what is a storeperson?
As a storeperson, you are in charge of a store or warehouse belonging to the company. Your job is to monitor and control the flow of products, both in and out of storage facilities. You check the goods or raw materials upon arrival to ensure they match the items ordered and that there is no damage. Before dispatching the goods to the store or sending them to customers, you package them appropriately and add the correct labels. Since you are in charge of the warehouse or storage facility, you record when goods arrive and their location in the facility for easy retrieval.
When preparing goods for shipping, you use the records to retrieve the items. It is important to ensure the oldest inventory is the first to be shipped out. As a storeperson, you keep accurate inventory records in the storage facility to avoid shortages and the late fulfilment of orders. Since you assist with loading and offloading items, knowledge of operating various machines comes in handy.
As a storeperson, your job involves moving and lifting heavy items when loading or offloading trucks. Hence, you need physical stamina and fitness to withstand long hours of standing and bending. Your computer skills are also useful in managing inventory and keeping track of the orders.
view vacanciesaverage storeperson salary
The typical salary of a storeperson in Australia is $60,000 per year. In an entry-level position, you earn a slightly lower salary of $55,000 annually. When you have honed your skills and worked for a few years in the role, your remuneration package increases to over $65,000 yearly.
how to increase your salary as a storeperson
As a storeperson, your earnings depend on your expertise and skills. When you are new to the role, you have minimal skills and experience, which attracts a lower salary. You can improve your remuneration package and gain more expertise by obtaining vocational qualifications or becoming an apprentice.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. For instance, when you work in manufacturing, you handle raw materials for production, which involves dealing with hazardous substances that require additional safety precautions. Other industries with higher remuneration packages include the mining and pharmaceutical industries. In the mining and resources sector, you handle precious metals and stones, which requires a high level of care.
Working for a small company attracts a lower salary due to the limited resources. You can increase your earnings by taking up roles in larger companies. Aside from the unlimited resources available to large organisations, the complexity of the duties improves your remuneration prospects.
Want to know what you will earn as a storeperson? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of storepersons
Your work activities determine your area of specialisation as a storeperson. For instance, you can become a warehouse associate whose main role is to move goods into the storage area and track inventory. As a warehouse associate, you also prepare items for shipping by labelling them and preparing the invoices to attach to the deliveries. Some storepersons are warehouse loaders who pack goods into shipping containers and delivery trucks. Your job is to ensure the items are transported safely and keep track of the shipments until they reach their destinations.
Warehouse clerks record orders received at the warehouse and prepare them for dispatch. You also liaise with customers to ensure they receive the correct deliveries. A storeperson can also be a forklift operator in charge of moving inventory around the warehouse or loading and offloading trucks.
working as a storeperson
Working as a storeperson involves keeping track of inventory and ensuring goods are dispatched on time. If you enjoy working in a warehouse environment, explore the tasks and work environments associated with the role.
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storeperson job description
Some of the daily tasks of a storeperson include:
- unloading and organising inventory: as a storeperson, you receive goods at the storage facility. That means you assist warehouse workers with offloading delivery trucks and carrying goods to their storage areas. You ensure items are stored in their designated locations and that the products' storage conditions are adhered to. For instance, you separate raw materials and finished products and ensure proper refrigeration.
- maintaining inventory: as a storeperson, you keep track of the raw materials and goods in storage. You monitor stock levels using inventory management software, ensuring inventory levels meet the company's demands. You also determine the best times to increase stock levels and ensure items are shipped on time to avoid expiration.
- inspecting goods received: you ensure the company receives high-quality products by verifying incoming shipments. You check for damages and organise returns for unfulfilled orders or damaged products. As a storeperson, you verify the shipment against the invoice when offloading trucks and report any inconsistencies.
- preparing items for shipping: aside from monitoring incoming shipments, you also keep track of outgoing shipments. You prepare items for delivery by measuring the right quantities and picking products from the storage areas. You also package and label the items to keep them in excellent condition in transit.
- liaising with suppliers: as a storeperson, you communicate with suppliers to ensure the delivery of raw materials or goods. You also liaise with them in case of shipping delays that could affect the supply of goods to customers. Maintaining good supplier relationships helps the company meet production schedules and deliver to customers on time.
