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The differences between merchandisers, sales and associate sales representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a merchandiser, sales and an associate sales representative. Additionally, an associate sales representative has an average salary of $51,007, which is higher than the $31,662 average annual salary of a merchandiser, sales.
The top three skills for a merchandiser, sales include excellent planning, wine and pallet jack. The most important skills for an associate sales representative are work ethic, patients, and product knowledge.
| Merchandiser, Sales | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Yearly salary | $31,662 | $51,007 |
| Hourly rate | $15.22 | $24.52 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 248,317 | 333,049 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Merchandiser sales representatives are responsible for maintaining the flow of products and managing shelves in retail stores or similar establishments. They are also responsible for devising strategies and promotional plans to increase brand awareness and boost product sales. Aside from this, they must remain updated with the latest marketing trends, monitor sales, and set the budget while maintaining inventory. Moreover, it is vital to reach out to customers and build rapport, all while implementing the policies and regulations of the company.
The duties of an associate sales representative depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Their responsibilities typically revolve around reaching out to clients through calls or door-to-door visits, offering products and services, collecting payments, addressing issues and concerns, and performing corrective measures when necessary. An associate sales representative often has a quota and deadline to reach; therefore, it is essential to be sales driven and goal-oriented. Furthermore, one must adhere to the policies and regulations of the company.
Merchandisers, sales and associate sales representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandiser, Sales | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Average salary | $31,662 | $51,007 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $41,000 | Between $37,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | Community Coffee | Verint |
| Best paying industry | Education | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a merchandiser, sales and an associate sales representative in terms of educational background:
| Merchandiser, Sales | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 42% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between merchandisers, sales' and associate sales representatives' demographics:
| Merchandiser, Sales | Associate Sales Representative | |
| Average age | 47 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 60.0% Female, 40.0% | Male, 50.8% Female, 49.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 5.2% White, 72.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 72.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 6% |