Job brief

The Counter Sales person is responsible for interacting with the customers in person by attending to their respective enquiries / orders or quotes and very often making recommendations about the best alternatives available to the customer. It is imperative that they have strong verbal communication skills such that they can negotiate and carry out accurate instructions from the customer. They need to carry themselves in a professional manner at all times and have the ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Greet customers and answer all enquiries.
• Suggest items available for sale and assisting in locating items.
• They are responsible for the processing of customer orders.
• They provide quotations to the customers either telephonically or written.
• They advise customers with respect to stock availability, lead times etc.
• They provide solutions for customer who at times my not know exactly what it is that they are looking for.
• Develop new sales opportunities through cold calls to potential customers.
• Manage cash and credit transactions.
• Inform customers about special promotions.
• Stock shelves as and when needed.
• They need to keep themselves abreast with regards to latest product trends / developments so as to best advise the customers.
• They need to have an understanding of how the different products work together to complete a system.
• They need to ensure that their respective sales and GP targets are realized on a monthly basis.
• They need to take the initiative by telephonically calling on customers for business.
• Ensure that credit notes are avoided through clear communication with the customer so that we know exactly what is required in terms of the products, the quantum of products required, the price and the place of delivery.
• Ensure that emails are responded to DAILY
• Placement of buy-out orders for non-standard stock items required by the customer.
• That ones workstation is neat and tidy at all times.
• Ensure that they show initiative by asking for product knowledge training as and when required.
• Provide after sales follow up so as to ensure that the customers as satisfied with our service.
• Handle administrative duties.
• Remain relevant with respect to the products offered by the company and ensure that you are technically competent in the sale thereof by attending regular training programs offered by the company.

Key Performance Measures

• Achievement of sales and margin targets.
• Improvement in unit volumes sold.
• Promote the company loyalty programs
• Keep credit notes to an absolute minimum.
• Technically competent and relevant to market environment.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with customers, work colleagues and Management.

Competencies.

• Essential customer service and communication skills friendly disposition.
• Product and application knowledge on Pumps, Fittings, valves, and pump applications and selections, including the ability to read manufacturers catalogues.
• PC proficiency for data entry and utilization of business application software – Syspro knowledge is a must.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations discounts vs mark-up / customer pricing

Qualifications

• Minimum Matric – with mathematics
• Previous work experience in a similar environment
• Ability to read, comprehend and write simple instructions in English.