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How an online merchant can use AI, task by task

O*NET 13-1199.06: Online MerchantsMedian pay $83,050/year (BLS, May 2025)34 tasksJob Zone 4: Considerable preparation

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.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Online Services Manager.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 31%AI-assist 61%Stays human 8%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 12 AI-ready, 20 AI-assist and 2 human-led tasks out of 34. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment.Handle the admin · Several times a day
  2. Fill customer orders by packaging sold items and documentation for direct shipping or by transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors.Handle the admin · Daily
  3. Correspond with online customers via electronic mail, telephone, or other electronic messaging to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods.Answer questions · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Receive and process payments from customers, using electronic transaction services.Hands-on work · Daily
  2. Maintain inventory of shipping supplies, such as boxes, labels, tape, bubble wrap, loose packing materials, or tape guns.Hands-on work · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 12

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Calculate purchase subtotals, taxes, and shipping costs for submission to customers.

Daily

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 55% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to calculate purchase subtotals, taxes, and shipping costs for submission to customers.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Task: [orders, coverage, quantities]
Data: [paste]

Calculate with formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Operational calculations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you calculate purchase subtotals and taxes (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Task] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate data to inform organizational operations..

Upload digital media, such as photos, video, or scanned images to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.

Weekly

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 77% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to upload digital media, such as photos, video, or scanned images to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.

Context: We use YouTube and Adobe Photoshop; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Purpose: [poster, newsletter, website section, ad]
Key message and audience: [describe]

Draft copy and a layout outline, plus 3 headline options. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Marketing materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you upload digital media (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Key message and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Choose a headline and edit the copy in your voice.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create marketing materials..

Create or maintain database of customer accounts.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 84% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to create or maintain database of customer accounts.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
System: [describe]
Data: [paste]

Draft entries in the required format. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Database records update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create or maintain database of customer accounts (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Recompute every total yourself.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain data in information systems or databases..

Compose descriptions of merchandise for posting to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.

Weekly

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to compose descriptions of merchandise for posting to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and YouTube; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Purpose: [poster, newsletter, website section, ad]
Key message and audience: [describe]

Draft copy and a layout outline, plus 3 headline options. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Marketing materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compose descriptions of merchandise (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Key message and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Choose a headline and edit the copy in your voice.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create marketing materials..

Calculate revenue, sales, and expenses, using financial accounting or spreadsheet software.

Weekly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 40% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to calculate revenue, sales, and expenses, using financial accounting or spreadsheet software.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Task: [orders, coverage, quantities]
Data: [paste]

Calculate with formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Operational calculations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you calculate revenue, sales and expenses (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Task] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate data to inform organizational operations..

Determine location for product listings to maximize exposure to online traffic.

Weekly

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 44% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to determine location for product listings to maximize exposure to online traffic.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and YouTube; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Purpose: [poster, newsletter, website section, ad]
Key message and audience: [describe]

Draft copy and a layout outline, plus 3 headline options. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Marketing materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine location (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Key message and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Choose a headline and edit the copy in your voice.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create marketing materials..

Measure and analyze Web site usage data to maximize search engine returns or refine customer interfaces.

Monthly

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to measure and analyze Web site usage data to maximize search engine returns or refine customer interfaces.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Question: [price reasonableness, cost trends, profitability]
Data: [paste proposals, reports, history]

Analyze, compare to benchmarks and give a recommendation. Show formulas. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Business data analysis

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure and analyze Web site usage data. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use it in your next negotiation or estimate.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze business or financial data..

Design customer interface of online storefront, using web programming or e-commerce software.

Monthly

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 38% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to design customer interface of online storefront, using web programming or e-commerce software.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and YouTube; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Purpose: [poster, newsletter, website section, ad]
Key message and audience: [describe]

Draft copy and a layout outline, plus 3 headline options. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Marketing materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you design customer interface of online storefront. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Key message and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Choose a headline and edit the copy in your voice.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Create marketing materials..

Participate in online forums or conferences to stay abreast of online retailing trends, techniques, or security threats.