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work environment
Storepersons work in storage facilities like warehouses. Hence, your work environment is climate-controlled to preserve the goods and raw materials in storage. As a storeperson, you work at the office when updating inventory levels, but you may also work in the warehouse operating various equipment. For instance, you use a forklift to offload trucks and transport goods in the warehouses. Sometimes, you travel to meet with new suppliers or accompany delivery drivers when delivering large items to customers.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include warehouse workers, warehouse managers and sales associates. You might also be working in close proximity to forklift drivers and crane operators, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, operations managers, factory supervisors and warehouse associates.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a storeperson depends on the employer. For instance, if you work in a warehouse that operates during the day, you work regular office hours up to 40 hours a week. In such a case, you are likely to work overtime and on weekends during seasonal sales. Some warehouses operate 24 hours daily to ensure the manufacturing company has sufficient raw materials for production. Hence, you work on a shift schedule, including nights and early mornings. Most storeperson roles are full-time, but you can find part-time positions.
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job outlook
Storepersons have numerous growth opportunities in the warehouse and retail environments. With additional training and experience, you can become a warehouse manager or supervisor. Besides, with the growth of e-commerce and online shopping, the demand for storepersons is high. Your skills are also invaluable in logistics and retail store management.
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advantages of finding a storeperson job through randstad
Finding your storeperson job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a storeperson is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
Educational qualifications are not mandatory to become a storeperson, but you should find courses that equip you with the relevant skills and qualifications. Consider obtaining qualifications in warehouse operations or logistics. Certificates II and III in warehouse operations or logistics are available from Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges and registered training organisations (RTOs). For instance, a Certificate III in supply chain operations prepares you for a storeperson role.
Alternatively, undertake a traineeship in warehouse or logistics operations. Traineeships combine on-the-job training with coursework and usually take between 12 and 24 months to complete. Aside from educational qualifications, ensure you have the relevant licences. For instance, you require a high risk work (HRW) licence from WorkSafe Australia and a forklift licence to operate forklifts.
storeperson skills and competencies
As a storeperson, you require the following personal attributes:
- verbal communication: as a storeperson, you rely on your verbal communication skills to speak clearly and provide precise information to customers. You also utilise your communication skills to explain the condition of the goods to suppliers and other warehouse workers.
- interpersonal skills: as a storeperson, you work alongside multiple warehouse personnel. You require interpersonal skills to build good relationships with other workers. Having good listening skills helps you understand people’s ideas and collaborate well with them.
- maths skills: you require maths skills to calculate the costs and keep track of the inventory. Your duties involve counting items when they arrive at the warehouse, which means maths skills help you excel in the role.
- technical skills: working in a warehouse involves using inventory management software to keep track of goods at the warehouse. It helps to have proficient computer skills when updating inventory and tracking shipments.
FAQs about working as a storeperson
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a storeperson.
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what does a storeperson do?
As a storeperson, you work at a storage facility, keeping track of the movement of goods in and out of the warehouse. You check goods on arrival and before dispatch to ensure they are in good condition. You also keep track of the inventory to ensure you have sufficient goods to meet order demands.
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how much does a storeperson earn in Australia?
The average salary of a storeperson is $60,000 per year. The remuneration package fluctuates based on experience and the industry. The lowest-paid storepersons take home an average salary of $55,000 annually, while the highest-paid storepersons earn over $65,000 per year.
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what skills do you need as a storeperson?
You require good physical fitness to move heavy items and stand for long hours. Good organisation skills help you arrange the goods in the warehouse for efficiency. You also need teamwork skills to work well with other professionals.
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how do you become a storeperson?
You can join the profession without educational qualifications, but having vocational training in warehouse operations improves your job prospects. It is also important to have relevant certifications or licences.
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is storeperson a good career?
With the rise in online shopping, storepersons are in high demand. Working as a storeperson also helps you build valuable skills for progressing your career into warehouse management or retail store roles.
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how do I apply for a storeperson vacancy?
Applying for a storeperson job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.