What is Merchandising?
Merchandise is an English word. The term of merchandising comes from merchandise which means buying and selling goods. Merchandising is the re-sale of a product for the purpose of earning. Works as a third party in the sale of garment products. Merchandising means that any product that you purchase from someone else refers to the process of selling it to others. Merchandising is (sale price – purchase price) = profit. Of course the purchase price must be less than the sale price.
What is Garment Merchandising?
Merchandising of garments means the purchase of raw materials such as fabrics, accessories, etc. for the manufacture of clothes and sale it. The purpose will be that the cost of buying clothes, accessories and other items required for the manufacture of garments, the wages / salaries of the workers / employees engaged in the making of garments, the sale price of the garments will be higher than the total cost.
What is a Merchandiser?
Simply say, the merchandiser who oversees the entire process, from manufacturing the product to the marketing and the sale. A merchandiser is a very important officer for the textile industry. His responsibility is boundless. Merchandising means that any product that you purchase from someone else refers to the process of selling it to others and whoever who controls the process, we call him merchandiser. A merchandiser has many roles, such as how much money a product will buy and sell. The company profits and losses is depending on merchandiser. if he buys the product at a lower price and sells it at a higher price, then there will be profit otherwise it will be a loss. A person who performs all the tasks of merchandising at a garment factory or a buying house is called a garment merchandiser. It is quite respectable, attractive and more salary than other professions. Garments merchandiser is the one who exports garment products. His job is to calculate the costing of product that he will produce for buyer and negotiate about cost with buyer. You need to go to bulk production after seeing the shipment date, but it is very important to note that the shipment date cannot be missed in any way. I can say that he does everything from taking an order to shipment. A merchandiser has to collect the cloths orders from buyer, open LC, produce the dress, export that cloths and make a profit. To complete these tasks successfully, the merchandiser has a lot of knowledge, experience and hard work. If you want to build a career in garment merchandising, you need to have the knowledge and ideas about the work of garment merchandising, and you have to be very diligent.
The importance and demand of merchandising in the garment industry:
Merchandising is the name of one of the most popular occupations today. Those who have been in contact with the garment industry know the preference and importance of being a merchandiser. At the beginning of the garment industry there was not much interest in this profession. Thus, in the third decade of the four decades of the garment industry, the professionalism of merchandiser began to gain great importance, as well as the need for a lot of merchandiser. But until the last decade of the clothing industry’s four decades, university graduates did not show interest in the clothing industry or merchandising. So the merchandiser had a big shortage back then. However, currently merchandising is becoming an important and popular profession for everyone. Merchandising is always a career prospect. If you can gain experience in this sector, life expectancy will increase greatly. Considering the job market and career, many are interested in this profession. Merchandiser is required for every garment industry or buying house. However, garment merchandising is the production of quality garments from raw materials to the needs of the buyer and to reach them to the buyer at the specified time. Simply say, the person who oversees the entire process from clothing production to marketing is the merchandiser. Profit and loss of an organization depends on a merchandiser. In this case, the amount of profit is high as well as loss the loss amount is not less. Small mistakes can cause a great damage to the organization.
Merchandising is a potential profession:
There are many job opportunities in readymade garments sector. While we are more familiar with the profession of manufacturing industry, there are many types of job opportunities. As important as the quality control of the products in the garment industry, its presentation is very important for business interests. Clothing importers now look not only at the product, but also have some demand for quality products on the other side of the product. Demand for readymade garments is abundant abroad. Demand for this is increasing day by day. Every garment factory needs an experienced merchandiser. This is why merchandising is a demanding profession. There is considerable income opportunity in this profession. So interest in this profession is increasing day by day. There is considerable potential for this profession in the country. Because of the good demand for garment in countries of the developed world, everyone is now focusing on good work. And the demand for merchandisers is increasing.
