Packer: What is the cost of hiring?

What is a Packer?

A Packer collects items from storage areas and puts them in packaging to be sent to customers. They review the orders and verify that all items are gathered correctly. The job may also include documentation requirements like updating inventory records or adding delivery notes.

Why hire a Packer

Packers help streamline your fulfillment process, reduce errors and support customer satisfaction. Their attention to detail can prevent incorrect or damaged items from being shipped, saving your company money on returns and replacements.

Contributions of a great Packer:

• Efficient and accurate order fulfillment
• Fewer packing errors and product returns
• Improved inventory accuracy and workflow reliability

Defining your hiring needs for a Packer

As you decide how to hire a Packer, defining your hiring needs helps guide the selection process. Identify the employment type, which could be full-time, part-time or temporary, depending on your shipping volume and budget for the role.

It’s also helpful to clarify whether the role includes both picking and packing responsibilities or is focused solely on packaging. Related positions may include Warehouse Associate or Fulfillment Associate.

What are the types of Packers?

Packers may specialize based on facility type, automation level or task scope. Common role types include:

• General Warehouse Packer: Focuses on placing products into packaging, applying labels, preparing items for shipment and may assist with sealing or stacking packages.
• Picker/Packer: Combines order picking and packing responsibilities, commonly seen in smaller warehouses where cross-training is valued.
• Automated Packer: Works alongside packaging machinery, ensuring proper machine setup and monitoring quality as items are processed.

When writing your Packer job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on Packer jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Warehouse
• Packer
• Package Handler
• Warehouse Packer
• Packaging
• Warehouse Associate
• Picker Packer
• Production
• Manufacturing

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Where to find a Packer

Packers can be found through general labor job boards, staffing agencies, vocational schools and community job centers. Connecting with local employment programs, attending job fairs or partnering with workforce development initiatives can help you find candidates.

To find the right Packer for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

• Staffing agencies: Using a temp-to-hire framework helps you satisfy short-term hiring needs and identify temporary employees to hire full time.
• Paid advertisements: Targeted online and print ads can help you reach prospective job seekers based on geographical location and skills. 
• Social media posts: Expand your reach online by posting on your existing social media platforms. 
• Referrals: Your current team might have contacts who would be a good fit for the role. You can create an employee referral program to incentivize the referrals. 
• Post your job online: Try posting your Packer job on Indeed to find and attract quality candidates.

Skills to look for in a Packer

A successful Packer candidate will typically have the following skills and competencies, which may be gained through a variety of experiences, training or education:

• Experience operating packaging equipment, such as shrink-wrap machines and vacuum-packing equipment
• Ability to move products from storage areas and place them in the designated packaging
• Familiarity with inventory management software like Zoho Inventory and ShipHero
• Quality assurance skills used to identify any damages or issues with products as they are picked and packed
• Ease using labeling and postage equipment

Writing a Packer job description

Now that you know the key skills, salary expectations, popular job seeker search terms and hiring insights for a Packer, you’re ready to write a job description.

A Packer job description typically includes a compelling summary of the role, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position. You may also want to include information about your company culture, benefits and perks to attract candidates to your open role.

Ready to get started? See our full guide for writing Packer job descriptions.

Interviewing Packer candidates

Strong candidates for Packer positions will be confident answering questions about:

• Managing inventory effectively
• Identifying and reporting quality issues with the products
• Operating packing equipment safely
• Verifying the accuracy of orders and the items being packed