Retail Sales - Paint Department

Hardware Sales Inc.; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 3% salary raise given upon

2% company matching contribution

Dental insurance

Medical insurance

Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account

Paid time off

LegalShield and IDShield

Welcome Home program

Job summary

Hardware Sales Inc. in Bellingham, WA, seeks a motivated Paint Department Associate to help customers navigate our wide selection of paints, stains, coatings, brushes and related supplies.

You will use product knowledge to match colors, advise on finishes, and provide personalized service for both DIYers and professionals. The role involves stock management, safety adherence for hazardous materials, and collaboration with team members across departments to ensure a smooth, customer-first

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; ervaring in hardware store preferred.
• Knowledge of paints, stains, coatings and related products; ability to advise customers.
• Strong communication and customer service skills; team collaboration essential.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist customers in selecting paint products, finishes, and tools.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of paint lines and color matching systems.
• Offer product recommendations and upsell related items like brushes and primers.
• Operate tinting and color-matching equipment accurately.
• Keep shelves stocked, report low inventory, and assist with restocking and rotation.
• Handle returns and inquiries with professionalism and empathy.
• Follow safety protocols around hazardous materials.
• Collaborate with team and other departments to ensure a positive store experience.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Mathematical aptitude

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Tinting equipment

Paint color matching system

Inventory management systems

Job description

About Us:Hardware Sales Inc is a third generation locally owned family company operating since 1962 and headquartered in Bellingham, WA. In addition to sales of hardware, tools, and all of the usual hardware store products, we are proud to provide our community with access to an extensive fleet of equipment rentals for both homeowners and contractors. Our Lawn Equipment Service Center is a certified repair center and offers a one-stop shop for purchasing, servicing and maintaining your lawn equipment.Hardware Sales has worked hard to become one of the Pacific Northwest's premier hardware suppliers. Whether it's plumbing or electrical materials, automotive or garden supplies, housewares or hand trucks, hand or power tools, fasteners or fencing, padlocks or paint, cable or chain - we have them all, and much, much more! Hardware Sales is an award-winning business that fills several city blocks in Bellingham and offers over 68,000+ items for sale to everyone from do-it-yourself homeowners to major contractors. What started in 1962 with three people, now has over 140 employees and covers a total of 37,000 square feet of retail and 50,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse In Bellingham, a 32,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse in Ferndale, WA, and a 55,000 Sq. Ft. warehouse in Whiteland, IN.We are extremely proud of the customer service priority that has won us Cascadia Daily News Best Customer Service in 2022, in addition to winning Best Hardware Store more than once. Our reputation for having courteous and knowledgeable employees, the hundreds of years of hardware experience that our employees represent, and the extensive selection of tools, materials and supplies we carry make us one of a kind.Job Summary:We're looking for a motivated and personable individual to join our team in the Paint Department. In this role, you’ll help customers navigate our wide selection of paints, stains, coatings, brushes, rollers, sprayers, and preparation supplies. Your product knowledge and personalized service will help both DIYers and professionals bring their projects to life.Key Responsibilities:Customer Engagement: Greet and assist customers in selecting the right paint products, finishes, and tools for their specific needs—whether they’re painting a fence or redoing a living room.Product Expertise: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of paint lines (e.g., interior, exterior, specialty), color matching systems, surface preparation, application tools, and safety considerations.Sales and Solutions: Offer product recommendations based on project needs, upsell complementary items like brushes, tape, drop cloths, and primers to enhance outcomes.Color Matching: Operate and maintain tinting and color matching equipment with accuracy, helping customers replicate or customize paint colors.Inventory Awareness: Keep shelves stocked and tidy, report low inventory, and assist with restocking and rotating inventory as needed.Merchandising: Set up and maintain clean, visually appealing displays of paint products and accessories to attract and inform customers.Customer Support: Handle returns, exchanges, and inquiries with a professional and positive attitude. Resolve issues with tact and empathy.Safety and Compliance: Follow safety protocols, particularly around hazardous materials like paints, solvents, and flammables.Team Collaboration: Work closely with your team and other departments to ensure a smooth, customer-first experience across the store.Technology Use: Utilize store computer systems for product research, inventory updates, and order entry.Job Type:Full-timeNon-exempt, HourlyExpected Hours: 40 per weekSchedule:8-hour day shiftsMonday–Saturday availability requiredSundays off + one additional weekday offJob Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent.Experience working in a hardware store preferred.Knowledge of paint and paint accessories and their applications is highly desired.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused attitude.Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a retail environment.Attention to detail and good organizational skills.Basic math skills for inventory management, measurements, and sales.Benefits:401(k) with 3% salary raise given upon enrollment and 2% company matching contribution (after 1 year of employment).Dental insurance.Medical insurance.Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account).Paid time off, starting at two weeks per year.LegalShield and IDShield legal and identity theft protection services.Welcome Home program for purchasing a home.This position will require you to be on your feet all day long, as well as lifting, pushing, pulling, squatting, and bending. You should be able to lift 50 pounds from the ground as well as put heavy objects on shelves above your head. This job will require climbing ladders and going up and down stairs on a daily basis. This job will require you to be very organized and be able to identify differences in similar items with similar part numbers. Must be good with numbers.This role is regular full-time, non-exempt, hourly position.Hardware Sales is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age (40 and older), race (including traits historically associated or perceived to be associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability (including obesity), genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Hardware Sales is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.