Interior Design Retail Sales Professional
About the role
As a Design Consultant, you will work closely with customers to create individualized design solutions, including space planning, fabric coordination, product selection, and overall project design. You will sell Ethan Allen products and services, represent the brand, and achieve sales goals in a flexible, relationship-based selling environment. Some projects may require a team-based approach. You will be measured on performance categories such as teamwork, customer service, communication, and technical skills, as well as benchmarks like Minimum Monthly Sales, Home Calls, and Close Ratio.
You must be skilled in using social media and digital channels to promote Ethan Allen’s brand. Compensation is incentive-based, determined by commissions earned, with expectations to meet or exceed sales benchmarks.
Responsibilities
- Create design solutions consistent with the customer’s preferences and budget.
- Sell Ethan Allen’s products and services while representing the brand in all customer interactions.
- Greet customers professionally in the design center to establish rapport and secure appointments or in-home consultations.
- Conduct home calls to evaluate customer needs and provide tailored design solutions to close sales.
- Utilize grassroots marketing and social media platforms to develop and grow the business.
- Educate customers about Ethan Allen’s complimentary design services, offering as much or as little assistance as desired.
- Stay current on design and color trends to create fashionable solutions.
- Coordinate with the team to provide exceptional pre- and post-sale service, keeping customers informed of order status.
- Participate in corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs.
- Educate customers on Ethan Allen’s finance options.
- Contribute to the development and upkeep of the design center’s portfolio.
- Use corporate systems and technology to maximize efficiency in designing projects, creating presentations, and serving customers.
- Enter orders using the retail point-of-sale system.
- Maintain a neat and orderly design center.
- Collaborate with leadership and peers to develop business and marketing plans to exceed sales goals.
- Utilize technology such as 3-D Room Planner, CRM, and Live Chat to build client relationships.
- Leverage social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) to enhance personal and brand presence.
- Build relationships with industry professionals via platforms like LinkedIn.
- Perform other duties as required.
Requirements
- Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience.
- At least one year of practical interior design experience.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution (desirable).
- Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques.
- Working knowledge of online sales and design tools.
- Strong listening, oral, and written communication skills.
- Understanding of social media and grassroots marketing to develop a client base (proven experience preferred).
- Valid driver’s license, except in limited circumstances where alternate transportation is available.
- Intermediate competency in digital floor planning technology; 3D applications are a plus.
- Experience with interactive technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or other visualization tools.
- Willingness and ability to learn new technologies.
Pay
Design Consultants are paid a recoverable draw typically ranging from $47,000 to $70,000 annually based on written sales. The potential income for experienced Design Consultants averages $70,000–$115,000 per year, with top performers earning $200,000 or more.
Benefits
Ethan Allen offers a variety of benefits to support associates' peace of mind and financial well-being. Benefit availability varies based on full-time or part-time status.
- 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
- Multiple medical plans with prescription drug coverage.
- Health Savings Account (including employer contributions).
- Dental and vision plans.
- Basic Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
- Supplemental Group Term Life & AD&D insurance.
- Dependent Group Term Life insurance.
- Short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Business Travel Accident Life Insurance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care.
- Commuter Savings Plans for public transit and parking.
- Voluntary Whole Life, Critical Care, and Accident Insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
Schedule
This is a full-time position.