BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasOnline Merchants

O*NET · 13-1199.06

Online Merchants

Conduct retail activities of businesses operating exclusively online. May perform duties such as preparing business strategies, buying merchandise, managing inventory, implementing marketing activities, fulfilling and shipping online orders, and balancing financial records.

Also called E-Commerce Account Manager · E-Commerce Administrator · E-Commerce Analyst · E-Commerce Assistant · E-Commerce Associate · E-Commerce Business Analyst · E-Commerce Business Channel Specialist · E-Commerce Clerk
39 more

E-Commerce Coordinator · E-Commerce Developer · E-Commerce Digital Marketing Manager · E-Commerce Digital Marketing Manager (Electronic Commerce Digital Marketing Manager) · E-Commerce Manager · E-Commerce Marketing Manager · E-Commerce Merchandiser · E-Commerce Merchant · E-Commerce Operations Manager · E-Commerce Personal Shopper · E-Commerce Product Manager · E-Commerce Project Manager · E-Commerce Retailer · E-Commerce Sales Analyst · E-Commerce Sales Associate · E-Commerce Sales Clerk · E-Commerce Sales Coordinator · E-Commerce Sales Manager · E-Commerce Sales Product Manager · E-Commerce Sales Specialist · E-Commerce Specialist · E-Commerce Supervisor · E-Merchant · E-tailer · Fulfillment Associate · Internet Merchant · Internet Retailer · Marketplace Manager · Merchandiser · Online Merchant · Online Retailer · Online Services Manager · Personal Shopper · Retail E-Commerce Sales Associate · Sales Associate · Store E-Commerce Supervisor · Transaction Coordinator · Web Merchant · Web Retailer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code CER35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Accountants and Auditors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CERConventional · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.97
  • E Enterprising5.78
  • R Realistic2.42
  • S Social2.32
  • A Artistic1.88
  • I Investigative1.61

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent33%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate12%
  • Some College Courses9%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
  • Bachelor's Degree41%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (27%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Listeningbasic3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Service Orientation3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Writingbasic3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Persuasion3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Negotiation3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
  • Social Perceptiveness3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Mathematicsbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
Show the other 23
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Management of Financial Resources2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Prepare and manage a budget for a short-term project
  • Active Learningbasic2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Time Management2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Management of Material Resources2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Systems Evaluation2.63.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Systems Analysis2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Programming2.41.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Instructing2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Operations Analysis2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Operations Monitoring1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Technology Design1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Quality Control Analysis1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Equipment Selection1.3—
  • Operation and Control1.3—
  • Repairing1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Installation1.1—
  • Troubleshooting1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—