Monthly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to participate in online forums or conferences to stay abreast of online retailing trends, techniques, or security threats.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Profession: [describe]
Area: [industry deals, safety rules, practice changes]

Brief me on what's new, how it affects my work, and where to keep up. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Professional update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you participate in online forums or conferences.
Step 2Fill in [Profession] and [Area] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Set up one way to keep up (newsletter, feed).

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Update professional knowledge..

Integrate online retailing strategy with physical or catalogue retailing operations.

Weekly

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to integrate online retailing strategy with physical or catalogue retailing operations.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and NetSuite ERP; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Goal: [more donors, regulatory approval, market share]
Situation: [audience, competitors, constraints, budget]

Draft 3 strategy options with tactics, costs, risks and measures of success, then recommend one. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Draft a strategy

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you integrate online retailing strategy (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Goal] and [Situation] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pressure-test the recommended option with one colleague before adopting it.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop business or market strategies..

Create or distribute offline promotional material, such as brochures, pamphlets, business cards, stationary, or signage.

Monthly

AI generates ideas and first drafts to choose from.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 33% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a brainstorming partner and first-draft machine for copy, concepts and variations. Your taste and judgment pick the winner.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to create or distribute offline promotional material, such as brochures, pamphlets, business cards, stationary, or signage.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and YouTube; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Purpose: [poster, newsletter, website section, ad]
Key message and audience: [describe]

Draft copy and a layout outline, plus 3 headline options. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Marketing materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create or distribute offline promotional material.
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Key message and audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Choose a headline and edit the copy in your voice.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Create marketing materials..

Investigate sources, such as auctions, estate sales, liquidators, wholesalers, or trade shows for new items, used items, or collectibles.

Monthly

AI maps out the topic and options; confirm with real sources.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 85% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a fast research assistant. Ask it to map out a topic, compare options or list what to check. Use a tool with web search and ask for its sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to investigate sources, such as auctions, estate sales, liquidators, wholesalers, or trade shows for new items, used items, or collectibles.

Context: We use Google Ads; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
What I'm buying: [product or service, specs, volume]
Criteria: [price, quality, lead time, support]

Give me a comparison framework, questions to ask each supplier, and red flags. Make a scoring table I can fill in.

10-minute exercise: Compare suppliers or products

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you investigate sources.
Step 2Fill in [What I'm buying] and [Criteria] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Send the supplier questions and score at least two suppliers in the table.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Obtain information about goods or services..

AI can help you prep these 20

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment.

Several times a day

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Transaction: [sale, lease, purchase]
Details: [describe]

Organize steps and documents. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Transaction processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment.
Step 2Fill in [Transaction] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

Fill customer orders by packaging sold items and documentation for direct shipping or by transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors.

Daily

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to fill customer orders by packaging sold items and documentation for direct shipping or by transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Transaction: [sale, lease, purchase]
Details: [describe]

Organize steps and documents. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Transaction processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you fill customer orders (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Transaction] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

Correspond with online customers via electronic mail, telephone, or other electronic messaging to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods.

Daily

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 55% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to correspond with online customers via electronic mail, telephone, or other electronic messaging to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods.

Context: We use Microsoft Dynamics and Shopify software; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Inquiries: [paste examples, no personal data]
Facts: [policies]

Draft reply templates. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Written responses

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you correspond with online customers (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Inquiries] and [Facts] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints..

Create, manage, or automate orders or invoices, using order management or invoicing software.

Daily

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to create, manage, or automate orders or invoices, using order management or invoicing software.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Products: [farm products, merchandise]
Requirements: [quality, quantity]

Organize a purchase plan. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Purchasing products

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create, manage, or automate orders or invoices (today).
Step 2Fill in [Products] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both. Recompute every total yourself.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Purchase products or services..

Determine and set product prices.

Daily

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 28% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to determine and set product prices.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Goods or services: [crops, merchandise, products]
Data: [cost, quality, market prices]

Recommend a value or price range with reasoning and formulas for mark-up or mark-down. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Value and pricing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine and set product prices (today).
Step 2Fill in [Goods or services] and [Data] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine the value of goods or services..

