A Knit Garments Merchandiser is the bridge between the buyer and the garment manufacturing unit. The merchandiser is responsible for converting the buyer's requirements into a quality product, ensuring on-time delivery, maintaining the target cost, and coordinating all departments throughout the order execution process.
1. Buyer Inquiry / RFQ (Request for Quotation)
The merchandising process begins when the buyer sends an inquiry containing:
- Tech Pack
- Measurement Chart
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Artwork
- Fabric & Trim Details
- Order Quantity
- Target Price
- Delivery Date
Merchandiser's Responsibility
- Review the inquiry thoroughly.
- Clarify any missing information.
- Communicate with buyers regarding uncertainties.
2. Costing Preparation
The merchandiser prepares a detailed costing by collecting prices from various departments.
Cost Includes
- Fabric Cost
- Dyeing & Finishing Cost
- Printing/Embroidery
- Accessories
- Sewing CM (Cut-Make)
- Washing
- Packing
- Commercial Cost
- Testing Cost
- Freight
- Overhead
- Profit Margin
Objective
Submit a competitive yet profitable FOB price.
3. Price Negotiation
After submitting the quotation:
- Buyer negotiates price.
- Merchandiser revises costing if necessary.
- Final FOB price is agreed.
4. Order Confirmation
Buyer issues:
- Purchase Order (PO)
- Sales Contract
- Order Sheet
The merchandiser verifies:
- Quantity
- Color Breakdown
- Size Ratio
- Delivery Date
- Payment Terms
- Incoterms (FOB/CIF/CFR etc.)
5. Sample Development
Different sample stages are prepared.
Common Knit Samples
- Development Sample
- Proto Sample
- Fit Sample
- Size Set Sample
- PP Sample (Pre-Production)
- TOP Sample (Top of Production)
- Shipment Sample
Merchandiser Coordinates With
- Sample Room
- Pattern Section
- CAD
- Fabric Store
- Trim Store
6. Fabric Booking
After PP approval:
Fabric consumption is calculated.
Fabric Booking Includes
- Main Fabric
- Rib
- Collar
- Cuff
- Pocket Fabric
Information Required:
- GSM
- Width
- Shrinkage
- Consumption
- Wastage
- Color Ratio
7. Accessories Booking
Accessories include:
- Sewing Thread
- Labels
- Hang Tags
- Poly Bags
- Cartons
- Elastic
- Drawcord
- Eyelets
- Buttons
- Zipper
- Tissue Paper
- Barcode Sticker
Booking is based on:
- Consumption
- Wastage
- Buyer Requirement
8. Lab Dip & Strike Off Approval
Fabric Color
Supplier submits:
- Lab Dip
Buyer approves color.
Supplier submits:
- Strike Off
Embroidery
Supplier submits:
- Embroidery Swatch
Buyer approval is mandatory before bulk production.
9. Fabric Production Follow-up
Merchandiser monitors:
- Knitting
- Dyeing
- Compacting
- Finishing
- Inspection
Checks:
- GSM
- Shade
- Width
- Spirality
- Bowing
- Skewing
10. Trims Follow-up
Track production status of:
- Labels
- Cartons
- Poly Bags
- Hang Tags
- Thread
- Zippers
Ensure all trims arrive before production starts.
11. Production Planning
Coordinate with Production Planning Department.
Prepare:
- Time & Action Calendar (T&A)
- Line Plan
- Capacity Plan
12. Pre-Production (PP) Meeting
Departments Attend:
- Merchandising
- Production
- Quality
- IE
- Cutting
- Printing
- Embroidery
- Washing
- Finishing
- Commercial
Discussion Points:
- Buyer comments
- Quality standards
- Measurements
- Packing requirements
- Critical operation
13. Bulk Production Follow-up
Monitor every stage.
Cutting
Check:
- Marker
- Fabric Relaxation
- Shade Grouping
Sewing
Monitor:
- Line Efficiency
- Output
- Defects
Printing
Check:
- Position
- Color Matching
Embroidery
Check:
- Stitch Density
- Thread Shade
Washing
Check:
- Shade
- Shrinkage
- Appearance
14. Quality Control
Inspection Stages:
- Fabric Inspection
- Inline Inspection
- End Line Inspection
- Final Inspection
Common Standards:
- AQL 2.5
- Buyer SOP
15. Testing
Typical Knit Garments Tests:
Physical Tests
- GSM
- Bursting Strength
- Spirality
- Dimensional Stability
- Pilling
Color Fastness Tests
- Washing
- Rubbing
- Perspiration
- Water
- Light
Chemical Tests
- Formaldehyde
- pH
- Azo Dyes
- Heavy Metals
- Phthalates (if required)
16. Packing Approval
Verify:
- Folding Method
- Poly Bag
- