How to hire a merchandiser, sales

How to hire a merchandiser, sales, step by step

Here's a step-by-step merchandiser, sales hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a merchandiser, sales job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new merchandiser, sales
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a merchandiser, sales do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The merchandiser, sales hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A merchandiser, sales's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, merchandisers, sales from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of merchandisers, sales and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Merchandiser, Sales	Description	Hourly rate
   Merchandiser, Sales	Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. They contact customers, explain product features, answer any questions that their customers may have, and negotiate prices.	$11-19
   Sales Trainer	As a sales trainer, you will perform various duties and responsibilities for an organization. Your job will typically include conducting orientation for new sales representatives, determining and organizing training, creating traditional and digital educational materials such as case studies and videos... Show more	$26-46
   Sales Clerk	A sales clerk is responsible for assisting customers in purchasing products, responding to customer inquiries, and providing product recommendations. Sales clerks require excellent customer service and communication skills to offer the best services to the customers and maintain good customer feedback for the business... Show more	$7-18

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Excellent Planning
   • Wine
   • Pallet Jack
   • Sales Floor
   • Product Displays
   • Cleanliness
   • Customer Service
   • Store Management
   • Product Inventory
   • Product Knowledge
   • Back Stock
   • Customer Satisfaction
   • Retail Sales
   • Product Sales

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
   • Negotiate constantly with store managers and floor managers in order to secure POS display space and proper allocation of inventory.
   • Assist patients with Critical/Triage calls; document necessary symptoms for medical assistants to determine what medical intervention is necessary.
   • Core merchandising skills; all products in distribution and arrange in POG.
   • Make sure that compliance are met for client according to POG for reset, remodel or setup of new store.
   • Build rapport and communicate effectively with ASM management and externally with all customers.

   More merchandiser, sales duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your merchandiser, sales job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A merchandiser, sales salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

   For example, the average salary for a merchandiser, sales in South Carolina may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level merchandiser, sales usually earns less than a senior-level merchandiser, sales. Additionally, a merchandiser, sales with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

   Average merchandiser, sales salary

   $15.22hourly

   $31,662 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level merchandiser, sales salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

   Average merchandiser, sales salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$40,163	$19
   2	Minnesota	$37,401	$18
   3	Massachusetts	$35,437	$17
   4	Virginia	$34,621	$17
   5	California	$33,780	$16
   6	Maryland	$33,502	$16
   7	New York	$32,813	$16
   8	Colorado	$32,229	$15
   9	Connecticut	$32,124	$15
   10	Oregon	$32,025	$15
   11	Illinois	$31,887	$15
   12	District of Columbia	$30,740	$15
   13	Wisconsin	$30,285	$15
   14	Utah	$29,845	$14
   15	Missouri	$28,694	$14
   16	Montana	$27,616	$13
   17	Tennessee	$27,553	$13
   18	Georgia	$27,446	$13
   19	Alabama	$26,647	$13
   20	Texas	$23,377	$11

   Average merchandiser, sales salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Community Coffee	$39,729	$19.10	1
   2	Post Holdings	$38,661	$18.59	8
   3	National Beverage	$36,150	$17.38	1
   4	Hormel Foods	$35,785	$17.20
   5	CHS	$35,424	$17.03
   6	The Coca-Cola Company	$35,367	$17.00	187
   7	KeHE	$35,279	$16.96	4
   8	Power Distributing	$34,905	$16.78
   9	HintMD	$33,209	$15.97
   10	Core-Mark International	$32,915	$15.82
   11	Vita	$32,876	$15.81	1
   12	Blue Crew Holdings LLC	$32,876	$15.81
   13	Michaels Autos	$32,876	$15.81	5
   14	CoStar Group	$32,818	$15.78	44
   15	Crescent Crown	$32,715	$15.73	4
   16	Southern Glazer's	$32,544	$15.65	489
   17	Red Bull	$32,100	$15.43	196
   18	Breakthru Beverage Group	$32,035	$15.40	59
   19	Grey Eagle Distributors	$31,708	$15.24	2
   20	Adecco	$31,698	$15.24	1

4. Writing a merchandiser, sales job description

   A good merchandiser, sales job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a merchandiser, sales job description:

   Merchandiser, sales job description example

   THE OPPORTUNITY:
   
   Hint is a brand on FIRE! The #1 flavored water in the US and one of the fastest-growing brands in its category looking for a Sales Merchandiser to help reinforce Hint's expansion in the enhanced water category. This is an opportunity to learn about a growing brand as the beverage industry continues to trend towards healthier options.
   
