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The differences between merchandise processors and service specialists 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 service specialist. Additionally, a service specialist has an average salary of $44,150, which is higher than the $31,092 average annual salary of a merchandise processor.
The top three skills for a merchandise processor include customer service, sales floor and basic math. The most important skills for a service specialist are patients, social work, and criminal justice.
| Merchandise Processor | Service Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $31,092 | $44,150 |
| Hourly rate | $14.95 | $21.23 |
| Growth rate | -4% | -4% |
| Number of jobs | 13,551 | 207,020 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| 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 service specialist is responsible for assisting customers with their inquiries and concerns about the services offered by the organization. Service specialists' duties include responding to customers' requests, updating customers of promotional offers and new services, escalating high-level concerns to the appropriate department, and keeping accurate records of clients' issues and resolutions. Service specialists are also in charge of preparing customer surveys to rate their satisfaction and identifying opportunities for service improvement. A service specialist must display excellent customer service and communication skills to address clients' concerns efficiently and accurately.
Merchandise processors and service specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandise Processor | Service Specialist | |
| Average salary | $31,092 | $44,150 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $37,000 | Between $27,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lombard, IL | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Steve Madden | Ropes & Gray |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a merchandise processor and a service specialist in terms of educational background:
| Merchandise Processor | Service Specialist | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 41% | Bachelor's Degree, 53% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between merchandise processors' and service specialists' demographics:
| Merchandise Processor | Service Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 44.0% Female, 56.0% | Male, 40.1% Female, 59.9% |
| 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, 11.2% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 54.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |