At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers, manage orders, and build strong relationships in a friendly environment.
- Company: A family-run Builders Merchant in Croydon since 1912, focused on customer experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 23 days holiday, pension options, life insurance, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a welcoming team and make a real difference in customer service.
- Qualifications: Sales experience in the Builders Merchant industry and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We are a family run Builders Merchant based in Croydon since 1912.
Full Time, permanent hours Monday to Friday 7.00am to 5.00pm (45 hours per week).
23 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, extra holiday rewarded after 5 years.
Competitive salary. Company pension with flexible contribution options. Life insurance after 1 year. Staff discount after an initial probationary period. Uniform provided.
Requirements
- Previous experience within sales and the Builders Merchant Industry, both telephone and counter.
- Confident dealing with customers over the phone and face to face.
- Good communication skills.
- Good product knowledge.
- Good computer skills.
- Able to understand and calculate margins and product quantities.
About us and your role
We are one of the largest independent Builders Merchants in the Southeast, with a sustainable and renewable energy training centre. We stock a vast array of materials required for all areas of the building trade, including Timber, Sanitaryware, Heating/Renewables and Plumbing.
Our company has a friendly and welcoming approach; from the moment our customers approach us we strive to give the best customer experience.
This role involves:
- Someone who understands the importance of good customer service and has a professional approach to their duties.
- Serving customers over our trade counters and assembling the relevant products; some product lifting and carrying will be required.
- Liaising with our customers via phone and email orders and when necessary, researching items we do not stock to ensure we fulfil as many orders as possible.
- Assisting our customers with any queries or questions regarding their order.
- Building good business relationships with both existing and new customers.
Locations
Customer Sales Associate and Counter Sales in Croydon, Surrey employer: Harris & Bailey
As a family-run Builders Merchant in Croydon since 1912, we pride ourselves on our friendly and welcoming work culture that prioritises excellent customer service. Our employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for growth within a supportive environment, making us an ideal employer for those seeking a rewarding career in the building trade.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Sales Associate and Counter Sales in Croydon, Surrey
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Harris & Bailey, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Harris & Bailey!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Sales Associate and Counter Sales in Croydon, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Harris & Bailey, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Harris & Bailey and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Harris & Bailey that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris & Bailey
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
