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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers via phone and counter, driving sales and building relationships.
- Company: Join AVS, part of the UK's largest independent builders' merchants with a rich history since 1921.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be the face of customer service while making an impact in a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Sales experience in builders' merchants is essential; strong communication and IT skills are a must.
- Other info: Work Monday to Friday with occasional Saturdays; based in Chichester.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 30000 £ per year.
About Lawsons
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchants. Founded in 1921, we operate across London and the South East with 35 branches, over 700 employees and a turnover of £165 million. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality products and exceptional service to both trade and retail customers.
The Role
We are recruiting a Telesales / Counter Sales colleague on a permanent basis at our AVS Chichester branch. This is a customer-facing sales role combining telephone-based outbound and inbound telesales with counter service in branch. You will support trade and retail customers by taking orders, advising on products and availability, processing transactions and maintaining accurate records. The role requires excellent product knowledge, a strong customer focus and the ability to work effectively with branch colleagues to ensure timely fulfilment of customer requirements.
Working Hours
This is a full-time, permanent position. Typical hours are Monday to Friday 7.30 – 17.00 with 1 in 2 Saturday mornings 08.00 – 12.00.
What you will get in return…
- Competitive salary £29,000 – £30,000, dependant on experience.
- 25 days holiday pro rata plus Bank Holidays and 1 Celebration day.
- Company pension scheme.
- Death In Service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme and online GP access.
- Training and development opportunities including product and sales training.
Key Accountabilities
- Deliver effective telesales activity, making outbound calls to generate orders and following up leads to achieve sales targets.
- Handle inbound sales and enquiries promptly and professionally, advising customers on products, availability and suitable alternatives.
- Operate the branch counter, serving trade and retail customers with courteous, efficient service.
- Process orders accurately using the company sales systems, including taking payments, recording customer details and preparing paperwork.
- Maintain and develop product knowledge across timber, fencing and builders’ merchant ranges to provide informed advice to customers.
- Liaise with yard and delivery colleagues to ensure orders are prepared and dispatched on time.
- Keep sales areas, counter and displays tidy and well stocked, replenishing promotional materials as required.
- Resolve customer queries and complaints professionally, escalating to the Branch Manager when necessary.
- Meet individual and branch sales targets and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Follow company Health & Safety procedures, using appropriate PPE when undertaking any manual handling tasks.
- Carry out any other reasonable tasks as requested by your line manager.
We would love to meet someone with…
- Previous telesales, counter sales or retail/customer service experience (essential).
- Strong communication skills with a polite, professional and customer-focused manner.
- Good IT skills and experience using sales or CRM systems (desirable).
- Basic numeracy and literacy to process payments and complete paperwork accurately.
- Ability to work to targets and manage time effectively in a busy branch environment.
- Willingness to carry out light manual handling tasks and work with yard colleagues as required.
- Positive, flexible approach and the ability to work as part of a team.
- Be vigilant and report any Health & Safety issues to the Line Manager immediately.
Why You Should Apply
- Join a respected, long-established company with strong regional presence and commitment to colleague development.
- Be part of a supportive team where your contribution is valued and recognised.
- Receive access to wellbeing support, training and an employee rewards package.
- Progression opportunities within branch sales and customer service roles for the right candidate.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you meet the essential requirements and are available to work from our Chichester branch, we would like to hear from you.
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Telesales / Counter Sales employer: Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Telesales / Counter Sales
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the products and services offered by AVS. Understanding the specifics of fencing, timber, and builders' materials will help you engage customers more effectively and demonstrate your expertise during conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills, especially in a sales context. Role-playing scenarios where you handle customer inquiries or objections can boost your confidence and prepare you for real interactions at the trade counter.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the builders' merchants industry. Attend local trade shows or events to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends, which can give you an edge in understanding customer needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your previous sales experience in builders' merchants during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully built relationships with trade customers and exceeded sales targets in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Telesales / Counter Sales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant sales experience, particularly in builders' merchants. Emphasise your ability to engage with customers and drive sales, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your sales skills and customer service excellence, aligning them with the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as communication, negotiation, and relationship-building. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in previous roles, especially in a sales context.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Industry: Demonstrate your understanding of the builders' merchants industry in your application. Mention any relevant market trends or customer preferences you are aware of, as this shows your proactive approach and interest in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lawsons (Whetstone) Ltd
✨Know Your Products
Familiarise yourself with the products and services offered by the company. Being able to discuss specific items and their benefits will show your expertise and help you connect with customers during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Sales Experience
Prepare examples from your previous sales roles, especially in builders' merchants. Highlight how you successfully engaged customers, met sales targets, and built relationships to showcase your relevant experience.
✨Showcase Customer Service Skills
Be ready to discuss how you handle customer queries and complaints. Providing examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers will demonstrate your commitment to excellent service.
✨Exhibit a Positive Attitude
A friendly and approachable demeanour can make a significant difference. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company, as this will reflect well on your ability to engage with customers effectively.