Merchandising is one of the most attractive areas for building a career in the buying house / garment and textile sector. Due to the huge demand of the garment industry in the current world market, it is easier to get a job in this profession than in all other professions. The profession is regarded as the lifeblood of the garment industry for its dignity, responsibility and good career. A merchandiser usually performs the most important tasks of a garment factory / buying house. He has to work in coordination with almost all the departments of the organization. Generally, from product development to planning, sourcing, sampling, costing, coordination and communication works has been performing by a merchandiser. In a word, a merchandiser has to do everything that needs to be done to execute an order. Early in his career, a merchandiser started working as a Management Trainee or Intern in the garment factory. Salary will depend on work experience and skills. In this case, salary increases very rapidly as the scope of experience increases.
On The Job:
The textile industry can be called a lifeline. Because, the main job area of merchandising is the RMG sector. The country’s skilled manpower is much needed in this regard. Therefore, it can be said with certainty that if anyone has a degree and training in this subject, then in the beginning he will get job in any garment factory with attractive salary. Apart from this, there is also the possibility of rapid promotion. To work in this sector also export manpower to outside countries. In that case, higher wages have the opportunity to work in foreign countries. Merchandising is one of the most interesting areas for building a career in the RMG sector. A merchandiser usually performs the most important tasks of the garment factory / liaison office / buying house.
Why be a merchandiser?
This is an interesting and attractive opportunity for those who want to develop their talents and want to establish themselves in a short time. To summarize, one of the things that a merchandiser achieves in this profession is:
- Is possible to develop your own talent with labor.
- There is an opportunity to express yourself through that work.
- Linguistic abilities are possible to increase, especially in the English language.
- Achieve contacts at home and abroad.
- Travel to abroad for customer meetings.
- Opportunity to work with good salary.
- Strengthen your position through experience in workplace.
- Achieving a balance of mind and mood in difficult situations.
- Knowing the new fashion in the modern world.
- The field of work is too much, so do not worry too much about the job.
Who can be a merchandiser?
In order to become a merchandiser, it is not important to study a particular topic. However, if there is a degree related to the textile or garment industry, there are many benefits to work. Even in job interviews they get more benefits and privileges than those who have not study about merchandising. But in this case the will power is very valuable. Because being a merchandiser requires a lot of patience. It is important to have many abilities to endure. So what is even more important than studying in merchandising that people are determined to come up with challenges. In case someone does not have a degree in textile or clothing industry but if you have MBA degree then get preference. Having a MBA degree is important for merchandisers because of leadership.
What kind of work merchandiser is doing?
Merchandisers have basically two jobs – factory and buying house visits. he scopes of work at the buying house is huge. Merchandisers of the buying house communicated with foreign buyers and offered to sell the product, if the buyer agreed, then a sample of the company’s product has been displayed to the buyer. He talks about these products with highlighting all the qualities of a product and what the quality will be used to produce the product. If buyer preferred these products, then finalized the price. At the factory merchandisers have to look after the entire work from production to shipment as per the demands of the buyers. The factory merchandisers oversee the work and quality of the products within the stipulated time. Their task is to convey the goods to the merchandisers of the buying house. In many cases, they also import the necessary equipment and open the LC from outside the country. In a word, a merchandiser has to do everything that needs to be done to execute an order. In addition to the main responsibility, it is maintaining good relationship with the buyers, generate regular work reports and even alternate arrangements and it is advisable to reduce production costs.
What qualifications for merchandiser?
Graduates can come to this profession in any field. However, preference is given to MBA degree holders in textile engineering or fashion / textile. In this regard, English proficiency is an important issue. Besides, knowing the language of another country is considered as an additional qualification. Because you have to talk to foreign buyers at different times and give them a proper idea about the product. At the same time, it is important to know the computer. Because it is important to communicate with the buyers via e-mail, update the progress of the work. At present, the demand for work in the garment industry is increasing. As a result, employers are giving more priority to the skilled candidates. The candidate has to pass at least master degree to come to this profession. Must have good knowledge of the products and fabrics produced. Languages that are more prevalent in the world such as English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean etc. are better known.
