Most people have a perception of counter sales in builders merchants being quiet but this is far from reality. In fact, they are some of the busiest and most technical roles within the industry. Here is a realistic overview of a typical day of a counter sales person in a builders merchant that sells to the trade.
Serving the Trade Counter
Customers visiting the Trade Counter are generally contractors, sole traders, or site managers who require prompt and accurate supply of products to enable them to return to site. This role will take orders, check availability and dispatch customers as quickly as possible.
Quoting and Negotiating With Contractors
Many of the trade customers that visit the Trade Counter on a regular basis expect to have a price discussion before the sales person can process the sale. The sales person will pull together a quote for the customer and apply any relevant account discounts. On occasions the sales person will negotiate the price of larger orders to try and keep the customer as a customer of the merchant.
Knowing the Product Range
Product knowledge on the Counter sales role in builders merchants jobs is important and generally increases as staff gain more experience of the role. For example, a good Counter sales person will be able to suggest an alternative fixing when the specified product is out of stock. They will also be able to recommend a suitable concrete mix for groundworks from information gained from speaking with customers and from product literature. Some employers may also support staff to gain formal qualifications whilst in the role, such as a trade and retail sales apprenticeship which would develop the customer service and sales skills required for the role of a Counter sales person in builders merchants jobs.
Processing Orders and Liaising With the Yard
After a price has been agreed for the goods that the customer needs, the sales person will then enter the order onto their computer system for the goods to be picked and loaded from the yard for collection or delivery. The attention to detail when entering the order is crucial, as any errors that are made when entering the order can cause delays for the customer on site.
Building Trade Account Relationships
There are many builders merchants jobs that are based around the trade accounts that regularly return to the merchant for their building supplies. The sales staff will remember any specific preferences that the customer has and notify them of any relevant promotions that may be of interest. Also, any queries or shortages that the sales staff are made aware of will be dealt with promptly to avoid any potential complaints. Builders Merchants Jobs is covered in more detail at https://bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies/.
This work is best suited to people with some knowledge of building materials, and who can cope with the fast paced environment of serving tradespeople.
