Inside Sales/Customer Service Representative

Job Summary: Colony Hardware is seeking an experienced, motivated, and dynamic Inside Sales/Customer Service Representative to join our team in our Countryside, IL distribution center Reporting to the Customer Service/General Manager, an Inside Sales/Customer Service Representative is primarily responsible for executing the Colony mission of customer service.

The Inside Sales Representative is responsible for facilitating sales by processing orders and quotations while providing application and product expertise to existing Colony customers.

Major Responsibilities: Communicates and works directly with customers and perspective customers to provide presale applications support, quotations, and orders using order entry systems.

Builds and maintains positive relationships with customers and co-workers.Generates formal quotations and provide customer leads to the outside sales representatives.

Develops a strong and positive working relationship with the outside sales team in order to provide feedback and data on account activity, promote open communication regarding specific accounts, and understand sale strategy.

Dedicates after hour time to learn the features, benefits, and applications of our products by participating in sales and product training events and Evergreen online and off-site training modules.Demonstrates proficiency in entering orders and preparing quotations for the customer while responding quickly to customers through phone, email, or fax, Utilizes vendor/supplier representatives on a consistent basis to grow sales, source products, and close deals.Communicates with other departments such as Purchasing, Accounting, and Operations in an effective manner when needed.Develops a strong sense of urgency in following up with quotations and sales leads assures customers receive proper paperwork for credit applications or RGAs.

Gains an understanding of the customers needs and applications by asking probing questions and effectively recommends the correct product that is suitable to the customers needs.

Uses discretions and judgement when developing proposals and bids ensuring that the pricing is competitive.Develop pricing strategy that is mindful of product margins.Provides customer assistance at pick up counter when needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements: High school degree or equivalent required.

College degree in Business or related discipline preferred.

Minimum of 3 years experience in sales, order entry, customer service or related discipline required.

SkillsPrograms used: FACTSOutlookMicrosoft Word & Excel AbilitiesAbility to work independently, prioritize work and perform multiple tasks.Analytical ability including basic math skills.Ability to lift up to 75 pounds and climb stairs, stretch, and bend.

Ability to navigate websites and able to see, review, and interpret computer images and written documents.

Must have excellent time management, negotiation, critical thinking, decision making, and organizational skills as well as attention to detail.Excellent communication skills including speaking, reading, and writing in the English language with the ability to converse verbally with others on the phone and/or in person.

Must have outstanding customer service skills with the ability to interpret customer needs as well as demonstrate a customer service mindset when dealing with internal and external customers.Equipment used include:Computer, telephone, fax machine, copier and calculator.

Excellent attendance, punctuality, and working a flexible schedule, including weekends, is required.

Must be willing to dedicate after hours for modules, seminars, customer/company events, and training sessions as needed.

Hours may vary.Colony Hardware is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.