Ice seller

An ice vendor is a specialist who sells ice in various forms: food, technical, decorative or natural. In the modern context, this may be a seller of packaged ice in supermarkets, a supplier of ice for restaurants and events, or — in a more traditional and rare version — a person who extracts natural ice from mountain glaciers, as is still practiced in some regions of South America and Asia.

While in the middle of the last century these specialists were in demand for household needs, with the widespread use of refrigerators, the need for them disappeared by itself.

in its classic form, the profession died out. However, some of the representatives of the profession decided to retrain as ice sculpture makers.

Medical requirements

Good physical health: the work may involve carrying heavy objects, prolonged exposure to cold.

Absence of chronic diseases associated with the respiratory system (due to contact with cold).

Vision and coordination are especially important when working with equipment or packing ice.

Regular medical examinations are mandatory when working with food products.

Psychological requirements

Stress resistance - especially when working with clients or in conditions of high seasonal load.

Attentiveness and accuracy - when packing, storing and transporting ice.

Responsibility - especially when observing sanitary standards.

Communication skills - important for sellers in retail outlets.

Education and qualification requirements

Special higher education is not required.

Desirable: courses in sanitary standards, safety precautions, basics of trade.

For work in the food industry - a medical book and hygiene certificates.

In the case of natural ice extraction - mountaineering skills, orientation, physical training.

Average salaries around the world (in US dollars)
Country Average ice salesman salary (per month)
USA $2,500–$3,200
Canada $2,200–$2,800
Germany $2,000–$2,600
India $300–$600
Peru (mountain ice) $25–$60 per trip + $60 as a guide
Russia $400–$700

Salaries vary depending on the format of work: retail, delivery, natural ice mining, seasonality.

Occupational diseases

Ice sellers face a number of risks similar to those common to trade professions3:

Hypothermia and frostbite (when working in freezing temperatures or in refrigerated chambers)

Varicose veins, thrombosis - due to prolonged standing

Flat feet, foot pain - from uncomfortable shoes

Stress, insomnia - with high loads

Hypertension, tachycardia - from nervous tension

Gastritis, cholecystitis - due to irregular meals

Related professions
Ice cream seller

Beverage and refrigerated product seller

Refrigerated warehouse worker

Food packer

Merchandiser

Sales consultant

Ice ax (in the traditional context - a natural ice miner)

Glacier guide (in tourist regions)