NHFA offers online professional sales training
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 2, 2008
High Point — The National Home Furnishings Assn. has introduced an online professional sales training course in partnership with the Furniture Training Co.
The specialized curriculum, structured to train new hires and bring underperforming sales associates up to speed, is divided into two parts.
"The Sales Force — Selling with Service" includes four online learning modules consisting of 16 lessons. "The Fundamentals — Furniture Product Knowledge" offers 36 self-paced, interactive multimedia training sessions covering case goods, upholstered furniture, beds, bedding, fabrics, fibers, leather furniture and more.
NHFA education chairman Mark Dufresne of Dufresne Furniture & Appliances, Winnipeg, Manitoba, said a number of NHFA members already have signed on for the program and are enthusiastic about the initial results.
Jay Naumann, corporate training manager for Salt Lake City-based R.C. Willey, said the training "has improved confidence and knowledge of our sales associates, allowing them to sell more."
"An investment in professional training for the sales staff is actually a way to buy profitability insurance," said Dufresne. "This is especially relevant when business isn't booming. NHFA wanted to make sure that every member has access to sales training that assures every customer is served in a cordial, professional manner by a salesperson who knows his products from A to Z."
Details on the program, including pricing, are available on the NHFA Web site at www.nhfa.org.
Representatives of the Furniture Training Co. will be in NHFA's Retailer Resource Center during the High Point Market, April 7 to 13, to explain the program and take reservations for participation. The Retailer Resource Center is on the 12th floor of the International Home Furnishings Center's Main Wing.
WMC resource center offers retail services
01/31/201040 service firms to show in RRC
09/06/2009
