Ability to work on your own - It takes a lot of initiative and motivation to become a successful retail merchandiser. For one you have to keep yourself motivated each day to get out the door and complete any assignments you have for that day, cause there is no time clock to punch and no boss to report to so if you are not motivated and have the initiative, you may start to slack off on getting the assignments completed in a timely and professional manner. This is just human nature and if you do this it will catch up to you and you will not make it as a merchandiser. All companies have deadlines and you have to meet those deadlines. Deadlines are strictly enforced in the merchandising industry.
Good People Skills- You will need to have good people skills to make it in the merchandising industry, because you will be dealing with store personnel which include store managers, department managers on down to the receiver in the stores receiving department. You will also be dealing with customers in the stores, even though most of the time you will not be dealing directly with a customer, customers will approach you and ask you questions thinking that you work for the store, so having good people skills and a willing to help attitude will get you a long way with store staff and customers.
Good Communication Skills- You will need to be able to communicate effectively with store staff and companies you work with. Many companies will want detailed information on what you did in the store, and information on store staff that you interacted with. It will not hurt to brush up on your reading, writing and comprehension skills.
Reliable Transportation- Is a must have in the merchandising industry. To make a good income in merchandising, most reps have a territory or area they work and depending on the area you live in you may be driving up to 60 or more miles a day, it depends on how many retailers are near you.
Equipment- A cell phone is almost a necessity, when you are in a retail outlet and you have a problem or question about the job you need to be able to call you manager. A digital camera is required a lot; you may have to take pictures of a display, or a section that you have just reset.
A Clean Background- A lot of merchandising companies require a criminal background check before you are hired. Some may require a drug screen test.
A Home Office- Although it is not required it will help you manage your paperwork, job assignments, etc. if you have an area in your home for your work. You will also need a personal computer with high-speed internet service if available in your area and a fax machine will help but it is not necessary.
If you have these qualities and items listed above then you are ready to get started in the merchandising industry and if you to remember to practice the first three things above you will be successful.
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