Sales associates provide fast, friendly service by actively seeking out customers to assess their needs and provide assistance. Sales associates have an emphasis on department and product knowledge, providing information on product features, and knowing related items to sell an entire project. Associates in this position know how to greet, qualify, recommend, and close every customer in their department, and know how to handle basics in adjacent departments. Sales associates maintain the in-stock condition of assigned areas, and ensure that it is clean, shoppable, and safe. Each associate has the responsibility of providing a safe working and shopping environment by following all safety policies & standards, completing specified safety training, immediately correcting hazards & & unsafe conditions or reporting conditions to the Manager On Duty, and working safely as not to endanger themselves, co-workers, vendors, or customers. These associates work in cooperation with their Department Supervisor, other associates in their department as well as other sales departments (e.g., IMAs, and the Front-end Associates to ensure customers' needs are met. MAJOR TASKS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Provides fast, friendly service - Actively seek out customers on the racetrack and in the aisles - Offer a friendly greeting, smile, and make eye contact with customers - Ask open ended questions about customers projects in order to determine their needs and level of expertise - Show enthusiasm with the customer - When necessary, handle several customers at once - Thank customers for shopping at The Home Depot - Follow up with customers via telephone when appropriate Is knowledgeable about products and services offered by The Home Depot - Answer questions about merchandise for the customers level of expertise - Escort customers to appropriate merchandise, no matter what department - Describe features and benefits of merchandise - Explain the steps needed to complete projects and the products needed - Assist customers with special orders and installed sales - Acquire beginner product knowledge in adjacent departments - Acquire knowledge about cutting keys, ropes, blinds, carpet, wood, and mixing paint - Promote services offered at the Special Services Desk, Tool Rental, and Pro Desk - Has knowledge of other HD companies and how to best recommend them