At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle inbound and outbound sales calls while delivering top-notch customer service.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on branch performance and customer satisfaction in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Previous telesales experience and strong customer service skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with clear career progression pathways.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 37000 £ per year.
About Lawsons
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, we operate across London and the South East of England with over 35 branches, more than 700 employees and a multi‑million pound turnover. We are committed to delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.
The Role
This role is for a Telesales - AVS team member based at our Basingstoke branch. You will handle inbound and outbound telephone sales, support counter enquiries and play a key part in delivering excellent customer service while helping the branch achieve sales and margin targets. The role requires strong telephone manner, accurate order processing and the ability to promote relevant products and add‑ons to maximise revenue.
Working hours
Full time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 07:30 - 17:00 with every second Saturday 08:00 - 12:00 (44.5 hours per week).
What’s in it for you
- Competitive salary depending on experience (£35,000 - £37,000)
- 25 days’ holiday plus UK Bank Holidays and one celebration day
- Pension scheme
- Death in service benefit
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support via the My Reward platform
- Comprehensive onboarding, training and career development opportunities
- Supportive, team‑oriented working environment
Main Responsibilities
- Answer inbound telesales enquiries promptly and professionally, providing product information, pricing and availability.
- Conduct outbound calls to prospective and existing customers to generate sales, qualify leads and support account retention.
- Process telephone and counter orders accurately using company systems, ensuring correct documentation and payment handling.
- Deliver an excellent counter sales service to visiting customers, handling collections and providing product advice.
- Proactively promote relevant products, services and promotions to maximise sales and meet branch targets.
- Liaise with yard and delivery teams to ensure accurate and timely collections or deliveries.
- Record customer interactions and maintain accurate records in the CRM/sales system.
- Support stock management activities, assist with stock counts and report shortages or special requirements to management.
- Maintain a tidy and professional counter area and ensure promotional materials are kept up to date.
Key Accountabilities
- Help to exceed branch sales, margins and gross profit targets.
- Comply with company audit and cash handling procedures.
- Respond positively and effectively to customer needs and resolve queries in a timely manner.
- Provide feedback to management on market trends and customer preferences.
- Adhere to Lawsons Best Practice, Standards and Company Policies, including loss prevention measures.
Person Specification
- Previous telesales or counter sales experience is essential, ideally within builders’ merchants, timber, landscaping or related sectors.
- Excellent telephone manner with strong customer service skills and the ability to build rapport quickly.
- Good numeracy and IT literacy; comfortable using telephone systems, tills, handheld devices and company systems.
- Organised and accurate when processing orders and handling payments.
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence and negotiate.
- Target‑driven, motivated and able to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
- Flexible and reliable with a willingness to work alternate Saturday mornings.
- Full UK driving licence desirable but not essential.
Why join Lawsons?
- Be part of a well‑established and respected company with clear career progression pathways.
- Work in a varied role with direct impact on branch performance and customer satisfaction.
- Access to company benefits including pension, employee assistance programme and training.
- A supportive team environment where your contribution is recognised and valued.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are customer‑focused, organised and enjoy working in a busy branch environment, we would like to hear from you.
Telesales in Basingstoke employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Telesales in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lawsons. Understand their products and services, and think about how you can contribute to their sales goals. This will show them you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your phone skills! Since this role is all about telesales, make sure you’re comfortable chatting on the phone. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get used to handling objections and promoting products confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your customer service chops! Be ready to share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past. Lawsons values excellent service, so highlight your ability to build rapport and resolve issues quickly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It’s the best way to ensure it gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
We think you need these skills to ace Telesales in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Telesales Skills: Make sure to highlight any previous telesales or counter sales experience you have. We want to see how your skills can help us deliver exceptional customer service and meet our sales targets!
Be Personable: Your telephone manner is key! Use your application to demonstrate how you build rapport with customers. We love candidates who can connect with people and make them feel valued.
Get Specific with Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, include specific examples of how you exceeded sales targets or improved customer satisfaction. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t be shy about sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Lawsons!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, make sure you familiarise yourself with the products and services that Lawsons offers. Being able to discuss specific items, their uses, and how they can benefit customers will show your genuine interest and help you stand out.
✨Practice Your Telephone Manner
Since this role heavily relies on telephone communication, practice your phone skills. Try mock calls with friends or family, focusing on clarity, friendliness, and professionalism. This will help you feel more confident during the actual interview.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond for a customer. This will illustrate your ability to meet the expectations of the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Lawsons values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you work well with others. Share stories that highlight your collaborative spirit and how you contribute to a positive team environment. This will resonate well with the interviewers.