What skills and knowledge does a merchandiser have?
- Must be proficient in the English language;
- To understand all the processes and raw material costs of the textile industry;
- Be proficient in the work of shipping, customs, buying policies, banks related to the import-export process;
- Be proficient in economic accounting and planning;
- Must have the ability to convey, explaining product quality to buyer;
- Must have the mentality and ability to work hard.
Attributes that need to be a merchandiser:
The profit and loss of the company depends on a merchandiser in the garment sector. A small mistake can result in a great loss to the company. So a merchandiser needs to be vigilant. Buyer needs to be given top priority. The quality of clothing that the buyer wants, must be maintained. Losing a buyer in this sector means loss of millions, so you need to be careful. The merchandiser must be capable in English. Besides, good knowledge about computers, e-mail, internet usage as well as MS word, MS Excel is required.
What to Learn:
The merchandising profession is completely technical or realistic work so it is quite difficult to get a job without training in this sector. In this course has taught you everything related to garments, buying houses and merchandising. The main topics of the course are – Export, Import, Buying Policy, Indenting, Bank, Customs, DEDO, EPB, Shipping, LC, Documentation, Correspondence, GSP, Quota, Total Garment Production (Oven, Knit, Sweater), Accessories, Lab Tests, Costing Merchandising Production Planning, Marketing and E-mail, Clothing with Internet Links, etc.
Types of Jobs Available:
There are millions of garment factories are in the world. Thousands of people are employed in various positions in this large industry. Apart from this, there are also buying houses, sweater factories, textile industry and quality control organizations and fashion design houses. A merchandiser can also work in these organizations. In addition, the trainees in the apparel industry courses get employment opportunities in the following institutions in different positions. Those are General Manager, Merchandising, Production Manager, Floor In-charge, Quality Controller, Quality Coordinator, Quality Inspector, Technical Director, Commercial Manager, Assistant Production Manager, Quality Control, Quality Control and Quality.
How to Get a Job:
There is not much notice in the newspaper for the appointment of merchandisers in the buying houses and factories. Many organizations want CVs through online job portals. However, most of the appointments are made through personal communication and contacts. Keep in touch with employees in various buying houses, factories and merchandising professions. Notification should be regularly seen in garment, textile or merchandising categories of different job portals. Apply online within the first few days of notification. At the same time, you can submit the CV directly to the company. Appointment is usually done through an oral exam. There may be written tests many times. In that case there are questions related to garment or merchandising. In most institutions, oral tests are conducted in English. The candidate’s English skills are also verified by this tests. Preference is given to candidates who are experienced or have studied in textile subject. Inexperienced candidates can also get a job if they show interest in establishing themselves in this profession.
Promotion:
The inexperienced are usually appointed as Assistant Merchandisers. You can get promoted as merchandiser, senior merchandiser and merchandiser manager according to your qualifications. Promotion is based on work and skills. Attracting Bayer, explaining work at the right time plays a role in this regard. Promotion depends on how easily you can get the job done by talking to the buyers. Assistant merchandiser may be promoted within a year of starting job if he can prove his skills through work.
Professionalism is very important for a merchandiser:
Firstly:
Firstly, the technical sheet and order sheet sent by Bayer should be well understood and there should be no ambiguity. This means, the quality of the fabric, the accessories, the product quality, the quantity of the order, must be filled in properly. Otherwise, the product may be rejected by the buyer.
Secondly:
Fabric and yarn are well known. Also know and understand the production reality of textile industry about quality, price, supplier and sourcing. Know and understand each of these factors such as yarn, fabric, garment production and its consumptions. Absolutely accurate do the above things. Then get a good idea about the production capabilities, production techniques, planning of garments and textile products. Look at these with your own eyes and understand the decisions and take actions as per needed. In particular, the design of dresses has been provided by buyer to the merchandiser.
