How to Be Upholstery Sales Representative - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for upholstery sales representatives has increased significantly in recent years, due in large part to the increased demand for furniture. With a growing number of people purchasing furniture, the need for skilled professionals to help them choose the right upholstery has grown as well. Upholstery sales representatives are responsible for providing knowledgeable advice to customers on various types of upholstery, such as fabrics, leathers, and faux leathers.

They must also be familiar with different types of furniture and be able to suggest the best pieces for a particular space and style. As a result of the increasing demand for upholstery sales representatives, companies have begun to offer more competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers of upholstery sales representatives prefer candidates to have a high school diploma or GED. High school courses in business, marketing, and communications can be useful in this field.
Get Relevant Experience. Relevant experience in sales, customer service, and upholstery can be beneficial when trying to become a sales representative in the upholstery industry. Consider applying for an entry-level sales or customer service position at a furniture store or upholstery shop.
Pursue a Degree. Although a degree is not always required to become an upholstery sales representative, some employers may prefer candidates with a college degree. Consider pursuing a degree in business, marketing, or sales.
Obtain Certifications. Many employers may prefer candidates who have obtained industry-specific certifications. The Association of Professional Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers offers certifications for upholsterers and soft furnishers.
Develop Your Skills. Upholstery sales representatives must have excellent communication, customer service, and sales skills. Consider taking courses or workshops to develop these skills.
Find an Employer. Once you have obtained the necessary qualifications and experience, you can begin looking for an employer. Consider searching for open positions at furniture stores, upholstery shops, and other retail outlets. You can also search job boards and apply directly to companies that sell upholstery products.

The process of finding a reliable and qualified upholstery sales representative requires research, precision and patience. Investing the appropriate amount of time researching potential representatives can help to ensure that the desired outcome is achieved. it is important to take into consideration the reputation of the representatives organization, their qualifications and experience, as well as any customer reviews or testimonials.

Having a clear understanding of the representatives capabilities and expectations can help to ensure that the upholstery project goes smoothly and meets the needs of the customer. Furthermore, having a good working relationship with the representative can help to ensure that any issues that arise during the project are addressed in a timely manner. by taking these steps, customers can be confident that they will be working with a reliable and qualified upholstery sales representative.

You may want to check Upholstery Sewing Machine Operator, Reception Area Upholsterer, and Automotive Upholsterer for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and provide professional customer service in an upholstery store.
Assist customers in selecting upholstery fabric, color, and other design elements for their furniture.
Measure furniture and determine fabric requirements for upholstery projects.
Inform customers of upholstery options, pricing, and availability.
Answer customer questions regarding upholstery care, maintenance, and warranties.
Maintain a current knowledge of upholstery trends, products, and services.
Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers.
Process payments and transactions accurately and efficiently.
Provide quotes and estimates for upholstery projects.
Maintain accurate records of customer orders and delivery status.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Self-motivation and the ability to work independently
Knowledge of upholstery fabrics and materials
Ability to build relationships and establish trust with customers
Ability to negotiate prices and close sales
Understanding of the upholstery industry and trends
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Knowledge of design principles and techniques
Creative problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to create compelling presentations
Knowledge of social media and digital marketing tools

Good customer service is the most important skill to have as an upholstery sales representative. Establishing positive relationships with customers is key to success in this role, as it will lead to repeat clients and more profitable sales. Being able to effectively listen and respond to customer needs and concerns, as well as being able to present options in a clear and concise manner, are essential characteristics for a successful upholstery sales representative.

having knowledge of a wide range of upholstery products and trends, as well as being able to recognize the customers preferred style, will ensure that the representative can provide the best possible product for the customer. Lastly, upholstery sales representatives must be able to stay organized and handle multiple tasks at once in order to manage multiple customers and projects at once. With these skills, an upholstery sales representative can build a loyal customer base and generate more business.

Medical Equipment Upholsterer, Upholstery Project Manager, and Upholstery Production Worker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the upholstery industry?
How well do you understand upholstery materials and fabrics?
Describe a successful sale you have made in the past.
How do you handle difficult customers?
What do you do to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in upholstery?
How do you go about building relationships with potential customers?
What strategies do you use to close a sale?
What techniques do you use to encourage customer loyalty?
How do you manage your time when dealing with multiple customers?
What would you do if a customer was not satisfied with a product or service?

Common Tools in Industry

Customer Relationship Management Software. A software used to manage customer relationships, including sales, marketing, and customer service. (eg: Salesforce)
Invoicing Software. A software used to create invoices for customers and track payments. (eg: QuickBooks)
Design Software. A software used to create designs and visuals for customers. (eg: Adobe Photoshop)
Upholstery Tools. A variety of tools used to cut, sew, and assemble upholstery materials. (eg: Sewing Machine)
Product Samples. Samples of the available upholstery materials that can be shown to potential customers. (eg: Swatch Book)
Color Selection Tools. Tools that allow customers to choose from a range of colors for their upholstery materials. (eg: Color Wheel)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Home Furnishings Alliance
International Home Furnishings Representatives Association
National Association of Furniture Manufacturers
International Furnishings and Design Association
American Home Furnishings Alliance Education Foundation
Upholstered Furniture Action Council
Specialty Sleep Association
Home Furnishings Association
National Home Furnishings Association
Association for Contract Textiles
Interior Design Educators Council
Textile & Apparel Association Management Program

We also have Upholstery Fabric Cutter, Upholsterer Assistant, and Upholstery Finisher jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Upholsterer. A professional who specializes in the repair, replacement, and installation of upholstery on furniture and other items.
Upholstery Fabric. An article of fabric used to cover furniture and other items, usually to add decorative appeal.
Upholstery Foam. A type of foam used to provide cushioning and support in upholstered furniture.
Upholstery Supply Store. A store that specializes in selling and supplying upholstery supplies and fabrics.
Furniture Showroom. A retail store that specializes in displaying furniture in order to attract customers.
Design Consultation. A meeting or conversation between a customer and an upholstery sales representative to discuss the customer's design needs and preferences.
Custom Upholstery. A service that specializes in creating custom upholstery designs for furniture and other items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What job duties does an Upholstery Sales Representative typically have?

Upholstery Sales Representatives typically have duties such as meeting with clients, providing product demonstrations and advice, preparing sales contracts, managing inventory, and tracking sales performance.

What qualifications does an Upholstery Sales Representative need?

Upholstery Sales Representatives typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience in sales, customer service, and upholstery. They should also possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

How much do Upholstery Sales Representatives earn?

The median annual salary for Upholstery Sales Representatives was $44,230 in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the job outlook for Upholstery Sales Representatives?

The job outlook for Upholstery Sales Representatives is expected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

What industries employ Upholstery Sales Representatives?

Upholstery Sales Representatives are employed by furniture stores, interior design firms, home improvement stores, and other businesses that sell upholstered furniture.

Web Resources

Upholstery | Clover Park Technical College www.cptc.edu
Upholstery Furnishings and Design | The University of Alabama furnishingsanddesign.ua.edu
Sales Representative - Miami University Program Finder programs.miamioh.edu