Sales Consultant (Illinois)

Overview

Rural King Farm and Home Store aims to create a positive and rewarding workplace for its associates. It offers growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and a supportive environment where associates can work alongside those who share a passion for serving rural communities.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with their agricultural and household needs by providing expert advice and conducting product demonstrations.
• Engage customers in meaningful conversations to understand their specific needs, preferences, and budget constraints.
• Manage the ordering of power equipment products for store stock and customer special orders.
• Assist with receiving, moving, and displaying power equipment products.
• Conduct power equipment demonstrations when necessary.
• Help customers locate items within the store and recommend suitable alternatives if a particular product is unavailable.
• Actively listen to customer concerns, address any questions or issues promptly, and provide appropriate resolutions or escalate to the supervisor if required.
• Collect customer contact information for situations that require follow-up.
• 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, live animals, heating, fencing, batteries, lawn care, pools, etc.
• Demonstrate the features and benefits of the products, explain technical specifications as necessary, and utilize upselling and cross-selling techniques to maximize sales and increase the average unit per transaction.
• Promote exclusive offers and awareness of the store's loyalty program.
• 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 during periods when not assisting customers.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Comfortable navigating computer systems and software to assist customers or manage activities.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Able to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 30 pounds repetitively and 31-50 pounds intermittently.
• Must be able to verbally communicate effectively with others (in-person and via electronic devices).
• Must have close visual awareness.
• Able to use a ladder and/or pallet jack.
• Able to walk up and down stairs multiple times per day.