Top 8 Role and Responsibilities of Merchandiser

Responsibilities of Merchandiser

The responsibilities of merchandiser are to coordinate all the work, from taking an order for a style or garment to shipment. A merchandiser is a buyer, supplier, design team, sample team, an entire commercial team including expert import, procurement team, production team, IE team, store department, washing department, testing lab, finishing team, and quality team to coordinate with everyone.

Type of Merchandiser

Merchandisers can be classified in various ways. If we consider the product, there are three types of merchandisers

• Oven Merchandiser
• Knit Merchandiser
• Sweater Merchandiser

Usually, there needs to be more mixing up in this case. That is, the oven merchandiser deals only with oven items. However, the same merchandiser can work on different things in smaller companies and buying offices simultaneously.

If we talk about the Responsibilities of merchandiser, there are two types of merchandisers.

• Development Merchandiser
• Production Merchandiser

This classification, however, varies from company to company. For example, in many companies, a merchandiser handles the entire execution of an order from the development stage alone. Again, in many places, the development merchandiser only looks after the development part, and the production merchandiser looks after the entire execution part. Factory merchandisers are also seen in some companies. They usually sit in the factory, and their job is to coordinate production with the factory from head office to merchandiser development, approval, and booking. If we consider the workplace, there are two types of merchandisers.

• Vendor Merchandiser ( Company Merchandiser)
• Buying Office Merchandiser

Buying office merchandising is a prestigious job, whether a multinational buying office or a good liaison office. Small buying offices lose jobs due to low orders or minor mistakes. My merchandising was vendor merchandising.

Qualifications of a merchandiser?

There was a time when anyone could enter merchandising, but now most companies prefer a textile background. That’s not to say that other backgrounds aren’t taking it. Two things are essential when it comes to merchandising. One is proficiency in English, and the second is working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.

We have an inertia in communicating in English; in many cases, there are several areas for improvement. And since Excel has no function, we are not aware of it at all. That’s why freshers who still need to learn Microsoft Excel should know it now. It is straightforward. Excel video tutorials are available in Bengali on YouTube. From there, if you practice for a few days, you will master the basics of Excel.

• Analytical Skills: Merchandisers must be able to analyze sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior to make informed decisions.
• Negotiation Skills: Merchandisers negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to ensure the best possible deals.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with internal teams, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Market Trends: Merchandisers must stay updated on industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitor strategies to remain competitive.

Roll & Responsibilities of Merchandiser

1. Commutation with Buyer

Responsibilities of merchandiser The first step is that if your company has already worked with an Established Buyer, then in that case (depending on the Buyer’s country), they will send you a Style Sketch, trim sheet, and measurement sheet in the mail. Your primary task will be to analyze the file after receiving it and get clarification from the Buyer on all matters so that you can later send him the development sample according to their exact costing and expectations.

2. Communication with suppliers

After getting all the clarifications from the Buyer, your job will be to find out the price of everything according to the trim sheet from the suppliers of Fabrics and trims and collect the required sample yardage & embellishments for making the development sample, besides knowing the Production Lead Time of these things.

3. Preparation of price and schedule according to time

After knowing the Price and production Lead Time from the suppliers, your task will be to prepare the Costing & TNA (Time and action Calendar) accordingly and send it to the Buyer by mail. In this case, you need to consider the price of Fabric and trims and the ancillary costs, including Fabric Consumption, CM (Cost of making) Cost, Wash Cost, Lab test Cost, Commercial Cost, and Shipping cost.

4. Sample Development

Apart from preparing the costing, you have to make the Sample according to the Sketch & trim sheet received from the Buyer. First, you need to create a Proto/Development Sample. After that, other samples with Color run/Wash down should be made and sent as per the Buyer’s Comments and requirements. I will give an idea about different types of samples in another episode.

5. Trims accessories booking

After sending the Costing and development sample, if your Quoted Costing/Price matches the Buyer’s Target Price and the Workmanship of the Development Sample sent by you is Satisfactory, then the Buyer will confirm the Order. After receiving the order confirmation, your first task will be to book the Fabric. Apart from that, you have to book different trims with the approval of other ornaments or according to the trim sheet.

6. Submission of various types of samples

After Order Confirmation, you have to send different samples like Fit Sample/Wash Down Sample/Marketing Sample, etc., according to other buyers’ requirements. We will discuss various models another day.

7. Supply Chain and Commercial Activities follow-up

Merchandising is all about follow-up. To be a good merchandiser, you need to be a good planner along with follow-up and can manage everything. However, many companies have a separate department called the Supply Chain Department, which does the work of Commercial Activities and materials in-house after booking the merchandiser. In many companies, you, the merchandiser, will do this critical responsibility.

8. Production follow-up

If the production is correct and the shipment reaches the valid number at the right time, your performance is zero. Not just Zero, but a big Zero. So run the production properly, PP meeting, Vessel Booking, Daily Sewing is being done correctly, Washing is being done correctly at the Washing Plant, Finishing is being done from the wash, Submission for Garment Lab Test when the Final Inspection Offers is being made, everything before that. An ideal merchandiser must follow up on whether they have been adequately prepared.

Conclusion

The merchandiser’s responsibilities are beyond telling how many other jobs are outside this sector. Whoever works in the department in this sector needs to be trained for his specific work. But a merchandiser has to tension everything and work with all departments. In other jobs, some limited work is required, but in merchandising, you must spend the whole day with everything in mind. This profession is challenging at the same time due to the variety of work.

Also Read: Merchandiser In Garments Industry: A Comprehensive Overview

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)