What does a Receiver do?
A receiver handles the receiving of items in a warehouse or backroom of a store, and ensures that the shipments are inspected, sorted and stored in the warehouse or stocked on shelves as needed. They need to keep up with invoices to make sure orders are correct. Receivers will monitor shelves to restock as needed and place orders for both inventory and shipping supplies when they are low.
To work as a receiver, the only education you need is a high school diploma. You can receive the training you need on the job. As a receiver, you need to have strong communication and organizational skills. You must be able to use computer software, mainly shipment tracking software to monitor shipments. You must be able to meet the physical requirements of this job such as bending, lifting heavy boxes and operating machinery.
- Receive shipments, check for damages and sort stock for distribution in the store
- Keep record of invoices sent and received
- Fill orders by taking items from the warehouse and prepare them for delivery
- Monitor shelves and fill them in when needed
- Keep up with the movement of merchandise in the store and warehouse
- Read planograms and set up store displays or rearrange merchandise according to them to maximize sales
- Place orders with suppliers when inventory is low and also order packing and shipping supplies when needed
- Contact supplier and resolve any shipping issues
- Must be able to bend and lift heavy boxes
- Fluent in English
- Ability to read planograms and set up merchandise and displays accordingly
- Well-organized, able to multitask but also attentive to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to think quickly and resolve issues
- Strong leadership skills to manage and motivate receiving employees and train new employees
- Knowledgeable in shipping management and transaction software, as well as MS Office
- Ability to operate forklifts, overhead cranes and similar equipment
Receiver Career Path
Learn how to become a Receiver, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Receiver Insights
Rice Resource Technologies“The pay is pretty rough and it's based on what you negotiate when you get hired.”
Fisher Barton“Management doesn’t see how much I actually do and not compensated as much as I feel I deserve.”
Publix“The pay is great and job duties it self is amazing but your going to have to work for the money.”
At Home“The team is way underpaid so the quality of the personnel you get is not that great.”
Steico Industries“Yearly reviews with pay raise based on your review but don't expect dollar raises.”
Turn 14 Distribution“Management is a bit rude with unrealistic expectations based on what you’re given to work with.”
Sprouts Farmers Market“Not enough resources or support is given to receiving to do their myriad of job responsibilities properly.”
The Pond Guy“Everyone I work with is so great and helpful.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Receiver
When working as a Receiver, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are English Language, Excellent Communication, Excellent Organizational, Attention To Detail and Urgency.
- Packer
- Material Handler
- Forklift Operator
- Warehouse Worker
The most common qualifications to become a Receiver is a minimum of a GED / High School Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.