Order Clerks job and career information

Career:
Order Clerk

Job Description: Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.

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What Order Clerks do:

Verify customer and order information for correctness, checking it against previously obtained information as necessary.
Obtain customers' names, addresses, and billing information, product numbers, and specifications of items to be purchased, and enter this information on order forms.
Inform customers by mail or telephone of order information, such as unit prices, shipping dates, and any anticipated delays.
Receive and respond to customer complaints.
File copies of orders received, or post orders on records.

Prepare invoices, shipping documents, and contracts.

Review orders for completeness according to reporting procedures and forward incomplete orders for further processing.

Direct specified departments or units to prepare and ship orders to designated locations.

Compute total charges for merchandise or services and shipping charges.

Confer with production, sales, shipping, warehouse, or common carrier personnel in order to expedite or trace shipments.

Check inventory records to determine availability of requested merchandise.

Recommend merchandise or services that will meet customers' needs.

Attempt to sell additional merchandise or services to prospective or current customers by telephone or through visits.

Notify departments when supplies of specific items are low, or when orders would deplete available supplies.

Calculate and compile order-related statistics, and prepare reports for management.

Collect payment for merchandise, record transactions, and send items such as checks or money orders for further processing.

Inspect outgoing work for compliance with customers' specifications.

Recommend type of packing or labeling needed on order.

Adjust inventory records to reflect product movement.

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What work activities does an Order Clerk do?

Importance		Activities
		Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

		Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
		Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
		Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
		Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
		Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
		Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.