How to Be Furniture Salesperson - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 10, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The furniture salesperson plays an important role in the industry, as their success directly affects the success of the company. When a salesperson is able to successfully close a sale, it results in an increase in profits and overall success for the company. On the other hand, if a salesperson fails to close sales, it could lead to a decrease in profits and ultimately, the failure of the business.

In order to be successful, the furniture salesperson must be knowledgeable about the product, be able to engage with customers in a meaningful way, and be aware of the latest trends in the industry. Without these skills, the furniture salesperson will not be able to maximize their potential and their companys profits.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers prefer that furniture salespeople have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Complete On-the-Job Training. Many furniture stores offer on-the-job training for salespeople. This training can include how to use the stores computer systems, the stores policies and procedures, and customer service techniques.
Take a Furniture Sales Training Course. Many furniture companies offer courses designed to help salespeople improve their skills. These courses can cover topics such as product knowledge, customer service, and sales techniques.
Obtain Certification. Some furniture companies offer certification programs that help salespeople demonstrate their knowledge and skills. These programs are usually voluntary and require passing an exam.
Consider Specialization. Many furniture stores specialize in a specific type of furniture, such as antique, modern, or outdoor furniture. Becoming knowledgeable in a particular type of furniture can be beneficial to a furniture salespersons career.
Build a Network. Building relationships with customers, suppliers, and other industry professionals can be beneficial to a furniture salesperson. This network can help them stay informed about industry changes and trends, as well as provide potential referrals and leads.

The key to becoming a reliable and efficient furniture salesperson is to have a thorough understanding of the products that you are selling. Having knowledge about the materials used, designs, prices, and features of the furniture will help you to provide customers with the best solutions for their needs. it is important to have good communication skills in order to effectively explain product features and answer customer queries.

Furthermore, staying organized and having a proactive approach when dealing with customers will help you to close more sales. All of these elements combined will lead to becoming a reliable and efficient furniture salesperson.

You may want to check Medical Salesperson, Food Salesperson, and Clothing Salesperson for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and provide customer service in a friendly and professional manner.
Assist customers in product selection, based on their needs and preferences.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of product features, benefits, and pricing.
Promote additional products and services to customers.
Coordinate with other sales staff to ensure customer satisfaction.
Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and returns.
Track sales, inventory, and orders.
Ensure accurate completion of sales paperwork.
Update displays to promote products and attract customers.
Monitor stock levels and place orders when necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of different types of furniture and materials
Ability to understand customer needs and provide appropriate advice
Excellent communication skills
Ability to close sales
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to work independently
Proficiency in computer applications, like Microsoft Office
Ability to handle customer complaints
Knowledge of pricing structures and negotiation tactics
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales goals

Having strong interpersonal skills is one of the most important skills for a furniture salesperson. Customers must be able to trust a salesperson in order to make a purchase. Being able to communicate effectively and build relationships with customers is essential for providing a good customer experience.

This includes being friendly and attentive to customers, being knowledgeable about the products, and having the ability to listen to customers and understand their needs. Having good negotiation skills is also important for a salesperson to be able to close deals and get the best prices for their customers. having an understanding of marketing and customer service can help a furniture salesperson better understand what customers are looking for and provide them with an excellent shopping experience.

All these skills combined can create a successful furniture salesperson, and help ensure the stores success.

Electronics Salesperson, Salesperson, and Automotive Salesperson are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the furniture sales industry?
What do you believe makes you an ideal candidate for this position?
How would you go about convincing customers to purchase a particular piece of furniture?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the furniture retail industry?
How would you handle a customer complaint regarding a specific piece of furniture?
Describe a successful furniture sale that you have negotiated in the past.
What strategies do you use to ensure customer satisfaction?
What techniques do you utilize to increase sales and maximize profits?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple customer inquiries and sales opportunities?
Do you have any experience in designing or customizing furniture pieces?

Common Tools in Industry

Point of Sale (POS) System. A computerized system used to process sales transactions and manage inventory. (eg: Square Point of Sale)
Sales Tracking Software. Software used to monitor sales performance, customer activity, and identify areas of improvement. (eg: Salesforce)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. Software used to manage customer contacts and interactions. (eg: Zoho CRM)
Inventory Management System. Software used to track and manage inventory levels across multiple locations. (eg: Fishbowl Inventory)
Merchandising Software. Software used to manage product selection, pricing, and promotions. (eg: VendHQ)
Payment Processing System. A system used to accept and process payments from customers. (eg: Stripe Payments)
Business Intelligence Tools. Software used to collect and analyze data to identify trends and inform decisions. (eg: Tableau)
Digital Advertising Platforms. Platforms used to create, manage, and measure digital advertising campaigns. (eg: Google Ads)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA)
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
American Society of Furniture Designers (ASFD)
National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA)
National Retail Furniture Association (NRFA)
World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)
International Federation of Furniture Removers (IFFR)
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA)
National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA)
International Sleep Products Association (ISPA)

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Common Important Terms

Furnishing. The act of providing furniture, fixtures, and other items to a room or space.
Upholstery. The process of covering furniture with fabric, padding, and springs.
Interior Design. The art and science of enhancing the interior of a structure to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment for the people using the space.
Fabric. A textile material used for making upholstery, bedding, drapery, and other items.
Recliner. A type of armchair that reclines when you lean back in it.
Mattress. A large pad filled with material used to provide comfort and support while sleeping.
Sectional Sofa. A type of sofa composed of several components that fit together to form one large piece of furniture.
Coffee Table. A low table that sits in the middle of a seating area or living room typically used for holding drinks or small items.
Rug. A decorative floor covering made from fabric or other materials.
Accent Chair. A chair that adds style and a touch of color to a room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Furniture Salesperson?

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a Furniture Salesperson. Additionally, knowledge of furniture types and styles, customer service skills, and the ability to work with a variety of computer programs may be beneficial.

How much do Furniture Salesperson typically earn?

The median annual salary for Furniture Salespersons in the United States is approximately $32,040.

What kind of tasks do Furniture Salespersons typically perform?

Furniture Salespersons typically greet customers, answer questions about products, demonstrate product features, provide information about warranties and delivery options, and process sales transactions.

What type of environment do Furniture Salespersons typically work in?

Furniture Salespersons typically work in retail stores or showrooms, where they assist customers in selecting furniture pieces.

Are there any certifications available for Furniture Salespersons?

Yes, the American Home Furnishings Alliance offers a Certified Furniture Sales Professional (CFSP) program. This certification program is designed to give sales professionals the skills and knowledge needed to successfully work in the home furnishings industry.

Web Resources

Furniture Sales Position | Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy edpolicy.stanford.edu
Furniture Design Degree Programs | Furniture Design www.scad.edu
Furniture - BYU IT Surplus itsurplus.byu.edu