Stock Associate | What They Do, Salary, Required Skills & More.

We will be taking a look at who a stock associate is. What do they do, what skills they are expected to have, their responsibilities in the store, the hours they are expected to work in a week, how much they get paid and how they get the job.

What is a Stock Associate?

A stock associate who can also be referred to as a stock clerk is a person who works in retail stores and is responsible for receiving, inspecting, and organizing store merchandise as well as maintaining store inventory.

They are very important to every retail industry. Without them, stores would be disorganized, and practically empty. Large stores will hardly function without at least one stock associate to help run things around the store.

The bulk of the work done in a store is by the stock associates. They are in fact key to the successful smooth running of a store. Without them goods will run out before anyone thinks of restocking, items will not be arranged in such a way that customers will easily locate them, inventory of goods will not be properly managed, etc.

Stock Associate’s Job Description

The major duty of a stock associate is being responsible for managing and moving merchandise. They handle, place orders for and accept all shipments from the store’s suppliers.

They ensure that the shipments are correct, intact, and complete, they also prepare items for sale, catalog all merchandise in a computer system and create price labels, they arrange and rearrange stock on shelves for display and set up and move signage.

They are also responsible for restocking shelves when the shelves become empty or sparse and remove old stock that hasn’t been sold within a specified time.

Stock associates also help customers and other store employees find merchandise in the store, place special orders for customers when necessary, and help customers have a better experience through display and visual appeal.

When supplies are defective, they must pack them up and arrange for the return shipment. They also ensure that all other employees observe proper safety procedures in the stockroom, especially when handling delicate or heavy items.

A stock associate reports issues to the manager and supervises the cleaning of the store and stockroom during closing shifts. He or she operates the POS system, sets up displays for upcoming sales, discounts, and promotions, and replenishes items to maintain a full stock product.

They use visual appeal to get customers to buy products that are on display in the store. Most times, the display of a good affects its sales. They also ensure that goods on display are constantly restocked so it doesn’t run out.

They have a lot of responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of a store. It is a job for people who are up and doing and always ready to get things done properly.

READ ALSO: IT Project Manager | How To Become One, Job Description And What You Will Need To Get Started.

Where can a Stock Associate work?

A stock associate can work in all types of large stores such as grocery stores and big-box stores. A typical week for a stock associate is approximately 40 hours of work. This could be day or night shifts depending on the company’s operating hours.

Some work during the normal daytime hours. However many stores require them to work early morning or overnight hours. This is because it is easier for them to organize the shelves and unload shipments when the store is either quiet or closed to customers.

This helps them to concentrate and avoid mistakes. It is a job that is suitable for people who are willing to work odd hours.

Requirements to becoming a Stock Associate

Requirements vary depending on the size, type, and employer of the company. To become a stock associate, you don’t need to meet any strict educational requirements thus you might not even need a high school diploma or GED, so a college degree might never be required.

However, some employers will require you to have a high school diploma at least. Some of the other qualifications required to become a stock associate include; having manual skills such as the ability to use different types of equipment and machines including power jacks, cardboard bailers,  pricing guns, trash compactors, hoists, forklifts, and others.

Some sort of formal training or appropriate certification with any of the above-mentioned equipment would be helpful and may even be required.

Computer skills like having a  basic understanding of Microsoft programs such as Excel, Access, and Outlook are also required. A stock associate is also required to have experience in other inventory-specific software programs as well as proficient use of a calculator.

These skills help in the organization and record-keeping of merchandise in the store. Any mistake on their path will lead to an inaccurate record. This is why they need to be detail-oriented.

Another requirement needed to become a stock associate is effective communication skills, you should be able to communicate effectively to both customers and co-workers and work well with others as a team. This is important to maintain a cordial relationship between workers and ensure that all customers are satisfied.

To be a good stock associate, it is important to have the ability to organize and multitask. Dealing with merchandise is quite tasking and to avoid confusion in the store you should be able to sort everything out in an organized manner and also be able to perform various duties at the same time.

You are required to be familiar with the range of the company’s products and everything that needs to be ordered. Having the ability to read and interpret invoices and packing slips is also required. You should know how to run catalog systems to be able to efficiently do your work.

The job also requires you to be physically fit and hard-working. This is because you will be standing or walking for long hours. physical fitness is required also because handling merchandise, supplies and other materials can be physically demanding.

This may require ladder climbing, lifting heavy items sometimes without any assistance, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and performing other tiring jobs.

Some employers specify that candidates should have some experience, but this is not usually compulsory because stock clerks can be easily trained on the job. Some other employers also require that candidates show proof of clean criminal records as well as a clean driving record and a valid driver’s license if necessary.

READ ALSO: Top 8 Best Jobs For College Grads With No Experience, 2021 | Job Type, Certificate & Salary.

Responsibilities and Work Schedule of a Stock Associate

Whenever goods arrive, it is the responsibility of a stock associate to ensure that the items are in good condition. Someone who is not detail-oriented may not be able to point out differences in products.

A Stock associate has a wide range of responsibilities. People with the ability to multi-task are most suitable for the work. The ability to work under pressure is also necessary.

You may be required to inspect goods coming in and keep inventory within a period another consignment may be coming in and you are also required to attend to it. It takes someone with the ability to multitask and work under pressure to stay strong and do a good job despite the pressure.

Having a flexible work schedule is also required. There are times you will be required to work overnight or through the weekend to get things ready for the next workday.  Someone who does not have a flexible work schedule will not be able to do this.

Stock Associate Salary

Because there are no high educational requirements for becoming a stock associate, the salary is not very high. The average salary in the USA is $14 per hour which makes  $27,300 per year. For entry-level positions, the salary starts at $23,400 per year while for experienced workers the salary is up to $34,125 per year.

With the amount of work they do, it is expected that they get paid a high salary. Most stock associates do not stay long at the job as they go in search of higher-paying jobs especially when they improve their educational degrees. Hence, some may be compelled to use the phrase ‘i hate my job’! however, here are 10 things to do if you hate your job

How to get Hired for the job of Stock Associate

Most stores looking to hire a stock associate place advertisements stating what they are looking for in the person they will employ.  If you think you fit the description, you go ahead and submit a resume or CV, be sure to submit a cover letter alongside.

After that, you prepare for and attend an interview with the employer if you are called. You will be asked some questions during the interview to ascertain if you are suitable for the work You will be informed if you get the job.

FAQs

Our Recommendations

1. How To Become A Career Counselor | Job Description, Salary, Skills & More.

2. Interior Design Degree | A Right Program For You To Study In Germany.

3. Top 8 Best Jobs For College Grads With No Experience, 2021 | Job Type, Certificate & Salary.

4. How To Become A Mental Health Clinician | What They Do, Requirements, Training, Certificates & Salary.

5. What Can I Do If I Hate My Job? Here Are 10 Things

6. IT Project Manager Salary | The Average Salary of an IT Project Manager

7. IT Project Manager | How To Become One, Job Description And What You Will Need To Get Started.

8. Tuition Reimbursement Program | How It Works, The Benefits And Companies That Offer It

9. Top 16 Quick Certifications That Pay Well In 2021 | Career Path & Salary

10. IT Manager | How To Become One, What They Do, Educational Requirements, Salary, Required Skills & More