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The differences between merchandise processors and guest service representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a merchandise processor and a guest service representative. Additionally, a merchandise processor has an average salary of $31,092, which is higher than the $26,847 average annual salary of a guest service representative.
The top three skills for a merchandise processor include customer service, sales floor and basic math. The most important skills for a guest service representative are reservations, guest service, and cleanliness.
| Merchandise Processor | Guest Service Representative | |
| Yearly salary | $31,092 | $26,847 |
| Hourly rate | $14.95 | $12.91 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 13,551 | 142,302 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 42% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 12 | 12 |
A Merchandise Processor works at warehouse facilities where they are in charge of preparing and processing merchandise. Their tasks typically revolve around monitoring inventory, organizing and labeling products, packing and tagging items, strategically arranging materials to maximize warehouse spaces, storing supplies according to protocols, and maintaining incoming and outgoing merchandise. There are also instances when they must inspect the product's quality and quantity, sort and price items, and produce reports. A Merchandise Processor typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for an efficient and smooth workflow.
A guest service representative is responsible for supporting the front desk operations, assisting guests with their needs, and handling guests' inquiries. Guest service representatives duties' include processing payments, leading the guests to their respective rooms, responding to the guests' requests, escalating high-level complaints, maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the common areas, performing administrative duties, and suggesting recommendations for improving the guests' experience. A guest service representative should have excellent customer service and communication skills to increase the business's positive feedback.
Merchandise processors and guest service representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandise Processor | Guest Service Representative | |
| Average salary | $31,092 | $26,847 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $37,000 | Between $20,000 And $34,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lombard, IL | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Washington |
| Best paying company | Steve Madden | Seattle Seahawks |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Retail |
There are a few differences between a merchandise processor and a guest service representative in terms of educational background:
| Merchandise Processor | Guest Service Representative | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 42% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between merchandise processors' and guest service representatives' demographics:
| Merchandise Processor | Guest Service Representative | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.0% Female, 56.0% | Male, 29.9% Female, 70.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 6.1% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.2% Asian, 6.5% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |