Rental Counter/Inside Sales Associate-PRMer

Puckett Machinery Company is the Caterpillar® heavy equipment, rental services, and power systems dealer for central and southern Mississippi. As the industry leader in our territory with 15 locations, helping our customers succeed is our number one priority.

We are seeking a dynamic and customer-focused Rental Counter/Inside Sales Associate at our rental services location in Meridian. We offer excellent pay; rock solid benefits; scheduled OT and some rotational weekend work; and a legendary family culture.

The Rental Counter Sales Associate is responsible to provide professional inside sales and customer service support related to the sale of equipment rentals, new/used equipment, and consumable contractor supplies and accessories. Therein, the position performs all counter-related transactional activities required to prepare and process a rental quote, reservation or contract, complete sales of equipment and supplies, and write quotes, shipping orders and invoices in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures, and standards for customer service.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:
•Greet and respond to all customer inquiries (via walk-in and telephone) in a professional and friendly manner. Effectively engage the customer in order to determine/confirm their needs and then fulfill those needs promptly and efficiently.
•Sell all products and services the Company offers. Maintain knowledge of competitive pricing, procedures, and trends. Maintain current knowledge of the capabilities and features of the Company’s rental equipment fleet in order to assist/guide customers on features, use, benefits, and value. Know the different phases of construction and be able to translate them to the customer’s needs. Research and stay current on new products (specs, pricing) as they are added to inventory.
•Perform all counter-related transactional activities required to prepare and process a rental quote, reservation or contract, complete sales of equipment and supplies, and write quotes, shipping orders and invoices in accordance with the Company’s policies, procedures, and standards for customer service.
•Facilitate and expedite rental and/or sales transaction in accordance with the Company’s established policies, procedures, and standards for quality and customer service. Maintain a perpetual awareness of available equipment inventory as units are delivered, picked up, swapped and transferred to/from other branches. Keep the repair shop informed of needed equipment so they can expedite repair and maintenance. Proactively keep customers notified on status of their rental transactions. Maintain regular contact with drivers as to their delivery/pickup schedule to ensure that equipment is ready to be loaded in a timely fashion.
•Support and uphold the Company’s standards for the safe and prompt delivery and pickup of equipment. Maintain currency on commercial driver safety and regulatory compliance standards (permitting, weight limits, driver hours of service, etc.). Assist in troubleshooting customer delivery-related problems (weather, traffic, breakdowns) to resolution in real time.
•Fully participate in frequent communication and exchange of information between the sales counter, the outside sales team, and the service department. Forward lead/quote information to the appropriate sales rep and fully log all incoming calls. Record and track lost customer sales opportunities to support better rental fleet management and more appropriate inventory stocking levels.
•Facilitate the resolution of customer credit application issues with the credit department. Obtain purchase order numbers and secure credit card information as needed. Research customer disputes and submit credit memos to manager for approval.
•Assist with keeping the showroom, equipment, displays, counters, and signs clean, well-stocked, orderly and attractive. Make sure price tags are in place, updated and accurate. Ensure that all personal work areas are kept neat, clean, and organized.
•Maintain a professional and proper personal appearance at all times.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

•High school diploma or GED equivalent required.

•Minimum 2-3 years of combined work experience as an inside sales representative in a high volume retail or rental sales environment required.
Familiarity with compact construction or allied equipment very helpful.
•Professional , upbeat, and persuasive communication style that is assertive and persistent without being overly aggressive; proven track record in a high volume retail sales environment;
•Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and customer service skills.

•Excellent problem solving skills, detail oriented, and ability to work with a high level of accuracy.
•Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel) and related management system applications (Rental Man and salesforce.com)
•Ability to work effectively in a dynamic fast paced retail service environment;
•Ability to work standard five-day work schedule with rotational weekend schedule and daily overtime as necessary.