Essential Qualities to be a Good Merchandiser

He who wishes to be a good merchandiser and curious to do the job in the apparel industry or buying house should acquire some particular quality to become success. He should have strong determination from early life and get prepared to obtain the goals. It will be easy those who have deep eagerness to gather knowledge in apparel merchandising.

 If someone got expertise on apparel merchandising through practical task can desire high salary within a short time and it will be exceeded his expectation.

 If you wish to become an efficient merchandiser then you should prepare yourself by following guideline. Here I have tried to compile all of these for your easy understanding. Someone can be a good merchandiser if he loves this task deeply otherwise his dreams may not come true.

Merchandising

 1. A merchandiser has to communicate with bunch of parties. They should have sound skill in written and spoken English. Skill on other language may give them additional advantage. Excellent communication skill can expedite their career graph. Strong negotiation skills, visual and analytic abilities would be a plus point.

 2. Knowledge about Computer literacy, Excellent in data searching through internet browsing and smart e-mail correspondence skill require to minimize workload.

 3. A good merchandiser has to be a good planner also. He should maintain a critical path, time and action plan strictly to hit the delivery date. He needs to be tricky and expert to handle bottleneck situation smartly.

 4. Acquire good knowledge of consumption and costing. They should know manual consumption and instant costing to obtain bulk order from bidding. He or she also needs to be a creative and innovative thinker.

 5. If you have strong educational background that can help you to become a leader in this arena. If you have fashion design or textile engineering background that will be well and good, but if you come from general line then try to get high school diploma or certificate course on apparel merchandising to develop individual skills as to be a good merchandiser. Academic degree will give you strong support to escalate your position.

 6. Merchandiser has to make decision quickly. So he should be smart, intelligent; strong enough in personality and excellent behaviors.

 7. They should have information of all Spinning mills, knitting mills, dyeing factories with their M/C and production capacity.

 8. Know all sorts of knitted and woven fabrics as well as knitting/weaving patterns to make development.

 Knitted fabrics: The knitting patterns are Single jersey, Rib, Terry, Variable ribs, Drop needle, Interlock Pique, Fleece etc.

Woven fabrics: The weaving patterns are Twill, Dobby, Jacquard, Poplin, Oxford, Corduroy, Checks, and Plaids.

9. Should have vast knowledge on fibers content to make decision:

 Synthetic fibers

Natural fibers

Animal fibers

Mineral fibers

10. Learn the basics of Apparel Merchandising day by day from the beginning of your career to become an expert as well as to hike your career graph. Never miss on-job training programs.  Remember that on-job training programs will raise your confidence level tremendously.

 11. Printing is an essential decorative task in garment industry. So merchandiser should have vast knowledge regarding all types of printing. These are:

 Should know different sort of print pricing individually

All-over printing

Screen print

Reactive print

Lurex print

Dip-dye print

Embossed print

Heat transfer print

Discharge print

Hi-density print

Pigment print

Flock print

Foil print

Print with plastisol dye stuffs

12. Embroidery is an external ornamental task in garment industry. So merchandiser should have keen knowledge of the difference between all types of embroideries.

Should know embroidery pricing individually

Plain embroidery with one color

Plain embroidery with multi-color`

Embroidery with laser cut design

Embroidery with lurex thread

Embroidery on printing

Embroidery with application

Embroidery with sequins setting

Embroidery with quilting

Embroidery with application over application

13. Earn Hands-On Experience to deliver right decision during crucial moments. And attempt to Build Industry Connections is Important to get better scope in this arena. Keep in close contact with anyone you meet in the industry. Networking is power. So try to increase networking by email or through social media to measure their willingness to help you to find better opportunity.

 14. Merchandiser has to make different sort of samples during their job tenure. So he should know all samples and their consequence. Types of samples are:

 Proto sample

Fit sample

Size set sample

Counter sample

Sealed/Red/Yellow label sample

Pre- production sample

Lab test sample

Photo shoot sample

Salesman sample

Top sample

Shipment sample

15. Merchandiser has to procure several items from different suppliers. So he should keep record of all yarn, fabric, and garments accessories suppliers address and contact details.

16. Merchandiser should have good idea on global business. Thus they should have good knowledge of Export and Import terms.

17. Make a habit of replying all emails without wasting any time. Keep conscious to provide meaningful reply within short time. 

18. A merchandiser should empathize to gather practical knowledge about production process and technical issues to expedite his career graph. The issue whatever raise he should ask more to production people to listen more and learn more to make him expert.

19. Have to be sincere to his job and duties as well as to accomplish assign task. 

20. Know all sort of Lab testing requirements when requiring:

Color fastness test to light

Cross staining test

Tensile test

Peeling Test

Shrinkage/ Dimensional Stability Test

Crocking / Rubbing Test (Dry/Wet)

Perspiration Test

Test of brushing of fabric

Washing fastness test

Saliva test (for children’s wear)

Test of presence of AZO, PVC, Formaldehyde or any other carsegonic substance in the garments.

