Retail Design Sales Consultant

Overview

Named America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek, Ethan Allen is a leading interior design destination combining technology with personal service. After more than 90 profitable years, we still make about 75% of our custom-crafted products in North American workshops and have an enduring reputation for quality and craftsmanship. In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every room in the home. We believe our associates are our greatest brand ambassadors, and we value talent, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to build long-lasting relationships with clients.

We invite you to design your future with us.

Design Sales Consultant – General Objectives

The Design Sales Consultant works with customers in the design center/studio, remotely, online, or in the customer’s home to create individualized design solutions that sell Ethan Allen products and services. Designs include space planning, fabric coordination, product selection, and overall project design. Success is demonstrated by developing individualized designs and achieving sales goals in a flexible relationship-based selling environment. Some projects may require a team or partnership-based approach.

Performance & Metrics

Design Sales Consultants are evaluated based on performance categories (teamwork, customer service, communication skills, decision making, project development, presentation, and technical skills) and benchmarks (Minimum Monthly Sales, Home Calls, Accent Sales, Softgoods Sales, Be-Backs, PI, Close Ratio, and Ethan Allen Trade Program). The role also includes adherence to the company’s Social Media Policy and effective use of online tools to promote the Ethan Allen brand.

Compensation & Employment Type

Compensation is incentive-based under the Design Consultant Incentive Compensation Plan. Total pay is determined by commissions earned, and designers are expected to meet or exceed Minimum Monthly Sales and other benchmarks as determined by Ethan Allen. This is a Full-Time position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Create design solutions that align with the customer’s preferences and budget.
• Sell Ethan Allen's products and services.
• Represent the Ethan Allen brand in all customer interactions. Professionally greet customers in the design center to establish rapport, obtain appointments, and arrange in-home consultations. Conduct home visits to evaluate customer needs and provide a total individualized design solution that closes the sale.
• Utilize grassroots marketing and a variety of social media platforms to grow the business.
• Educate customers about the complimentary design service and offer as little or as much design service as the customer desires.
• Stay current on design and color trends to create fashionable design solutions.
• Coordinate with the team to provide exceptional service before and after the sale, keeping customers informed of order status and delays.
• Participate in corporate-sponsored marketing and training programs as required.
• Educate customers on all Ethan Allen sponsored finance options.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing upkeep of the design center's portfolio.
• Utilize corporate systems and technology to maximize efficiency in designing projects, creating presentations, and providing professional service for the design team’s customers.
• Enter orders using the retail point-of-sale system.
• Maintain a neat and orderly design center.
• Collaborate with the Design Center Leader/Design Sales Leader and Design Consultants to develop business and grassroots marketing plans to expand market reach and exceed goals; monitor plan effectiveness and adjust as needed.
• Utilize technology such as 3-D Room Planner, CRM, Live Chat, etc., to increase project volume and build productive client relationships.
• Use social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) to heighten personal and Ethan Allen presence and build a network with outside talent via platforms like LinkedIn.
• Perform any other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent with relevant work experience.
• Minimum of one (1) year of practical interior design experience.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a design-related field from an accredited institution is desirable.
• Broad knowledge of interior design and effective sales techniques.
• Working knowledge of online sales and design tools.
• Good listening skills with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of how to utilize social media and grassroots marketing to develop business; proven experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license; if not available, must have alternate transportation to perform duties during business hours.
• Intermediate skill with digital floor planning technology; 3D applications a plus.
• Experience using interactive visualization tools (AR/VR) to view design concepts.
• Willing and capable of learning new technologies.

Compensation

Our Design Consultants are paid a recoverable draw typically ranging from $30k to $70k annually based on written sales. The potential income for our experienced Design Consultants averages $70,000–$115,000 per year, with top performers earning $200,000 per year or more.

Benefits

Benefits are a key part of total compensation, offering peace of mind and financial well-being. Ethan Allen provides a range of benefits, with eligibility varying by full-time or part-time status. Examples include 401(k) with employer contributions, multiple medical plans with prescription coverage, Health Savings Account (with employer contributions), dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts, commuter plans, voluntary life and critical illness insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.