17 Furniture Sales Associate Interview Questions and Answers

When you walk into a furniture store, the first person you usually encounter is the sales associate. This person is responsible for helping you find the furniture that meets your needs and budget. Sales associates also need to be able to answer any questions you may have about the furniture.

If you’re looking for a job as a furniture sales associate, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some questions about the furniture you’re selling. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some questions and answers that you can use to help you get ready for your interview.

Are you good at remembering details about furniture products and customer needs?

This question can help the interviewer determine how well you remember details about products and customers. It can also show them whether you are able to use your memory to benefit the company by remembering important information. Use examples from past experiences where you were able to remember details that helped you or a customer.

Example: “I have always been good at remembering details, especially when it comes to furniture. I find that my ability to remember details helps me serve customers better because I am able to recall what they told me previously. For example, if a customer tells me they want a couch with extra cushioning for their back pain, I will be able to tell them which couches we carry that would work best for them.”

What are some of the most important skills for a furniture sales associate to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills they’re looking for in a furniture sales associate. They want someone who is friendly, organized and has strong customer service skills. When answering this question, think about what skills you have that would be beneficial to this role.

Example: “I believe some of the most important skills for a furniture sales associate are organization and communication. I am very good at keeping track of my tasks and making lists so I can stay on top of everything. I also enjoy talking with people and helping them find exactly what they need. This skill helps me learn more about their needs and preferences so I can help them find furniture that fits those criteria.”

How would you describe your customer service style?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would interact with customers in their store. Customer service skills are important for furniture sales associates because they need to be able to answer questions and solve problems for customers who may not have experience shopping for furniture. Your customer service style is also an indicator of your personality, so it’s helpful for employers to know more about you as a person.

Example: “I believe that excellent customer service starts with being friendly and approachable. I try to greet every customer who comes into the store and make sure they feel comfortable asking me any questions they have. I am always willing to take extra time to explain something or show them multiple options if needed. I also like to surprise customers with small gestures, such as offering them coffee while they shop.”

What is your experience working with customers?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with customers and whether you have experience in a furniture store. Showcase your customer service skills by describing a time when you helped a customer find what they were looking for or assisted them while shopping.

Example: “I’ve worked as a sales associate at my current company for two years, so I’m used to working with all types of customers. In my previous role, I was responsible for helping customers find items on our website and answering any questions they had about products. I enjoy interacting with people and making sure they’re happy with their purchases.”

Provide an example of a time when you helped a customer find the right piece of furniture for their needs.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you can help them make a sale. When answering, try to think of an example that showcases your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with customers.

Example: “When I was working at my previous furniture store, one customer came in looking for a new dining room table. The customer told me they were hosting Thanksgiving dinner for their family and needed something large enough to seat everyone comfortably. I asked the customer what size their current table was and if there were any other factors they wanted to consider when purchasing a new one. They said they had six people coming over but didn’t have much space in their home for a larger table.

I showed the customer several different tables that would fit well in their home and could accommodate their guests. After some discussion, we decided on a round table that would be easy to navigate around while still fitting all six chairs. The customer left happy with their purchase.”

If a customer was unhappy with a purchase, how would you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your customer service skills. They want to know how you would handle a challenging situation and whether you have the ability to diffuse it or make things right with the customer. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving skills and emphasize that you are willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure customers leave happy.

Example: “If a customer was unhappy with their purchase, I would first apologize for any inconvenience they experienced. Then, I would find out what went wrong and offer them an exchange or refund if needed. If the furniture wasn’t damaged, I would work with the manager to see if there were any discounts we could apply.”

What would you do if you were unsure about a question a customer asked you?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the confidence and knowledge to answer any questions a customer might have. In your answer, show that you are willing to do research or ask someone else for help if you need it.

Example: “If I wasn’t sure about a question a customer asked me, I would first try my best to answer it myself. If I needed more information, I would politely tell them I was unsure but would find out the answer as soon as possible. Then, I would look up the answer or ask another employee who may know the answer.”

How well do you know our furniture brands and products?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your knowledge of their furniture brands and products. They want to know that you can educate customers about the company’s offerings, answer questions about them and sell them effectively. In your answer, try to list as many brands and products as you can remember. If you have experience with these brands or products, share a story about how you helped a customer with one of them.

Example: “I am very familiar with all of your brands and products. I’ve worked for several other furniture companies in the past, so I’m used to learning new brands and products quickly. For example, when I started working at Furniture World, I had no experience selling any of its brands. However, after just two weeks on the job, I was able to explain each brand and product to customers and help them find exactly what they were looking for.”

