A stock taker tracks inventory in a business, creating a master list of items and their value. They may use scanning devices or manual methods. Minimal requirements include a high school education, basic math and communication skills, and on-the-job training. The pay is usually low to start, but there is potential for promotion.
A stock taker is a person who specializes in tracking inventory in a retail establishment, factory, warehouse or other business. The stock taker may work for that company, or he may work for an independent inventory company that will visit a company for a set period of time to take inventory of all the items in that space. These professionals will create a master list of items in the store or business, as well as the value of each item, items that are not salable or usable, and so on.
Sometimes the inventory buyer conducts the inventory process manually, which means that they physically handle each item and record it on paper. In other cases, the inventory buyer will use scanning devices to verify the barcodes on each item; Items are automatically registered on a computer system. The latter method is much faster and less labor-intensive overall, but requires each item in a store or business to be labeled with a barcode. If an item does not have a barcode to read, it can be manually entered into the computer or a barcode can be generated for the item, but these corrections will require additional time and effort.
The requirements that a person must meet to become a stock taker are quite minimal. Typically, a high school education or equivalent qualification is the only basic requirement, although on-the-job training is also required to learn how to use scanning devices, how to inventory items, and how to adhere to all other practices instituted by the inventory company. Some businesses may require the potential buyer of inventory to possess a driver’s license so they can also travel to various locations for inventory. Basic math skills will be required to work on this job, as well as basic communication skills. Computer skills are also generally desired or necessary as the inventory staff works with computerized handheld units as well as various computer software.
The payout for a stock taker position is usually quite low to start with. Minimum wage is common for this position, although many companies pay slightly better than minimum wage for inventory collection services. Inventory participants can be promoted to supervisory or other more senior positions fairly quickly, provided they undergo the appropriate training and exhibit an exemplary work ethic.
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