Order clerks take and process orders for materials, merchandise, and services.

Order clerks receive orders by phone, mail, e-mail, and other electronic methods. First, clerks ask customers for specific information, such as their name, address, and credit card or account number. They ask customers for the product number and number of items they wish to purchase.

As clerks enter the order, the computer tells them if the products are in stock and how much they cost. If items are back-ordered, clerks tell customers the expected arrival date. If customers cannot wait for items to arrive, clerks suggest similar products. Clerks who take orders from businesses rather than individuals occasionally give price estimates and stock checks for entire jobs, not just single items.

Once orders are placed, clerks route them to the departments that will send out or deliver the items. Clerks notify departments when inventories are low or when orders will use up supplies.

Clerks review orders for completeness. If information is missing or cannot be read, clerks call the customer. Clerks respond to customers if they request information about shipping dates or prices. Once orders are complete, clerks process the checks and money orders.

Clerks prepare invoices and shipping documents to make sure they are filed correctly. They may also create reports for management about past orders.

Some order clerks examine orders before they are shipped. They compare the items in boxes against the packing lists. When they find incomplete or incorrect orders, clerks send them back for correction. Clerks may also track down missing and late merchandise.

Order clerks listen to and resolve customers' complaints. Order clerks are also called order-entry clerks, order processors, or order takers.