2.11.3. Export House Merchandising

To understand this it is best to understand the role of a merchandiser in an export house. There are two types of merchandisers in an export house — the buyer merchandiser and the production merchandiser. The buyer merchandisers act as a link between the buyer and the manufacturer. They have the responsibility of ensuring that the product is developed as per the requirements of the buyer. So they have the responsibility of sourcing, sampling and communication with the buyer. The production merchants on the other hand, are a link between production and buyer merchants. They have the responsibility of ensuring that the production goes according to the schedule and requirements of the buyer.

In an export house, two key types of merchandisers work together: buyer merchandisers and production merchandisers. The buyer merchandiser serves as a crucial bridge between the buyer (the company purchasing the clothing) and the manufacturer (the company producing it). Their primary job is to ensure that the product meets the buyer's specific requirements, which includes sourcing materials, creating samples, and maintaining effective communication with the buyer. On the other hand, production merchandisers oversee the actual manufacturing process. They ensure that production timelines are met and that the products align with the buyer's expectations.

Imagine you're planning a big party. The buyer merchandiser is like the event planner who communicates with you about what you want for the party: the decorations, food, and schedule. Then, the production merchandiser is similar to the caterers and decorators who make sure everything is prepared on time and is delivered exactly as requested.

They have the responsibility of sourcing, sampling and communication with the buyer.

Buyer merchandisers play a vital role in sourcing materials needed for the products. This involves finding suitable fabrics and materials that meet quality standards and are available at competitive prices. They also create samples of products to show to the buyer before mass production begins. Effective communication is essential; they need to keep the buyer informed about the status of the sourcing and sampling process. This ensures that any necessary adjustments can be made early on, thus aligning the final product with the buyer's expectations.

Think of a buyer merchandiser as a personal shopper helping you find the right outfit for an important event. They will research various stores, select multiple outfits for you to try (samples), and keep you posted on what options are available, ensuring your style and preferences are met before you make a purchase.

The production merchants on the other hand, are a link between production and buyer merchants. They have the responsibility of ensuring that the production goes according to the schedule and requirements of the buyer.

Production merchandisers are crucial for maintaining the flow of the manufacturing process. Their main responsibility is to ensure that the production is on schedule, which means coordinating with factories to align with timeline and quality requirements. This includes monitoring the production workflow, ensuring materials are available for production, and addressing any issues that arise during the manufacturing process. By doing this, production merchandisers help ensure that the finished products are delivered to the buyer on time and meet their quality standards.

Consider production merchandisers as the project managers overseeing a construction site. Just as a project manager ensures that different teams (electricians, plumbers, etc.) work together according to the schedule and meets the quality expectations, production merchandisers make sure that various aspects of clothing production come together smoothly and on time.

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