Counter Sales Associate

Johnstone Supply LLC; Cranford (NJ); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnstone Supply LLC is a leading HVACR distributor seeking a Counter Sales Associate I. You will greet customers, advise on product selections, process transactions, and support store profitability through strong service and teamwork.

The role emphasizes customer interaction, product knowledge, and efficient handling of quotes, orders, and will-call pickups in a fast-paced retail environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; 1+ years of related experience in wholesale/retail.
• Experience must include front line customer service.
• 1+ years of experience in wholesale/retail HVAC/R or related industry (preferred).
• Forklift experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Greets customers and handles multiple requests professionally.
• Assists customers with product selections and technical information.
• Recommends and orders products; identifies substitutions as needed.
• Processes customer transactions and paperwork accurately.
• Maintains showroom cleanliness and displays; conducts inventory counts.

Skills

Customer service

Sales

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Point-of-sale system

JXI

Neuco

Catalogs

Websites

Job description

Overview

Johnstone Supply, North America's leading wholesale distributor of HVACR equipment, parts, and supplies, has a great opportunity to join our team. Over the last seven decades, Johnstone has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry leader with over 470 distributor branches and 6 distribution centers throughout North America. We work with some of the largest companies in the world, including Daikin/Goodman, Bosch, Copeland, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, and Fujitsu, to provide contractors with world-class products, technical expertise, and quality service.

Now is the best time to join Johnstone Supply. Relationship-building is the key to our success, and it shows in everything we do. The Power of Johnstone is everyone who works with us. Our customers, our partners, and our people.Johnstone is growing, and so can you.

Responsibilities

The Counter Sales Associate I fulfills customer HVAC/R product needs by providing HVAC/R information, technical support, and special ordering for customers while maintaining a team working environment and store profitability. In this role, the employee stays apprised of all Johnstone sales and promotional programs with the goal to increase and strengthen the Company’s partnership with its clients, increase sales, and increase profitability. The employee provides prompt, friendly, and professional service to Johnstone customers in-person and over the phone.

• Greets customers who walk in the store; greets regular customers by name. Handles multiple customers and customer requests simultaneously while maintaining a friendly and professional manner. Develops good working relationships and rapport with customers.
• Assists customers in making product selections by asking questions and actively listening to identify customer needs. Assists with system or product troubleshooting and resolves commonly encountered technical problems.
• Recommends and orders products for customers. Identifies alternative or substitute products to meet customer needs. Proactively recommends additional items a customer might need and promotions that might interest them. Recommends and orders products not listed in the Johnstone catalog. Recognizes products most commonly purchased by customers.
• Researches and sources product for customers using a variety of tools, including point-of-sale computer system, catalogs, websites, telephone, JXI, Neuco, and industry and store contacts. If a product is out-of-stock in their store, the employee researches where product is in-stock at neighboring branches and/or distribution centers, and coordinates transportation of product across branches to customer’s desired pick-up location.
• Determines customer replacement HVAC parts according to inspection or verbal/description of the old part and customer requirements.
• Responds to incoming sales calls; makes outgoing customer sales or service calls; and addresses customer complaints. Resolves customer disputes in a timely, professional manner that balances customer requests with business needs.
• Processes customer transactions by researching, entering, and printing quotes; processes warranties; balances cash drawers; creates credit invoices; processes pick/pack orders; and processes will-call back-order notifications. Processes returns as needed. Completes all transactions and necessary paperwork accurately; maintains appropriate records as needed.
• Follows up promptly on all customer requests for information, quotes, bid follow-ups, alternative parts, and delivery dates. Proactively communicates with customers about any expected delays or issues with their order. Reaches out to customers who haven’t picked up will-call orders yet.
• Maintains and increases the company’s stature in the marketplace by maintaining the highest standards in cleanliness and appearance of the showroom through stocking shelves, housekeeping, creating displays, etc. Some examples of housekeeping include sweeping, mopping, cleaning bathrooms, and picking up trash.
• Conducts regular inventory counts of products on store shelves.
• Ensures desired level of profitability is obtained by consistently following the pricing structure established for the store; achieving sales targets; and following the sales process from start to finish in a desired manner as outlined by guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
• Maintains general knowledge of HVAC/R fundamentals and product lines by knowing the function of most products we carry, and where/how they are used; knowing the vendors we carry and their respective lines; knowing specific features and benefits of most commonly purchased products; staying informed of new products; and utilizing opportunities to further educate self, coworkers, and customers.
• Communicates sales lead information to outside sales staff and management.
• Communicates unexpected increases or decreases in product demand and inventory to management as applicable.
• Sustains a team-oriented work environment by treating fellow employees and customers with professionalism, respect, and attention to individual needs; effectively communicates customer needs, product requirements, sales opportunities, and personal issues to coworkers and management.
• Reports to work as scheduled, on time, every shift to support the high quality of customer service as required by company policy.
• Remains alert at all times for customer issues and concerns and takes action accordingly, referring to management as needed.
• Safeguards the cash and physical assets of the store. Reports fraud and/or related security concerns to management immediately.
• Assists in receiving, shipping, and general warehouse duties.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Johnstone Supply believes that each employee’s contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. Therefore, it is our expectation that each employee will adhere to our company values and offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

• Required:
  • High School Diploma or G.E.D.; 1+ years of related experience and/or training in a wholesale/retail environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience must include front line customer service.
• Preferred:
  • 1+ years of experience in a wholesale/retail environment in the HVAC/R or related industry.
  • Forklift experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: