Outside Sales Consultant

Overview

Rural King is America’s Farm and Home Store, serving over 150 locations across 17 states. Founded in Mattoon, IL, our corporate office, distribution center, and flagship store embody our commitment to rural communities. We pride ourselves on offering a unique shopping experience with complimentary popcorn and coffee, and we strive to create a positive, rewarding workplace for our associates.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with finding power equipment products that meet their specific applications and needs.
• Engage customers in meaningful conversations to understand their needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
• Manage the ordering of power equipment for store stock and customer special orders.
• Assist with receiving, moving, and displaying power equipment products.
• Follow the Outdoor Merchandising Guide to ensure all products are set and maintained to company standards.
• Conduct power equipment demonstrations when necessary.
• Help customers locate items within the store and recommend suitable alternatives if a product is unavailable.
• Actively listen to customer concerns, address questions or issues promptly, and provide appropriate resolutions or escalate to the supervisor if required.
• Collect customer contact information for follow-up purposes.
• Establish and maintain healthy, long-term relationships with customers to generate repeat business and referrals.
• Provide expert advice and product knowledge to customers regarding a wide range of products such as power equipment, mowers, log splitters, UTVs, fencing, 3-point equipment, and trailers.
• Demonstrate the features and benefits of the products, conduct product demonstrations, and explain technical specifications, as necessary.
• Utilize upselling and cross-selling techniques to maximize sales and increase the average unit per transaction.
• Promote exclusive offers and awareness of store loyalty programs.
• Process special orders, operate the POS register, and resolve return issues as needed.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve sales targets, foster a cooperative work environment, and contribute to the overall success of the store.
• Participate in training sessions and stay updated on product knowledge, sales techniques, and company policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the visual merchandising efforts by zoning product displays, ensuring proper signage, and maintaining a clean and attractive sales floor.
• Ability to work outdoors in elements such as heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, depending on the location.
• Participate in cross-training for flexibility in various departments and responsibilities.
• Leverage learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional education or certifications in agriculture or related fields is a plus.
• Proven experience in a sales or customer service role, preferably in a retail environment.
• Deep knowledge and passion for agriculture, farm equipment, tools, and home essentials.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with customers and provide exceptional service.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to handle customer inquiries and concerns effectively.
• Results-driven mindset with a focus on achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing customer demands.
• Basic computer skills for point-of-sale transactions and inventory management systems.
• Resilience and a willingness to deal with rejection.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Initiative to devise sales strategies and work under pressure.
• Demonstrated behaviors must reflect integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.