Design Consultant

As a Design Consultant at Walpole Outdoors, you will be responsible for conducting site visits to assess client properties, providing personalized design consultations, and quoting the necessary products that fit their needs. Your role requires the ability to build rapport with clients, showcase your knowledge of our products, and ensure a seamless customer experience from consultation to installation. Additionally, you'll maintain detailed records in our CRM and collaborate with team members to enhance sales effectiveness.

To excel as a Design Consultant at Walpole Outdoors, you should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, along with a passion for outdoor design. While advanced education is preferred, practical experience managing a sales book and proficiency with Salesforce CRM are crucial. A valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle for daily travel within the territory are also required, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Walpole Outdoors is committed to providing its Design Consultants with the necessary tools and support to succeed. This includes ongoing training, access to the latest industry trends and techniques, and collaboration with a dedicated team. Our competitive compensation package, including health benefits and a commission structure, ensures that your efforts are recognized and rewarded, promoting a culture of success and personal growth.

As a Design Consultant at Walpole Outdoors, expect about 80% daily travel within the Eastern PA and NJ territories. This engaging aspect of the job allows you to meet clients on-site, assess their needs personally, and build strong relationships that fuel successful sales. While overnight travel is minimal, being flexible and ready to travel to meet clients is essential.

Walpole Outdoors provides a comprehensive benefits package for its Design Consultants, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, and generous paid time off. We believe in rewarding hard work and commitment, which is why we offer a competitive base salary and bonus opportunities based on performance. Joining our team means you're not just getting a job; you're investing in a fulfilling career.

When approaching a design consultation, I first ensure I have a clear understanding of the client’s needs and preferences. I believe in asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses. This not only helps in building rapport but also allows me to recommend solutions that truly resonate with their vision. I also come prepared with knowledge about Walpole's products, ensuring I can address any queries they might have.

Building rapport with clients involves establishing trust and showing genuine interest in their visions. I focus on effective communication, starting conversations with friendly small talk, and finding common ground. Additionally, demonstrating expertise in outdoor design while being approachable creates a comfortable environment for clients to share their ideas.

Managing multiple client consultations requires strong organizational skills and time management. I prioritize scheduling consultations based on urgency and prepare for each meeting by researching the client and their property. Utilizing tools like Salesforce helps me keep track of interactions and follow-ups efficiently, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

I have used Salesforce extensively in managing customer relationships throughout the sales process. Its user-friendly interface enables me to keep detailed records of client interactions, track opportunities, and generate reports. Familiarity with CRM tools ensures I can provide a consistent client experience and remain updated on ongoing projects and negotiations.

Staying updated on outdoor design trends is a priority for me. I regularly attend workshops, trade shows, and webinars focused on industry innovations. Additionally, I subscribe to leading design publications and engage with online communities where professionals share insights and best practices. This commitment to continuous learning ensures I can provide clients with informed recommendations that reflect current market dynamics.

In a previous position, I encountered a client who was dissatisfied with their initial design proposal. Rather than becoming defensive, I listened to their concerns and suggestions. After a productive conversation, I revised the proposal to better align with their vision and followed up frequently. The client appreciated my willingness to accommodate their needs, and we ultimately completed the project successfully, fostering a lasting relationship.

Handling objections involves empathy and understanding the client's perspective. I approach objections as opportunities for dialogue, asking clarifying questions to pinpoint their concerns. Addressing these concerns with fact-based information about how Walpole’s products meet their needs often leads to effective solutions and helps in closing sales.

My motivation to sell outdoor design solutions comes from a genuine passion for transforming spaces that enhance homeowners’ lifestyles. Every project presents a unique challenge, and I thrive on the opportunity to create custom solutions tailored to clients’ desires. Seeing clients thrilled with the outcomes fuels my drive to succeed and provides a sense of fulfillment in my work.

Preparing for a presentation requires thorough research on the client's needs and effective organization of the design quote. I ensure the quote is clearly detailed, highlighting key features and benefits of the proposed solutions. Practicing my presentation allows me to anticipate potential questions, ensuring I can deliver confidently and guide the client through the offered options.

I am drawn to Walpole Outdoors due to its long-standing reputation for high-quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction. The opportunity to work with a passionate team dedicated to enhancing outdoor living spaces aligns perfectly with my values. I admire Walpole's emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to such a respected company.