Tasks

24 core · 10 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Fill customer orders by packaging sold items and documentation for direct shipping or by transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors.4.6
  2. Create, manage, or automate orders or invoices, using order management or invoicing software.4.5
  3. Receive and process payments from customers, using electronic transaction services.4.5
  4. Deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment.4.4
  5. Correspond with online customers via electronic mail, telephone, or other electronic messaging to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods.4.4
  6. Purchase new or used items from online or physical sources for resale via retail or auction Web site.4.4
  7. Determine and set product prices.4.3
  8. Calculate purchase subtotals, taxes, and shipping costs for submission to customers.4.3
  9. Compose descriptions of merchandise for posting to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.4.3
  10. Upload digital media, such as photos, video, or scanned images to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.4.2
  11. Compose images of products, using video or still cameras, lighting equipment, props, or photo or video editing software.4.2
  12. Calculate revenue, sales, and expenses, using financial accounting or spreadsheet software.4.2
Show the other 22
  1. Order or purchase merchandise to maintain optimal inventory levels.4.1
  2. Cancel orders based on customer requests or inventory or delivery problems.4.1
  3. Prepare or organize online storefront marketing material, including product descriptions or subject lines, optimizing content to search engine criteria.4.1
  4. Create or maintain database of customer accounts.3.9
  5. Promote products in online communities through weblog or discussion-forum postings, e-mail marketing programs, or online advertising.3.9
  6. Determine location for product listings to maximize exposure to online traffic.3.9
  7. Collaborate with search engine shopping specialists to place marketing content in desired online locations.3.8
  8. Investigate products or markets to determine areas for opportunity or viability for merchandising specific products, using online or offline sources.3.8
  9. Maintain inventory of shipping supplies, such as boxes, labels, tape, bubble wrap, loose packing materials, or tape guns.3.7
  10. Measure and analyze Web site usage data to maximize search engine returns or refine customer interfaces.3.6
  11. Develop or revise business plans for online business, emphasizing factors such as product line, pricing, inventory, or marketing strategy.3.6
  12. Disclose merchant information and terms and policies of transactions in online or offline materials.3.3
  13. Design customer interface of online storefront, using web programming or e-commerce software.4.4
  14. Select and purchase technical web services, such as web hosting services, online merchant accounts, shopping cart software, payment gateway software, or spyware.4.0
  15. Transfer digital media, such as music, video, or software, to customers via the Internet.3.9
  16. Initiate online auctions through auction hosting sites or auction management software.3.8
  17. Devise, select, or purchase domain name and web address.3.8
  18. Investigate sources, such as auctions, estate sales, liquidators, wholesalers, or trade shows for new items, used items, or collectibles.3.5
  19. Implement security practices to preserve assets, minimize liabilities, or ensure customer privacy, using parallel servers, hardware redundancy, fail-safe technology, information encryption, or firewalls.3.5
  20. Participate in online forums or conferences to stay abreast of online retailing trends, techniques, or security threats.3.4
  21. Integrate online retailing strategy with physical or catalogue retailing operations.3.4
  22. Create or distribute offline promotional material, such as brochures, pamphlets, business cards, stationary, or signage.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English Language4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Sales and Marketing4.05.2Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Customer and Personal Service3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administration and Management3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Communications and Media3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Computers and Electronics3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administrative3.44.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Economics and Accounting3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
Show all 33
  • Mathematics3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Production and Processing3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Design2.62.8
  • Telecommunications2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Education and Training2.33.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Mechanical2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Psychology1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Public Safety and Security1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Building and Construction1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Fine Arts1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Transportation1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Foreign Language1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Geography1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Law and Government1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Physics1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Chemistry1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Biology1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Written Comprehension3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral Expression3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Written Expression3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.6
  • Near Vision3.43.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech Clarity3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
Show all 52
  • Speech Recognition3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.13.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category Flexibility3.03.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of Ideas3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility3.03.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Selective Attention2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Finger Dexterity2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Far Vision2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of Closure2.32.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Memorization2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Perceptual Speed2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure2.12.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Auditory Attention1.60.9
  • Depth Perception1.60.9
  • Manual Dexterity1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Trunk Strength1.40.6
  • Static Strength1.3—
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.3—
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Extent Flexibility1.1—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.1—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Control Precision1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.74.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing Information4.04.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.85.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Thinking Creatively3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.92.8
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.82.6
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Training and Teaching Others2.72.8
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.42.6
  • Developing and Building Teams2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.32.9
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.1—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.3
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.2
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.2
  • Spend Time Sitting4.2

Technology

76 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Google Analyticshot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Shopify software

Hot (25; 4 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • AJAX
  • Apple macOS
  • C#
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Facebook
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • Linux
  • Microsoft .NET Framework
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • MySQL
  • Oracle Java
  • PHP
  • Structured query language SQL
Show the other 1
  • WordPress
Other tools (46)
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Apache Solr
  • Apache Struts
  • Bing Ads
  • Bing for Power BI
  • Blogging software
  • CCBill
  • Content management systems CMS
  • Drupal
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • e-check software
  • Enterprise JavaBeans
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • Financial accounting software
  • Google Ads
  • Google Checkout
  • IBM Digital Analytics
  • IBM Domino
  • IBM InfoSphere DataStage
  • IBM WebSphere
  • Intuit QuickBoooks Payments
  • Inventory tracking software
  • JamBoard
  • LAMP Stack
  • Magento Analytics
  • Microsoft Dynamics
  • Mobile application software
  • MyCommerce RegNow
  • NetSuite ERP
  • Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
  • PayPal
  • PayPal Zettle
  • ProPay payment processing software
  • Relational database management software
  • Screencast-O-Matic
  • Search engine marketing SEM software
  • Search engine optimization SEO software
  • Search engine results pages SERP software
  • Shipment processing software
  • Snorasson Holdings CCNow
  • Square
  • Tax software
  • Twitter
  • Web browser software
  • Webtrends software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Marketing Managers
  2. Sales Managers
  3. Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
  4. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
  5. Advertising Sales Agents
  6. Advertising and Promotions Managers
  7. Search Marketing Strategists
  8. Business Intelligence Analysts
  9. Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
  10. Purchasing Managers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.