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.

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average 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.

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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.

Smiling male standing behind a conveyor belt
Smiling male standing behind a conveyor belt
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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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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.
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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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