It's a love/hate relationship. - Design Associate/Sales Associate/Trade Associate RH Employee Review

3.0
Jul 4, 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The product is amazing. It is a well respected home furnishings company. Leadership is receptive to communicating although any results are at a snail's pace. The "new" Restoration Hardware is very well received in the public. The "Core Values" align with my personal values.

Cons

THE PAY IS ATROCIOUS!! RH is trying to hire people for the "galleries" with design experience, education, retail experience, home consultation experience, business to business experience, clientele-ing experience, a "hip and cool" sense of style (and pocketbook to dress the part) and pay them $12/hr. merit pay increase is average of .03%/year and there are very few, if any, full time positions being offered. The only way to make more money is to get hired into a leadership (management) position. That means transferring to another store. But... if you are a top sales person, leadership is reluctant to recommend you interviewing for a promotion. It's a catch 22. The carrot is dangled, promising "big and exciting changes" in the next year, but every decision takes an act of congress to pass. I can't speak for the rest of the country, but this is the way it is in the SF BAY AREA. Every store is in the shadow of the "flagship store" in Corte Madera and under the microscope of the corporate offices also in Corte Madera. They are wanting to strengthen their relationships with the trade industry and develop a home consulting/design sector to the business... this week anyway. We'll see what the future holds. If it all plays out like RH is projecting, those of us holding on will be rewarded... this week anyway!

Explore other reviews about RH

5.0
May 2, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Experience working for on of the leading innovators in the design industry.

Cons

The scheduling department being in a regular call center and not the gallery

4.0
Feb 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

One of the strongest aspects of this role is the autonomy. I’m trusted to make decisions that genuinely support the customer experience without constant approval from leadership. If I believe an exchange plus a $250 gift card is the right solution to preserve a relationship, I’m empowered to do that. That level of trust creates confidence and allows us to move quickly when issues arise. Leadership is accessible when needed, especially in escalated situations. I’ve never felt left alone to manage something beyond my scope. There is also regular voluntary overtime available, which is a plus for those looking to increase their hours. For someone transitioning from another industry, the environment feels more structured and brand-focused, which has been refreshing

Cons

The clientele can be challenging. Some customers assume that spending thousands of dollars entitles them to treat frontline employees disrespectfully, even when those employees had no involvement in the original issue. It can also be frustrating to hold a boundary with a customer, only to see it reversed after escalation. While I understand the desire to preserve relationships, it can unintentionally undermine employee confidence and consistency in standards. Because RH carries so many collections and product variations, the learning curve is steep. Customers often expect immediate, detailed product knowledge, which takes time to develop.

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