Online Merchant

Your Fit

Income

$81K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Online Merchant?

An Online Merchant is a professional who manages the sale of products or services over the internet. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the e-commerce business, from product selection and presentation to customer service and order fulfillment.

Sample job titles:

Online Services Manager

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Online Merchant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Online Merchant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$61K per year	$81K per year	$110K per year	$148K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $32K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Online Merchant do?

Work environment

Online Merchants typically work in an office setting, although the nature of the job allows for flexibility, including the possibility of working remotely. Their work involves significant use of computers and e-commerce platforms. They may work independently, especially if running their own business, or as part of a larger e-commerce team in a company.

Quick task list

Selects and sources products to sell online.
Manages website content and ensures product listings are attractive and accurate.
Oversees order processing, shipping, and returns.
Handles customer service inquiries and issues.
Analyzes sales data to optimize product offerings and marketing strategies.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Product Sourcing: Specializing in finding and acquiring unique or profitable products.
E-commerce Marketing: Focusing on digital marketing strategies to drive online sales.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Managing customer interactions and enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
E-commerce Analytics: Analyzing data to make informed decisions about product trends and customer preferences.
Supply Chain Management: Overseeing the logistics of product storage and delivery.

Description

Online Merchants must have a keen eye for market trends and consumer needs, constantly adapting their product offerings to stay competitive. They need to understand the dynamics of online sales, including marketing, SEO, and the use of various e-commerce platforms. Being tech-savvy is crucial, as much of the work involves digital tools for website management, order processing, and data analysis.

Strong customer service skills are essential, as online merchants often interact directly with customers, handling inquiries and resolving complaints. They must also be skilled in managing inventory and supply chains, ensuring that products are available and delivered efficiently.

This career requires a combination of creativity and analytical skills. Online Merchants need to be creative in marketing and presenting products, while also being able to analyze sales data and financial reports to guide business decisions.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The autonomy of running an online business and making independent decisions.
The creativity involved in product selection, marketing, and presentation.
The opportunity to directly see the impact of one's work on business growth and customer satisfaction.

You might make a good Online Merchant if you are...

Entrepreneurial, with a passion for starting and growing a business.
Tech-savvy, comfortable with e-commerce platforms and digital marketing tools.
A strong communicator, adept at customer service and negotiation.
Analytical, able to interpret sales data to make strategic decisions.
Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

Pros:

Flexibility in work location and hours.
High potential for growth in the expanding e-commerce sector.
Direct control over business decisions and creative processes.

Cons:

Can involve unpredictable work hours, especially during peak sales periods.
Requires keeping up with rapidly changing technology and consumer trends.
Risk of financial instability, especially in the early stages of the business.

How to become an Online Merchant

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field is commonly required, which amounts to about 4 years of post-secondary education. However, successful online merchants can also emerge from non-traditional educational backgrounds, especially with strong experience in e-commerce or retail.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies to understand basic business principles.
Computer Science for skills in website management and online tools.
Economics to grasp market trends and consumer behavior.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in entrepreneurship clubs or business competitions.
Starting a small online business or blog to gain practical experience.
Engaging in digital marketing or web design projects.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
Gaining experience through internships in e-commerce or retail settings.
Attending workshops or courses in digital marketing, SEO, and e-commerce platforms.

More resources

E-Commerce Association (ECA) - Offers resources, networking opportunities, and industry insights for online merchants and e-commerce professionals.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - A tool for career exploration and job analysis, including information about the role of an Online Merchant.
National Retail Federation (NRF) - Provides insights, education, and networking for professionals in the retail industry, including e-commerce.
Shopify Ecommerce University - Offers a range of resources and educational materials for individuals looking to start or grow an online business.
Internet Retailer - Provides news, analysis, and research on e-commerce trends and best practices for online merchants.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.