Merchandising is the backbone of the apparel industry. Whether you’re planning to join a Merchandising Course or starting your career as a Garment Merchandiser, you must master a variety of technical, analytical, and communication-based skills.
Buyer Communication Skills
What You Learn
- How to write professional emails
- How to negotiate with buyers
- How to follow up on samples and approvals
- How to handle buyer objections
Guidelines
✔ Always keep messages short and clear
✔ Attach correct files (tech pack, costing sheet, lab dip, etc.)
✔ Maintain a polite tone
✔ Follow up every 24–48 hours if there is no reply
Fabric & Trims Knowledge
What You Learn
- Knit vs Woven fabrics
- Fabric GSM, count, dyeing, finishing
- Types of trims (buttons, zippers, elastic, labels, tags, polybags, etc.)
- How fabric affects costing and production
Example
If a buyer orders 100% cotton single jersey t-shirt, you must know:
GSM: 160–180
Shrinkage: 3–5%
Fabric width: 72–74 inches
Dye type: Reactive dye
Guidelines
✔ Know fabric behavior before costing
✔ Always check shrinkage and colorfastness
✔ Keep a small “Fabric Library” for study
Garment Costing & Consumption Calculation
This is the most important skill in merchandising.
What You Learn
- Fabric consumption (body, sleeve, rib)
- Accessories costing (thread, print, wash, trims)
- FOB price calculation
- CM (Cost of Making) estimation
- Profit margin calculation
Simple Consumption Example
For a round-neck t-shirt (L size):
Body length: 28 inches
Chest width: 21 inches
Fabric GSM: 160
Fabric width: 72 inches
Fabric Consumption = 0.28 – 0.32 kg per piece (approx.)
This directly affects buyer pricing.
Guidelines
✔ Use Excel formulas for accuracy
✔ Always include wastage (3–8%)
✔ Recheck costing before sending to buyer
Time and Action Plan (TNA) Management
What You Learn
- How to set production deadlines
- How to track sample, trims, fabric arrival
- How to plan shipment dates
Example TNA Tasks
Task Deadline
Lab dip submission 10 Jan
PP Sample approval 25 Jan
Fabric in-house 30 Jan
Cutting start 2 Feb
Final inspection 25 Feb
Shipment 28 Feb
Guidelines
✔ Update TNA daily
✔ Communicate TNA with all departments
✔ Highlight delays immediately
Sample Development & Approval Process
What You Learn
- Proto sample
- Fit sample
- PP (Pre-Production) sample
- Size set sample
- TOP (Top of Production) sample
Example
If the buyer asks for a Fit Sample, your responsibility includes:
✔ Correct measurements
✔ Fabric matching
✔ Print/embroidery matching
✔ Pattern accuracy
Guidelines
✔ Always keep a sample checklist
✔ Track every approval
✔ Send courier updates to buyer
Production Follow-Up & Quality Check
What You Learn
Daily production status
Line output checking
Quality inspection (inline & final)
Solving production issues with IE and QC teams
Example
If sewing line output is low because of broken needles:
Inform line chief
Check machine setup
Adjust stitch tension
Monitor next-day progress
Guidelines
✔ Build strong communication with production team
✔ Understand sewing defects
✔ Always verify production samples
Shipment & Export Documentation
What You Learn
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of Lading (BL)
- GSP Certificate
- FCR
- Buyer booking information
Example
Before shipment, verify:
✔ Carton measurement
✔ Quantity by size
✔ Weight per carton
✔ Shipping mark
Guidelines
✔ Double-check shipping documents
✔ Always coordinate with commercial department
✔ Keep digital records of all paperwork
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
What You Learn
- Solving fabric shortage
- Handling delays
- Managing rejection from buyers
- Fixing quality issues
Example
Buyer rejects print color →
✔ Send revised lab dips
✔ Investigate dye house error
✔ Arrange urgent correction
Guidelines
✔ Stay calm during pressure
✔ Find solutions, not excuses
✔ Record each issue for future prevention
Merchandising requires a smart combination of technical skills, communication ability, and production understanding. If you are planning to start a career as a merchandiser or join a Merchandising Course, mastering these skills will help you grow faster and secure high-salary job opportunities.
