Equipment Rental Associate

About Us:

Hardware Sales Inc is a proud, family-owned business that has been serving the community since 1962, headquartered in Bellingham, WA. We offer a comprehensive selection of hardware, tools, and traditional hardware store products, along with a vast fleet of equipment rentals that cater to both homeowners and contractors. In addition, our Lawn Equipment Service Center is a certified repair facility, providing a convenient one-stop solution for purchasing, servicing, and maintaining lawn equipment.

Over the years, Hardware Sales has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest's premier hardware suppliers. We provide an impressive range of products, including plumbing and electrical materials, automotive and garden supplies, housewares, hand trucks, hand and power tools, fasteners, fencing, padlocks, paint, cable, chain, and much more. As an award-winning business, our store occupies multiple city blocks in Bellingham, offering over 68,000 items for sale to DIY enthusiasts and major contractors alike. What began as a small operation in 1962 has expanded to employ over 140 dedicated team members, covering 37,000 square feet of retail space and 50,000 square feet of warehouse space in Bellingham. Additionally, we operate a 32,000-square-foot warehouse in Ferndale, WA, and a 55,000-square-foot warehouse in Whiteland, IN.

We take great pride in our commitment to exceptional customer service, which has earned us accolades such as the "Best Customer Service" award from Cascadia Daily News in 2022, and multiple "Best Hardware Store" awards. Our team’s extensive hardware knowledge, courteous service, and unparalleled product selection make us a unique and valued resource for our customers.

Job Summary: The Equipment Rental Associate is responsible for assisting customers with their equipment rental needs, from providing recommendations to processing rental contracts. This role requires strong customer service skills, technical knowledge of tools and equipment, and the ability to perform light mechanical work, troubleshoot issues, and handle the loading and unloading of equipment. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with rental software, providing expert advice, and ensuring equipment is in safe, working order.

Key Responsibilities:

• Customer Service: Greet and assist customers in selecting the right tools and equipment for their needs, providing expert advice on tool usage and rental options.
• Rental Contracts: Create and manage rental contracts using rental software, accurately entering customer details, rental dates, and equipment information.
• Reservations: Handle phone and in-person inquiries, make reservations, and manage equipment availability and scheduling.
• Equipment Guidance: Advise customers on the safe operation, handling, and use of rental equipment, offering tips and guidance as needed.
• Troubleshooting: Assist customers in troubleshooting equipment issues, providing basic operational instructions, and resolving problems when they arise.
• Loading and Unloading: Safely load and unload tools and equipment for customers, ensuring proper handling and securement.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform light mechanical work, such as cleaning, inspecting, and performing basic repairs on rental equipment to ensure it is in safe and working condition.
• Operate a Forklift: Use a forklift to move, organize, and load larger pieces of equipment as needed.
• Cleaning and Organization: Clean equipment after each rental, ensuring it is ready for the next customer. Maintain a clean and organized rental yard and storage area.
• Inventory Management: Track and maintain equipment inventory, conducting regular checks to ensure all items are accounted for and in good condition.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols, ensuring that equipment is handled and maintained in accordance with safety regulations.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Prior experience in equipment rental, construction, hardware, or a related field is preferred but not required.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with various tools and equipment, including non-powered tools, gas tools, corded and battery-powered tools, boom lifts, scissor lifts, and excavators.
• Customer Service Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused attitude.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues and offer guidance to customers.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in using rental software, POS systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Forklift Certification: Forklift certification or willingness to obtain one.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Basic understanding of equipment mechanics and the ability to perform light repairs and maintenance.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with 3% salary raise given upon enrollment and 2% company matching contribution (after 1 year of employment).
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Medical FSA (Flexible Spending Account).
• Paid time off starting at two weeks per year.
• LegalShield and IDShield legal and identity theft protection services
• Welcome Home program for purchasing a home

This role is regular full-time, non-exempt, hourly position.

Hardware Sales is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age (40 and older), race (including traits historically associated or perceived to be associated with race, which include, but are not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability (including obesity), genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Hardware Sales is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.