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Distribution center associate vs customer service, warehouse

The differences between distribution center associates and customer services, warehouse can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a distribution center associate and a customer service, warehouse. Additionally, a distribution center associate has an average salary of $33,708, which is higher than the $30,800 average annual salary of a customer service, warehouse.

The top three skills for a distribution center associate include pallets, excellent interpersonal and patients. The most important skills for a customer service, warehouse are quality customer service, strong customer service, and customer orders.

Distribution center associate vs customer service, warehouse overview

Distribution Center AssociateCustomer Service, Warehouse
Yearly salary$33,708$30,800
Hourly rate$16.21$14.81
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs240,852265,059
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4040
Years of experience1212

What does a distribution center associate do?

A distribution center associate is responsible for supporting the operations of a distribution center, such as assisting the manufacturing process, labeling merchandise, packaging items, and storing products to the appropriate category shelves. Distribution center associates also help on loading and unloading items from the delivery trucks, checking inventory receipts, and inspecting the quality and the correct quantity of products for shipment. They update stock information on the database, as well as responding to clients' inquiries and delivery concerns, and resolving complaints immediately.

What does a customer service, warehouse do?

A customer service warehouse is primarily in charge of providing customer support, mainly through calls and correspondence. Their responsibilities typically revolve around answering inquiries, addressing and troubleshooting problems, processing refunds, maintaining records of all transactions, and referring them to other services when necessary. There are also instances when they must perform follow-up calls, offer products and services, discuss product specifications and promotions, develop sales strategies, and generate leads through research and analysis. Moreover, they must maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Distribution center associate vs customer service, warehouse salary

Distribution center associates and customer services, warehouse have different pay scales, as shown below.

Distribution Center AssociateCustomer Service, Warehouse
Average salary$33,708$30,800
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $42,000Between $25,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CityMinneapolis, MNKent, WA
Highest paying stateMinnesotaNew York
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncSteel Dynamics
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between distribution center associate and customer service, warehouse education

There are a few differences between a distribution center associate and a customer service, warehouse in terms of educational background:

Distribution Center AssociateCustomer Service, Warehouse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Distribution center associate vs customer service, warehouse demographics

Here are the differences between distribution center associates' and customer services, warehouse' demographics:

Distribution Center AssociateCustomer Service, Warehouse
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 49.9% Female, 50.1%Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 6.7% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between distribution center associate and customer service, warehouse duties and responsibilities

Distribution center associate example responsibilities.

  • Used RF scanner gun and WMS to accomplish require tasks.
  • Manage logistics of shipping, receiving, and distribution of finish goods, including process improvement and problem resolution.
  • Provide excellent customer service, order supplies, operate POS systems, reconcile registers, and prepare deposits.
  • Provide extensive customer support to the FedEx user departments.
  • Maintain quality logs to ensure FIFO standards are followed.
  • Explain and teach WMS menu and options to stock product properly.
  • Show more

Customer service, warehouse example responsibilities.

  • Manage and calculate daily cash deposits and prepare daily payroll ledgers.
  • Scan boxes with RF scanner to ensure items are correct.
  • Retrieve items with RF scanner to fill orders, update database, recover damage items and print shipping labels.
  • Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the warehouse at all times while adhering to company safety guidelines.
  • Provide above average service to customers by bagging groceries appropriately and assist with carryout and loading merchandise into customer's vehicle.
  • Schedule inbound and outbound LTL and FTL shipments.
  • Show more

Distribution center associate vs customer service, warehouse skills

Common distribution center associate skills
  • Pallets, 11%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 10%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Sales Floor, 6%
  • Customer Orders, 6%
  • Pallet Jack, 6%
Common customer service, warehouse skills
  • Quality Customer Service, 14%
  • Strong Customer Service, 10%
  • Customer Orders, 8%
  • Cleanliness, 8%
  • Safety Procedures, 6%
  • Customer Complaints, 4%

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