Thirdly:
Various components especially Garment Samples, Fabric Samples, Lab Deep, Trim Cards, Swatch Cards, etc. should be well knowledge for development and approvals preparation, review, time management and follow up. And you need to have a very good idea about Buyer’s Order Sheet, Payment Term, Shipment and know the real facts.
Fourthly:
Understand the problems and know how to solve it, including fabric production, garment production, washing and garment raw material test. It is also important to know about Accessories Development, Production Prices and Supply Behavior, Finishing Allowance, Wastage Percentage, Booking and Supplier Selection. If you make a mistake here, the company will lose millions of dollars.
Fifthly:
Good to know about Export, Import Documents, Pro-forma Invoice (PI), Commercial Invoice (CI), Packing List, Shipment, Booking, Final Inspection, Factory Profile, HR Department and Fire Safety. Finally, Yarn Booking, Fabric Booking, Sample Booking, Accessory Booking will have to be able to deliver it all alone. Moreover, you cannot be a good merchandiser.
Also, in order to achieve 100% success in merchandising, a merchandiser must expert the personal skills described below:
Firstly-
A mistake by a merchandiser could big losses to the company. So you have to consider the cost sector and the price of the product has to be determined by calculating the profit point.
Secondly-
The demand of buyer needs to be prioritize. The quality of clothing that the buyer wants must be tried to maintain that quality. Losing a buyer in this sector means losing millions dollar.
Thirdly-
One of the qualities of a skilled merchandiser is to ship at the right time. If you can’t make the shipment at the right time, then LC that means the letter of credit may be rejected. In that case, there will be huge losses.
Fourthly-
You need to be skilled in English. Because the main buyer of export oriented business is foreigner. As a result of maintaining relationships with them, to understand the quality of product must know English.
Fifthly-
Must be proficient in computer. Because most of the time you have to contact the buyer via email. Without computer skills it is not possible. In addition to using the internet, it is important to know MS Word, MS Excel.
Learn a few things about the merchandising job:
1) Currently the most expected job of textile engineers is merchandising. Merchandising work environment within textile jobs is good.
2) Merchandising is not a technical job; it is not covered by pure textile.
3) Merchandising is a respectable job in the factory.
4) Order execution to delivery total is a merchandiser ‘s job.
5) It’s position starting from trainee merchandiser and the last is merchandising GM.
6) Merchandising is a team and buyer based work.
7) Quality develops faster when you work with good buyer.
8) Whose buyer is good, his demand in the market is good.
9) Merchandising title is: Merchandising Manager> Senior Merchandiser> Merchandiser> Assistant Merchandiser> Trainee Merchandiser.
10) The merchandiser of the factory is divided into two groups, one team sitting in the factory and another team sitting in the head office.
11) The factory’s merchandising job is considered as a government job.
12) Whether you have or not have technical knowledge for the factory merchandising job, you have to have English skills, computer skills, email skills. However, the technical knowledge will save you from many dangers and will help you to make a decision.
13) Merchandisers need to be aware of composition, construction, consummation and quality.
14) Factory merchandisers learn faster than head office merchandisers.
15) The dream job for the merchandisers is, the job of the liaison in buying house with foreign buyers.
16) Knowing dyeing is enough for dyeing, it is enough for garments for garments, knowing fabric is enough for fabric but if you want to be a merchandiser you will need to know whole textile (yarn to shipment).
17) You will need 3 years of factory experience for a job in a foreign buying house.
18) If you want to get into merchandising, then you have to do a production or quality job that will help you understand your work.
19) Merchandising job has no shifting duty.
20) Merchandising is two types. One is fashion merchandising and another one is visual merchandising.
Above all, being a skilled merchandiser requires hard work, professional skills and especially important personal skills. And if you can have accustomed the skills described above well, you can be a first class merchandiser.
