In today's competitive marketplace, a textile merchandiser must have more than just the basic information to survive. This book is best described as ‘All About Textile Merchandising & Marketing.’ This great book is in many ways a perfect introduction to the practical aspects of textile merchandising and marketing. Excellent handbook for designers, merchandisers, marketing personnel, production departments, salesmen, pattern makers, buying offices, sourcing agents, factories and industry executives from around the world. The ideal guide when dealing with overseas factories and production agents in person or by phone, fax or email.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEFINING MERCHANDISING

• Merchandising: Definition
• Flow Chart of Merchandising Activities
• Departmental Structures in
  Merchandising
• Traits of Merchandisers
• Scope of Merchandising

• Internal Communication
• External Communication
• Information Inflow
• Communication Essentials
• Drafting a Business E-Mail

• Coordination
• Levels of Coordination
• Coordination in a Composite Unit
• Coordination in a Non-Composite Unit
• Coordination in a Buying House
• Coordination in a Liaison Office
• Follow-ups

• Knowledge of Company and its Processes
• Knowledge of Products offered by the Company
• Knowledge of Related Products
• Knowledge of International Markets & Business Trends/Events
• Knowledge of Buyers
• Knowledge of Buyer’s Standards
• Knowledge of Competitors

• Sampling Process
• Types of Samples (Garments)
• Types of Samples (Fabrics)
• Types of Samples (Others)
• Samples’ Display
• Sampling Documents

• Categories of New Developments
• New Season Shades, Styles & Designs
• Marketing Research
• R&D in Manufacturing Facilities

• Methods of Pricing
• Pricing Process
• Pricing for Fibres & Yarns
• Pricing for New or Specialty Products
• Check-List for Pricing
• Price War after Elimination of Trade Restrictions

• Types of Accessories
• Sources of Accessories
• Costing of Accessories
• Accessories Sampling
• Accessories Sourcing Process

• Types of Embellishments
• Costing of Embellishments
• Sources of Embellishments
• Embellishments Sourcing in a Buying House

• Order Processing-Introduction
• Types of Orders
• Inventory levels, Warehousing
• Lead-Times & On Time Deliveries
• Data Analysis

• Quality Standards
• Accredited Labs
• Quality Control
• Quality Parameters
• SQC & Six Sigma
• AQL Levels
• Quality Defects List

• Difference between Merchandising & Marketing
• Nature of Marketing
• Marketing Process
• Export Marketing
• Containerization
• Textile Exhibitions/Publications

• Need of Certifications
• ISO
• WRAP
• Oeko-Tex
• FLA
• SA8000
• AAFA
• Customer Specific Certifications

• Need of Outsourcing
• Check-List for Outsourcing
• Outsourcing Process
• Outsourcing in a Buying House
• Domestic vs International Sourcing
• Check-List for International Sourcing

• Maintaining Hard Versions
• Maintaining Soft Versions
• Standardization of Hard and Soft Versions
• Importance of System Development
• ERP

• Complaint Handling Process
• Types of Complaints
• Complaints from Inside Organization
• Claims/Charge-backs/Replacements

• Preparing & Delivering Presentations
• Arranging & Attending Meetings
• Communication Tools
• Time-Lines & Action Plans
• Home Textiles
• Gloves
• Hosiery
• Nonwovens