21. They should have sound idea on international duty rates and customs regulations

22. They have to procure materials from different end of the world. Thus they should know all sea and freight forwarder details to make easy shipment.

23. They have to contact with forwarder regularly and must know all feeder and mother vessel schedule.

24. Keep updated records of container charges (20 feet, 40 feet, 40 feet high cube, 45 feet high cube)

25. Know all technical or commercial terms for accurate and efficient communication.

26. They should have information of all garment trimmings and accessories sourcing like as Printing, Embroidery, Elastic, Poly, Hanger, Labels, Laces, Cartons and Garments manufacturing etc.

27. Always check all booking of fabrics and accessories before and after sending; if possible get it checked by third person.

28. Excellent power of motivation to handle any situation and improve public relations to achieve maximum benefits.

29. Be professional and keep commitment with Buyers and Suppliers.

30. Should have sound idea about commercial invoice, packing list, assortment, EP, IP, carton box shipping mark and buyer instructions.

31. Merchandiser has to handle several issues at a time. So always show positive attitude to resolve all problem.

32. It’s all about a game of good planning. He who got success in this arena obviously a balance planner

33. Know all buyers compliance and various standards.

34. Keep knowledge about order execution procedures of international buyers

35. Clear conception of the usual potential Quality problem in Apparel merchandising.

36. They should have production-related all updated news like inputs- outputs, daily garments production records from the factory manager. 

37. Merchandiser needs to take decision while any quality issue arises. Thus they should have good knowledge about usual Apparel Inspection System, Raw materials, AQL and Quality Management System. Sometimes they have to handle third-party inspectors.

38. Should know about the Quota system, L/C terms, Banking documentation and regulations, Free-trade and shipping. 

39. A merchandiser needs to be a practical person. They never do anything on assumption, always get clarification and keep written records with date and time. Critical path is mandatory to be a good merchandiser.

40. They should visit production floor daily and should gather vast knowledge on technical issues and production process. He should find out the root cause and provide solution instantly to get a positive result.

41. They should visit supplier’s factory frequently that is textile mills, embroidery factory, and printing factory, accessories factory to make good relation and achieve sound idea on technical issues, production lead-time, and production process.

42. A smart merchandiser should have curiosity regarding update fashion trend. They should attend fashion related trade fair, Textile fair, Garments Fair to gather knowledge.

 

A merchandiser is considered to be a pulse in the garment industry. They have to obey several tasks at a time. Thus they should become more diplomatic, industries and efficient. They should maintain a decent life to accomplish their assign tasks perfectly. Merchandiser should love his task deeply. I have compiled bunch of qualities what a merchandiser should exist. I am hopeful that these requirements, basic practical knowledge, and skills will be helpful to get merchandising career smoothly.

Become a Successful Apparel Merchandiser

If you have curiosity regarding apparel merchandising and wish to select it as your career then you should know well what is merchandising? Who is a Merchandiser? What is their responsibility? What role they have to play in garment industry? Why young generation gets fascination with apparel merchandising? Let’s focus all of the techniques boldly to be a successful garment merchandiser. I think you will get a sound idea on your dream career after reading this article.

 

Merchandising: 

Merchandising is one sort of attempt to present new products to his desire customers. Merchandiser should consider all of the features of a product, including design, quality; product life-cycle, consumers buying ability, consumer’s behavior and demand during his preparation.

 

Merchandiser: 

The word Merchandise means buying and selling something to someone. The person who is dealing with the merchandise is called Merchandiser. If the individual engaged with apparel product, then the person is called Apparel Merchandiser. A merchandiser is a person who is specially appointed to promote the goods. He has to handle some buyers smartly to develop new samples, prepare forecast trends, check production plan, check stock levels and monitor how well goods are selling. He has to ensure raw-material pipeline through the supply chain and make sure that goods are available in the right store, at the right time and at the right price. Merchandising is one of the top-rated careers in the world. Someone who wishes to build a career in merchandising and want to become a successful merchandiser has to maintain some qualities.

 

Merchandiser is a word which has a particular meaning. Please go through below to know the meaning:

 

M– Managerial capabilities to handle assign task smartly

E– Efficient in communication through local and foreign language 

R– Regular in service and rational in behavior 

C– Should have self confidence in taking any decision 

H– Have to be honest and should maintain a decent life 

A– Should have positive attitude during decision making 

N– Nice behavior and positive attitude to carry out buyers order

D– Devoted to service and never do argue with seniors 

I– Having illustrious mind and Intelligent enough to resolve any issue 

S– Sincere in assign task 

E– Realistic in forecasting 

R– Replenish character to achieve goals

Production Merchandising

 Introduction

Production Merchandising is a function of multiple activities performed by a person which are either parallel or inter connected. Some of them are interdependent and others are independent of each other. Merchandising involves planning and execution of the export order with the right place, at the right time, in the right quantities, at the right price. It is concerned with all the activities necessary to provide buyers with the merchandise they want to buy and when and where they want it and at prices they can afford and are willing to pay. Hence it involves making execution plans, understanding the buyers need regarding quality and cost, follow up of running order, effective communication with buyer. The term ‘Merchandising’ has always been a magic word and hot pick of the cake in the field of apparel and fashion merchandising. Most of the persons who want to pursue a career in the apparel field want to become a merchandiser. What makes this so much attractive and important is—reputation, responsibility and career growth.

