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Returns Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Returns Associate information

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How much do returns associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for returns associate in Columbia, SC is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a returns associate?

Returns Associates are retail or warehouse employees responsible for handling returned merchandise. They process items that customers bring back, inspect them for quality and damage, update inventory systems, and ensure items are restocked, disposed of, or sent for repair as needed. Returns Associates often interact with customers to resolve concerns, enforce return policies, and help ensure a smooth returns process. Their role is vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and efficient inventory management.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a returns associate?

To thrive as a Returns Associate, you need strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with inventory management, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS), barcode scanners, and basic computer software is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and a customer-focused attitude are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that returned products are processed efficiently and accurately, maintaining inventory integrity and customer satisfaction.

What challenges does a returns associate face when processing returned items, and how can they manage them?

Returns Associates often deal with a high volume of returned products, each requiring careful inspection and documentation to determine the next steps. Common challenges include identifying items that do not meet return criteria, handling irate customers, and ensuring accuracy in record-keeping. To manage these challenges effectively, strong attention to detail, clear communication, and familiarity with company return policies are essential. Collaboration with warehouse staff and customer service teams is also crucial to streamline the process and maintain a positive customer experience.

What is the difference between Returns Associate vs Customer Service Representative?

Returns AssociateCustomer Service Representative
Handles product returns, exchanges, and refunds at retail or warehouse locationsProvides general customer support, answers inquiries, and resolves issues across various channels
Requires knowledge of return policies, inventory management, and POS systemsRequires communication skills, problem-solving, and product knowledge
Work environment often includes retail stores or warehousesWork environment includes call centers, retail stores, or online support
Commonly employed in retail, e-commerce, and logistics industriesEmployed across multiple industries including retail, telecom, and service sectors

While both roles involve customer interaction, a Returns Associate specializes in processing product returns and managing inventory, often within retail or warehouse settings. A Customer Service Representative handles a broader range of customer inquiries and support tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Returns Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Returns Associate job openings:

Returns Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Returns Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,307 per year, or $16 per hour.

FT Perishable Associate (540235)

Ahold Delhaize

Columbia, SC

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Ahold Delhaize USA rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 124 rated grocery stores

Job description

At Food Lion, Associates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion, and in return, we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training.

At Food Lion, Associates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion, and in return, we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training.

At Food Lion, Associates are the most important assets to our organization. We want associates to have meaningful careers full of variety and challenges. Each associate contributes to the overall success of Food Lion, and in return, we strive to provide all associates with a fulfilling work experience and reward performance and commitment. We are committed to the professional development of our associates through on-the-job learning opportunities and training

Food Lion provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions) national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please contact our Recruiting Department at recruiting@foodlion.com

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