The role of the trade counter sales employee to enable the customer to select the products on offer. This is achieved by ensuring that the employee has the relevant good customer service skills and a good product knowledge to assist the customer to select the correct products for their needs. For anyone exploring builders merchants vacancies, it can be a practical and rewarding career path.
Daily Responsibilities at The Counter
A large part of the role involves serving customers face to face, helping them find suitable products and processing purchases accurately. Staff may deal with timber, aggregates, tools, plumbing supplies or general building materials depending on the branch.
Trade counter teams also answer phone calls, respond to emails and prepare quotations for customers planning larger orders. Many builders merchants vacancies include responsibility for checking stock levels, arranging deliveries and ensuring orders are ready on time.
Skills Needed for Success
An ability to get on with customers is paramount to get repeat business, as well as being confident with numbers to work out quantities, prices and margins.
In addition to the skills listed above, having good product knowledge would also be an asset, as customers may require advice about the appropriate material for their requirements. Many employers place great importance on applicants having knowledge of construction products or previous merchant experience.
Career Prospects and Opportunities
Trade counter sales can lead to wider opportunities in internal sales, branch supervision or account management roles. It gives staff valuable experience in both retail and construction supply sectors nationwide.
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