   Beverage Retail is used to describe the sales channel that includes grocery, mass distribution, club and drug channels and much more.
   
   You will work closely with our Area Sales Managers and Distributor partners following a specific delivery schedule/route ensuring that our products are received, invoiced, and placed on display/shelves in a timely manner and in accordance with the plans sold in by local Sales Managers. This is a great opportunity for someone who is seeking to come in at the ground level with a growing beverage company.
   
   You will support our Area Sales Managers in all aspects of the sales cycle: developing and maintaining key accounts, identifying opportunities for growth, and fostering deeper customer relationships.
   
   A proactive approach to all aspects of customer service and development is a must!
   WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE:Account Relationships: You'll work with a set of specific retail store accounts. Your goal is to establish a good rapport with key individuals like store managers and receivers at each account You'll follow up regularly to ensure that consistent ordering takes place, current customers always have the product in stock, and that Hint looks GREAT on the shelves!Account Management: You'll ensure pricing and product are properly displayed. Creativity and attention to detail are key! You'll also learn about our business initiatives and communicate out of stocks, other issues, or possible opportunities to your local manager. Promotions & Point of Sale: A large portion of the role involves building and maintaining displays to drive sales. You'll assist Sales Managers with racks, coolers, push glides, and marketing banners as other sales spaces ensuring that Point of Sale and signage is up to date. Occasionally you'll replenish coolers and stock shelves using back stock to minimize out of stocks.Account Growth: You'll introduce local account managers to new flavor options available from distributors and help out with customer demos and local events. You'll sell in new flavors and additional SKU's when possible. Time & Territory Management: You'll plan your day with your Manager in order to hit all your accounts and give each customer an excellent Hint experience. You'll also communicate with District Managers to plan for promo weeks, displays, and other sales efforts. You'll track and monitor progress by consistently using CRM tools (Repsly) to document important info, take pictures and schedule follow-ups. Travel: A valid driver's license for this role. Some travel to other regions may be requested to support adjacent territories.
   WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU BRING:At least 1-2 years of relevant work experience preferred Ability to lift cases of water (approximately 20 lbs each) Push and pull carts carrying cases of water weighing up to 100 lbs Experience in the CPG industry, Hospitality/ Restaurant industry or Retail Industry preferred You have experience with Sales KPI's and know how to achieve quotas and goals You have excellent communication skills (written & verbal) You have strong organization and time management skills Independent & Reliable: You know how to take instruction and run with it to drive results Service-oriented: You love being of service to your team and your customers You thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment You strive to live an active and healthy lifestyle and want to help our customers do the same! A clean driving record is a must***
   WHAT WE OFFER:Salary starting at $42,500 based on territory and experience Bonus Eligible Equity Starting at 3 weeks PTOSick DaysPersonal DayCar allowance or company car (if applicable)100% of the employee and dependent healthcare premiums paid for by the company Life insurance (company-paid and voluntary) Flexible Spending Accounts 401K (regular and Roth)$150/month health and wellness reimbursement$100 monthly towards your cell phone and $50 monthly towards Internet (if applicable) Employee Discount on Hint Water
   
   ABOUT US:
   
   Hint is on a mission to help the world live a healthy lifestyle by helping people fall in love with water. The idea behind Hint is simple: pure water, nature's original refreshment, accented with fruit essence. No sugar, no diet sweeteners. EVER.
   
   Headquartered in San Francisco, Hint is looking for individuals to help us achieve our mission of healthier lifestyles for all. Hint is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
   
   Hint is committed to equal employment opportunity in all of its employment practices and makes employment decisions for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
   
   Subject to any legally required accommodations and applicable state or local law, Hint may require individuals in certain positions/locations to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or test as a condition of hire and continued employment.
   
   We are #NowHiring talented individuals across the United States to help us make healthier choices more enjoyable. We do not accept agency submissions. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Hint.
   
   Hint is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. Hint is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find merchandisers, sales for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any merchandisers, sales they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level merchandisers, sales with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your merchandiser, sales job on Zippia to find and recruit merchandiser, sales candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as salesjobs, salesheads, allretailjobs.com, sales trax.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit merchandisers, sales, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new merchandiser, sales

   Once you've found the merchandiser, sales candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new merchandiser, sales. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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