What Does it Take to Be an Online Merchant?
Position Description Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.
A Day in the Life of an Online Merchant
- Maintain inventory of shipping supplies, such as boxes, labels, tape, bubble wrap, loose packing materials, or tape guns.
- Transfer digital media, such as music, video, or software, to customers via the Internet.
- Purchase new or used items from online or physical sources for resale via retail or auction Web site.
- Collaborate with search engine shopping specialists to place marketing content in desired online locations.
- Order or purchase merchandise to maintain optimal inventory levels.
- Develop or revise business plans for online business, emphasizing factors such as product line, pricing, inventory, or marketing strategy.
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Qualities of an Online Merchant
When polled, Online Merchants say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Related Job Titles
- Web Merchant
- E-Commerce Project Manager
- E-Commerce Director
- Supervisor of Operations
- Online Marketing Manager
What Kind of Online Merchant Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 1,023,900 jobs in the United States for Online Merchant. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 90,400 new jobs for Online Merchant by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 104,200 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Online Merchant are Utah, Nevada, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Oklahoma. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does an Online Merchant Make?
Online Merchants make between $38,420 and $123,000 a year.
Online Merchants who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Online Merchants make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $85,140 |
Alaska | $82,160 |
Arizona | $67,670 |
Arkansas | $59,530 |
California | $83,470 |
Colorado | $82,130 |
Connecticut | $78,120 |
Delaware | $81,880 |
District of Columbia | $102,730 |
Florida | $66,440 |
Georgia | $75,070 |
Hawaii | $73,310 |
Idaho | $67,630 |
Illinois | $71,780 |
Indiana | $61,290 |
Iowa | $65,020 |
Kansas | $74,520 |
Kentucky | $66,450 |
Louisiana | $60,430 |
Maine | $66,760 |
Maryland | $91,400 |
Massachusetts | $85,980 |
Michigan | $70,410 |
Minnesota | $71,220 |
Mississippi | $65,650 |
Missouri | $73,500 |
Montana | $66,290 |
Nebraska | $74,370 |
Nevada | $71,580 |
New Hampshire | $70,890 |
New Jersey | $78,920 |
New Mexico | $70,340 |
New York | $83,330 |
North Carolina | $74,040 |
North Dakota | $73,010 |
Ohio | $71,190 |
Oklahoma | $72,940 |
Oregon | $68,890 |
Pennsylvania | $80,910 |
Rhode Island | $80,380 |
South Carolina | $69,340 |
South Dakota | $70,830 |
Tennessee | $62,330 |
Texas | $80,140 |
Utah | $72,100 |
Vermont | $67,910 |
Virginia | $88,180 |
Washington | $77,850 |
West Virginia | $70,180 |
Wisconsin | $57,620 |
Wyoming | $69,740 |
What Tools do Online Merchants Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Online Merchants:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- jQuery
- Microsoft Access
- MySQL
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Linux
- Extensible markup language XML
How do I Become an Online Merchant?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Online Merchant?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Online Merchant?
Who Employs Online Merchants?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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