Every day, millions of people will go to thousands of stores to obtain goods. Anticipating and maintaining supply while keeping the store organized and clean is no simple task. On top of this, fielding customer questions and concerns are a vital component of this position.
The stocker is responsible for the stocking, pricing, and organization of products, as well as their storage and display. They’ll need to manage the cleanliness and organization of the floor while maintaining the supply and organization of the backroom. Further, they’ll need to unload and catalog received goods.
These professionals should have strong attention to detail and top-notch customer service skills. They’ll need to be great at working with a team and have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Possessing a forklift license, computer skills, the ability to lift heavy merchandise, and a flexible work schedule are all pluses.
Sample job description
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for a stocker is $28,000 per year in the United States. Salaries will vary depending on the level of experience, education, and location.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $27,800 | $37,650 |
| Los Angeles, California | $31,400 | $42,500 |
| Denver, Colorado | $26,150 | $35,400 |
| Washington, DC | $31,850 | $43,100 |
| Miami, Florida | $26,050 | $35,250 |
| Orlando, Florida | $24,000 | $32,500 |
| Tampa, Florida | $24,250 | $32,800 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $25,450 | $34,450 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $29,250 | $39,600 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $31,650 | $42,800 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $25,200 | $34,100 |
| New York City, New York | $33,300 | $45,050 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $27,100 | $36,700 |
| Dallas, Texas | $26,400 | $35,700 |
| Houston, Texas | $26,250 | $35,550 |
| Seattle, Washington | $30,450 | $41,200 |
| National Average | $23,800 | $32,200 |
Sample interview questions
- How would you handle a difficult customer?
- Do you have retail or warehouse experience?
- When is the appropriate moment to approach a customer?
- How would you prioritize your work if you were asked to perform multiple tasks?
- How should goods be arranged on a shelf?
- Can you work the third shift or overnight?
- Can you lift at least 70 pounds?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What’s the most important part of being a stocker?
- What is the most difficult situation you have had to face and how did you handle it?
- What did you like and dislike about your previous job?
- What is your biggest strength?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Do you work better individually or in a team environment?
- Can you describe an accomplishment you are most proud of?
- Describe recent experience you’ve had working with your hands.
- Are you familiar with taking inventory and identifying items for reorder? What factors do you consider before reordering?
- Share an example of when you went above and beyond to get the job done.
- Can you tell us of a time when your attention to detail and thoroughness made a positive impact?
- Do you have experience stocking shelves?