Do you have any experience working with inventory management systems?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with computer systems and how you use them to complete tasks. If you have experience using inventory management systems, describe what they are and how you used them in previous roles. If you don’t have any experience working with these types of systems, you can explain that you’re willing to learn if hired for this position.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different inventory management systems throughout my career. In my last role as a furniture sales associate, I used an online system to track our store’s inventory levels and customer orders. This system helped me stay organized by allowing me to create reports on specific items or customers. It also allowed me to communicate with other employees about which items were low in stock.”

When is the best time to make a furniture purchase?

Employers may ask this question to see if you know when customers are most likely to buy furniture. They want to make sure that you can help them sell more furniture and increase their sales. In your answer, explain why the best time is the best time for a furniture purchase. You can also mention any other times of year that might be good for buying furniture.

Example: “The best time to buy furniture is during the holiday season. People often need new furniture for their homes as they decorate for the holidays. This is also a great time to buy because many stores have sales on furniture to get people in the store. Another good time to buy furniture is after summer vacation. Kids go back to school with new clothes and supplies, so it’s common for parents to replace old furniture.”

We want to help our customers make informed decisions. What is your process for researching a product before meeting with a customer?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your job and what steps you take to ensure customers are happy with their purchases. Your answer should include a specific example of how you researched a product for a customer in the past.

Example: “I always start by researching the manufacturer’s website, which usually has detailed information about the furniture including its materials, dimensions and warranty. I also like to read reviews from other customers who have purchased the same piece of furniture to see if they had any issues or concerns. Finally, I will look at similar pieces of furniture that the company offers to make sure we’re offering our customers the best options.”

Describe your experience with upselling and cross-selling.

Upselling and cross-selling are two sales techniques that furniture stores use to increase their revenue. Upselling is when you convince a customer to purchase an upgraded version of the product they’re looking at, while cross-selling involves selling them additional products related to what they’re already buying. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience using these strategies in your previous roles. In your answer, explain how you used upselling and cross-selling to help customers find the right furniture for their needs.

Example: “In my last role as a furniture sales associate, I was responsible for helping customers find the perfect piece of furniture for their home. One way I did this was by asking questions about their lifestyle and budget to determine which pieces would work best for them. For example, if someone said they had children, I would recommend a more durable type of furniture. If they were on a tight budget, I would show them less expensive options.

Another strategy I used was upselling and cross-selling. When a customer was looking at one item, I would mention other items that would complement it well. For instance, if they were looking at a couch, I would suggest purchasing a coffee table or end tables to go with it. This helped me sell more pieces of furniture to each customer.”

What makes you stand out from other furniture sales associates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your unique skills and talents. They want to know what makes you special compared to other candidates. When answering this question, think of a skill or talent that you have that is not common among furniture sales associates. Explain why it’s beneficial for the job and how you use it in your daily work.

Example: “I am an expert at finding great deals on furniture. I can find discounts online and in-store that save my customers money. In my last role, I saved one customer $500 on their purchase by using these methods. This shows that I’m committed to helping people get quality furniture without breaking the bank.”

Which furniture brands do you have the most experience selling?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and whether you have any expertise in selling furniture brands that are available at their store. If you’ve worked for multiple furniture stores, it can be beneficial to mention all of them, but if you’re new to the industry, it’s fine to only mention one or two brands you’re familiar with.

Example: “I’ve had the most success selling Ashley Furniture products because I know a lot about their quality and how they compare to other brands. However, I also have some experience selling American Drew and Broyhill.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what good customer service looks like. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of how you provided excellent customer service in your previous role.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customer service is listening to customers and understanding their needs. I remember one time when a customer came into my store looking for a new couch. He told me he was looking for something modern but also comfortable. I asked him about his budget and then showed him several options within his price range. After showing him some different styles, he decided on a leather sofa with clean lines.”

How often should furniture be cleaned?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of furniture care. It’s important to know how often you should clean different types of furniture and what products are best for cleaning them. You can answer this question by mentioning a few common types of furniture and describing when they need to be cleaned and with what products.

Example: “Furniture should be cleaned every six months or so, depending on use. For example, upholstered furniture should be vacuumed regularly and spot-cleaned as needed. Wood furniture should be dusted regularly and polished once per month. Leather furniture should be wiped down with a damp cloth and then dried thoroughly.”

There is a high demand for a particular piece of furniture, but the warehouse is currently out of stock. What would you do?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively. Your answer should demonstrate that you can make a decision quickly, but also ensure the customer’s needs are met.

Example: “If I was in this situation, I would first apologize to the customer for the inconvenience. Then, I would offer them a discount on another piece of furniture or give them free delivery if they were purchasing other items from the store. If there was no alternative available, I would call my manager to see if we could get more stock delivered as soon as possible.”