Cancel orders based on customer requests or inventory or delivery problems.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to cancel orders based on customer requests or inventory or delivery problems.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Transaction: [sale, lease, purchase]
Details: [describe]

Organize steps and documents. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Transaction processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you cancel orders based (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Transaction] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

Prepare or organize online storefront marketing material, including product descriptions or subject lines, optimizing content to search engine criteria.

Weekly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to prepare or organize online storefront marketing material, including product descriptions or subject lines, optimizing content to search engine criteria.

Context: We use Google Ads and Microsoft Dynamics; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Event: [conference, sponsorship]
Audience: [describe]

Draft promotional messages and outreach plan. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Event marketing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare or organize online storefront marketing material (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Event] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Market products, services, or events.. Also involves: Create marketing materials..

Purchase new or used items from online or physical sources for resale via retail or auction Web site.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to purchase new or used items from online or physical sources for resale via retail or auction Web site.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Products: [farm products, merchandise]
Requirements: [quality, quantity]

Organize a purchase plan. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Purchasing products

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you purchase new or used items (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Products] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Purchase products or services..

Order or purchase merchandise to maintain optimal inventory levels.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to order or purchase merchandise to maintain optimal inventory levels.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Products: [farm products, merchandise]
Requirements: [quality, quantity]

Organize a purchase plan. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Purchasing products

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you order or purchase merchandise (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Products] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Purchase products or services..

Promote products in online communities through weblog or discussion-forum postings, e-mail marketing programs, or online advertising.

Weekly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to promote products in online communities through weblog or discussion-forum postings, e-mail marketing programs, or online advertising.

Context: We use Google Ads and Microsoft Dynamics; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Event: [conference, sponsorship]
Audience: [describe]

Draft promotional messages and outreach plan. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Event marketing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you promote products (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Event] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Market products, services, or events..

Compose images of products, using video or still cameras, lighting equipment, props, or photo or video editing software.

Weekly

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to compose images of products, using video or still cameras, lighting equipment, props, or photo or video editing software.

Context: We use Adobe Photoshop and YouTube; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Subject: [product, property]
Use: [listing, appraisal, store]

Give a shot list, lighting and composition tips. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Product or property photos

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compose images of products (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Subject] and [Use] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Create images of data, locations, or products..

Investigate products or markets to determine areas for opportunity or viability for merchandising specific products, using online or offline sources.

Weekly

AI does the arithmetic and suggests what to look at; the conclusions are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 45% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can do the arithmetic, build the spreadsheet formula and suggest what to look at. Deciding what the numbers mean for your situation is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to investigate products or markets to determine areas for opportunity or viability for merchandising specific products, using online or offline sources.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Business: [describe]
Options: [investments, improvements]

Compare options on cost, benefit and risk in a table. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Strategic opportunity scan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you investigate products or markets (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Business] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Identify strategic business investment opportunities..

Collaborate with search engine shopping specialists to place marketing content in desired online locations.

Monthly

AI preps talking points and practice; the relationship is yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps you: talking points, objection handling, tailored outreach and negotiation scenarios. The relationship and reading the room are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to collaborate with search engine shopping specialists to place marketing content in desired online locations.

Context: We use Google Ads and Microsoft Dynamics; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Event: [conference, sponsorship]
Audience: [describe]

Draft promotional messages and outreach plan. Keep claims honest, list likely objections with responses, and role-play the other side so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Event marketing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with search engine shopping specialists.
Step 2Fill in [Event] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Ask for feedback on your answers and write down your best line for the real conversation.

Make sure every claim AI writes about your product is true and allowed. Over-promising is on you.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Market products, services, or events..

Disclose merchant information and terms and policies of transactions in online or offline materials.

Weekly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to disclose merchant information and terms and policies of transactions in online or offline materials.

Context: We use Microsoft Dynamics and Shopify software; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Inquiries: [paste examples, no personal data]
Facts: [policies]

Draft reply templates. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Written responses

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you disclose merchant information and terms and policies of transactions (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Inquiries] and [Facts] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints..