  

Functions of production merchandiser

1. Product development

Product development is the business policy of the organization which includes the development of the new designs and styles within the organization. This activity brings the more business to organization, by showing pro-activeness in design development buyer also impress. The role of production merchandiser in this activity plays very important role. Production merchandiser must keep update to buyer time to time about the product development done by organization. Motivate the buyer to give the design development to the organization instead of doing themselves. Whenever buyer visits to the organization, presentation of new color, prints, embroidery patterns and desk loom developments is done by production merchandiser. To present new designs developed by product development department. Try to convince the buyer to select the designs from presentation.  A very good presentation and convincing ability of production merchandiser brings more business to the organization.

 

2. Sampling

Sampling is one of the main processes in Garment manufacturing and it plays vital role in attracting buyers and confirming the order, as the buyers generally places the order once satisfied with the quality and responsiveness of the sampling. Sampling is the most crucial and most important stage of fashion merchandising. Sampling department makes samples on the basis of the specification and requirement by the buyer. Sampling in merchandising may be defined as “The concept, perception and ideas of fashion designer developed into product samples, in systematic stages of product development, with technical and quality clarity in a development.” The role of merchandiser plays the crucial role as the follow up of the samples is important aspect. Buyer passes some comments to the merchandiser after submitting the sample. These comments are needed to understand and communicate with the sampling department. Get changes from the sampling and resubmit to buyer. Follow up with buyer to get approvals of the sample.

 

3. Costing

Costing is the very dynamic process, and it is the most important function performed by merchandiser. Merchandiser should have knowledge of costing and it’s calculations. While calculating the cost of the garment merchandiser keeps following things in mind.

 

Fabric consumption

Trims

CMT

Value added services: printing, embroidery, washing, applique

Testing

Transportation and logistics cost

Profit of the manufacturing organization

Currency exchange rate

The role of merchandiser does not end only after calculating the cost, but after quoting the cost merchandiser need to negotiate with buyer on cost of the garment.

 

4. Planning (Time and action calendar)

Production merchandising is an interdependent activity. Successful merchandising is outcome of effective preparation and follows up of time and action calendar by all departments. Time and Action Calendar or TNA, a most important jargon used in fashion merchandising, it is an effective way of coordination and following up of important milestones in preproduction processes to ensure timely delivery within stipulated delivery date. Despite claims of being practically in use by most buying and manufacturing organizations, the follow-up of orders/styles during the pre-production processes are not fool proof and there are several myths which need to be redressed claims. Production merchandiser prepares the TNA by keeping things in mind like production capacity, lead time of buyer, holidays etc.

 

5. Communication

Communication is a most important aspect of any export order process. In production merchandising there are various tools used to communicate with buyers in order to proceed further in export order like quality manual, purchase order, packing list, color way communication, style no. tech pack. Buyer communicates each and every aspect of on-going and future style with merchandiser only. Merchandiser must be able to communicate with buyer and with internal departments effectively to process the export order effectively. There are several modes of communication like telephone, email, actual meetings, fax etc. merchandiser must aware of etiquettes to use these modes of communication.

 

6. Coordination

Coordination is the major aspect of fashion merchandising, one need to coordinate with all the departments within the organization and outside the organization in order to run the export order successfully. Coordinating with other department is the one of the major responsibility of a production merchandiser. A production merchandiser has to coordinate with the other departments so as to complete its job and to following the production activities. Factory merchandiser uses different formats and documents to coordinate within the factory like BOM, production file, tech pack. Some of them are need to create by factory merchandiser some of them are provides by buyer. This type of coordination referred to as internal coordination. Production merchandiser needs to coordinate with buyer as buyer also takes the follow up from merchandiser. Merchandiser provides the formats to the buyer like production status report, packing list, TNA etc.

 

7. Sourcing

For garment export house fabric and trims are the raw material which needs to be outsourced. Sourcing is basically determining the most cost efficient vendor of materials, production, or finished goods at the specified quality and service level. It is closely associated and an important part of apparel merchandiser’s responsibility. Materials basically include piece goods that will be cut and converted into the garments. Not only does the fabric have to be appropriate and suited to the garment design and end use but it must also be made available at the precise time when it is needed. Thus, lead times play an important role in the sourcing and placing orders for the materials required for the production. Lead times required from a supplier can vary from as little as two weeks to as much as nine months. Trims are all the materials other than the piece goods that are required to make up a garment. Findings require the same careful planning as the piece goods. As soon as the fabric is in the stores, then only the sourcing of the threads start because the color of the thread must match the buyer’s requirements. The ordering of the threads must be complete by the time fabric is cut ready to be feeded to the sewing lines. Sourcing department along with apparel merchandiser plays the vital role to execute and shipment of export order successfully. Merchandiser must make sure that all approvals related to fabric and trims should be coordinated with the sourcing department in given timeframe.