history of discussions in organization systems
- Strive to maintain and enhance customer satisfaction
Position Qualifications - Skills And Abilities
- Quickly learn and apply new information
- Assertive team player with a positive attitude, high energy, and ability to establish rapport and build relationships
- Clear, pleasant, and professional speaking voice for over-the-phone sales and communication
- Experience in telesales or outside sales, or a combination of both
- Product knowledge of fluid power products and repairs
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Good negotiation and closing skills to drive sales
- Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with customers and other contacts
- Provide a professional image over the phone
- Solid organizational skills, including managing multiple priorities
- Good problem-solving and reasoning skills
- Basic computer skills and proficiency in MS Office
- Attend product training seminars
- High level of integrity
- Accept responsibility for actions and handle constructive criticism without becoming defensive
- Proper listening skills and command of the English language
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to focus on goals and achieve predetermined results
- Ability to act confidently to complete work assignments or defend ideas
Education and Experience
- High School Graduate or equivalent
- Fluid Power or Industrial Distribution degree, and/or hands-on experience in fluid power or related fields
- Three years experience in industrial or fluid power environment preferred
Skills Taught After Hire
- Product and Application Training
- Hydraulic Training
- Pneumatics Training
- Mechanics Training
- Basic System Training
- Computer System Training
- Microsoft Office Training
- Sales Techniques
- ISO Training
- P21
About the Company
Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise. Applied Industrial Technologies is committed to a workforce that values fairness and provides growth opportunities for everyone. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to treating all employees and job applicants equitably.