Develop or revise business plans for online business, emphasizing factors such as product line, pricing, inventory, or marketing strategy.

Monthly

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 39% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to develop or revise business plans for online business, emphasizing factors such as product line, pricing, inventory, or marketing strategy.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and NetSuite ERP; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Plan: [fundraising, product lifecycle, business]
Inputs: [goals, costs, resources]

Draft the plan with activities, timeline, budget and targets. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Business or fundraising plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop or revise business plans for online business.
Step 2Fill in [Plan] and [Inputs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop financial or business plans..

Implement security practices to preserve assets, minimize liabilities, or ensure customer privacy, using parallel servers, hardware redundancy, fail-safe technology, information encryption, or firewalls.

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to implement security practices to preserve assets, minimize liabilities, or ensure customer privacy, using parallel servers, hardware redundancy, fail-safe technology, information encryption, or firewalls.

Context: We use Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft .NET Framework; the work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Need: [cost monitoring, project tracking]
Data sources: [describe]

Design the system: data model, reports, and spreadsheet or database setup. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Reporting or tracking system

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you implement security practices to preserve assets. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Need] and [Data sources] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Build it with last month's real data and check the totals. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop business or financial information systems..

Initiate online auctions through auction hosting sites or auction management software.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to initiate online auctions through auction hosting sites or auction management software.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Transaction: [sale, lease, purchase]
Details: [describe]

Organize steps and documents. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Transaction processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you initiate online auctions (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Transaction] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

Transfer digital media, such as music, video, or software, to customers via the Internet.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to transfer digital media, such as music, video, or software, to customers via the Internet.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Transaction: [sale, lease, purchase]
Details: [describe]

Organize steps and documents. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Transaction processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you transfer digital media (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Transaction] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

Select and purchase technical web services, such as web hosting services, online merchant accounts, shopping cart software, payment gateway software, or spyware.

A few times a year

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to select and purchase technical web services, such as web hosting services, online merchant accounts, shopping cart software, payment gateway software, or spyware.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Products: [farm products, merchandise]
Requirements: [quality, quantity]

Organize a purchase plan. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Purchasing products

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select and purchase technical web services. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Products] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both. Recompute every total yourself.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Purchase products or services..

Devise, select, or purchase domain name and web address.

A few times a year

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 23% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to devise, select, or purchase domain name and web address.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Products: [farm products, merchandise]
Requirements: [quality, quantity]

Organize a purchase plan. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Purchasing products

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you devise, select, or purchase domain name and web address.
Step 2Fill in [Products] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Purchase products or services.. Also involves: Create marketing materials..

These stay human 2

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day · Dealing with the public: very important

Receive and process payments from customers, using electronic transaction services.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to receive and process payments from customers, using electronic transaction services.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Payments: [cash, checks]
Rules: [deposits]

List handling and deposit steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Payment handling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you receive and process payments (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Payments] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collect payments for goods or services..

Maintain inventory of shipping supplies, such as boxes, labels, tape, bubble wrap, loose packing materials, or tape guns.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an online merchant. Part of my job is to maintain inventory of shipping supplies, such as boxes, labels, tape, bubble wrap, loose packing materials, or tape guns.

Context: The work draws on sales and marketing, communications and media and economics and accounting.
Resources: [property, facilities]
Needs: [describe]

Plan allocation and disposal. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Resource allocation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain inventory of shipping supplies (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Resources] and [Needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Allocate physical resources within organizations..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Thinking Creatively
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.6/5
    Used in: Performing Administrative Activities
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Selling or Influencing Others
  • Writingimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Performing Administrative Activities

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

Bachelor's degree is most common (41% of workers)

  • High school or less 33%
  • Certificate or some college 21%
  • Associate's 5%
  • Bachelor's 41%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Adobe PhotoshopAJAXApple macOSC#Extensible markup language XMLFacebookGoogle AnalyticsHypertext markup language HTMLIntuit QuickBooksJavaScriptjQueryLinux

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