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Product consultant vs store associate

The differences between product consultants and store associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a product consultant has an average salary of $93,452, which is higher than the $29,543 average annual salary of a store associate.

The top three skills for a product consultant include assists clients, product knowledge and drive sales. The most important skills for a store associate are sales floor, retail store, and inventory management.

Product consultant vs store associate overview

Product ConsultantStore Associate
Yearly salary$93,452$29,543
Hourly rate$44.93$14.20
Growth rate--
Number of jobs77,419495,423
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%High School Diploma, 35%
Average age4141
Years of experience--

What does a product consultant do?

A product consultant is an individual who collaborates with client managers and project managers to analyze client requirements and provide optimal products. Product consultants are required to leverage industry and product knowledge to answer customer inquiries and provide customer consultations. To maintain excellent customer service, product consultants should maintain courtesy and professionalism as well as attentive to product details. They must also train new consultants on product knowledge and communicate sales strategies to the field agents of the company across the region.

What does a store associate do?

A store associate is responsible for assisting customers with the products they need and recommending alternative goods that would fit their budget. Sales associates also market promotional offers and provide product descriptions to the customer. They also monitor inventories, stock supplies on the appropriate shelves, and ensure the cleanliness and orderliness of the store. Store associates also perform other administrative tasks as needed, such as creating sales reports, assisting in the counter, and helping customers on carrying their items.

Product consultant vs store associate salary

Product consultants and store associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Product ConsultantStore Associate
Average salary$93,452$29,543
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $129,000Between $24,000 And $36,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateCaliforniaNew York
Best paying companyGooglePro Football Hall of Fame
Best paying industryTechnologyRetail

Differences between product consultant and store associate education

There are a few differences between a product consultant and a store associate in terms of educational background:

Product ConsultantStore Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%High School Diploma, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Product consultant vs store associate demographics

Here are the differences between product consultants' and store associates' demographics:

Product ConsultantStore Associate
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 41.8% Female, 58.2%Male, 48.8% Female, 51.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 7.9% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 20.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 56.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between product consultant and store associate duties and responsibilities

Product consultant example responsibilities.

  • Provide SharePoint development and administration, budget and financial reporting; manage invoicing; and develop training manuals and user guides.
  • Experience with the PeopleSoft CRM module.
  • Operate a computerize cash register using POS system.
  • Use SQL to validate data and maintain the database.
  • Create SQL queries and reports for issue definition and resolution.
  • Experience using multiple CRM systems such as Salesforce and NetSuite.
  • Show more

Store associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage the appearance of the store in conjunction with the store priorities to present a desirable image of Aldi.
  • Work on the cash register, used calculators, POS machines and mental math.
  • Ensure that all cash handling are accurate and work with Ross' point-of-sale systems.
  • Put out freight as well as restocking the stock room, carrying 50 pound boxes up ladders.
  • Operate POS register and provide exceptional customer service.
  • Regulate profit margins, payroll, loss-prevention control and inventory management.
  • Show more

Product consultant vs store associate skills

Common product consultant skills
  • Assists Clients, 20%
  • Product Knowledge, 20%
  • Drive Sales, 15%
  • Learning Environment, 13%
  • Ensure Sales, 12%
  • Project Management, 2%
Common store associate skills
  • Sales Floor, 25%
  • Retail Store, 12%
  • Inventory Management, 9%
  • Cleanliness, 7%
  • Math, 5%
  • Strong Customer Service, 5%