Cashier / Custom Craft Associate

Cashier / Custom Craft, Design & Engraving Associate

Job Summary

We are seeking a reliable and creative Cashier / Custom Craft, Design & Engraving Associate for our retail hardware store. This dual-role position combines traditional cashier and customer service duties with hands-on support for crafting projects, including vinyl work, heat pressing, laser engraving, and basic design. The ideal candidate enjoys helping customers with hardware needs while also assisting with or producing custom vinyl graphics, heat-transferred items, laser-engraved products, and related design work.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the point-of-sale (POS) system accurately, process transactions (cash, credit, etc.), handle returns/exchanges, and maintain cash drawer accountability.
• Deliver excellent customer service: greet shoppers, answer questions about hardware products, tools, and supplies, and assist with locating items.
• Support daily store operations, including stocking shelves, keeping sales floors and work areas clean and organized, and performing light inventory tasks.
• Assist with or perform custom craft and design services, such as:
• Vinyl cutting and application (adhesive vinyl, HTV, etc.)
• Heat-press operations for apparel, signage, or promotional items
• Laser engraving on various materials (wood, acrylic, metal, etc., as applicable)
• Basic design work or file preparation to support customer projects
• Help maintain crafting supplies, vinyl inventory, heat-press equipment, laser engraving machinery, and related tools in good working condition.
• Follow all store policies, safety procedures (especially around heat-press and laser equipment), and cash-handling guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the team and enhance the customer experience.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Prior cashier, retail, or customer service experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: crafting, vinyl cutting/application, heat-press operation, laser engraving, and/or graphic design.
• Comfortable learning and working with common hardware store products and tools.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy with money handling, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Reliable, punctual, and available for flexible part-time hours (including evenings, weekends, and some weekdays as needed).
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25-40 lbs occasionally, and work safely around equipment.
• Basic computer proficiency (POS training provided; design software familiarity a plus).

Preferred Skills

• Experience with vinyl cutters, heat-transfer vinyl (HTV), adhesive vinyl, or sublimation.
• Familiarity with laser engraving software, machine operation, and material settings.
• Basic graphic design skills (file setup, vector work, or common design software).
• Knowledge of creating custom apparel, signs, decals, personalized gifts, or promotional items.
• Prior experience in a hardware, craft, or maker-space retail environment is a plus.

This role offers a unique opportunity to blend retail customer service with creative, hands-on custom work in a supportive hardware store setting.

Feel free to customize the hours, pay range, specific equipment listed, or add application details. Let me know if you'd like a shorter version, more formal tone, or any other adjustments!

Company Introduction

We are your local hardware store and we are a part of your community. Ace Hardware has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. These hard working men and women are part of the fabric of your community. They are small business owners who are local and loyal...just like it ought to be. While others have become large and impersonal, at Ace, weve remained small and very personal. Thats why we say a visit to Ace, is like a visit to your neighbor.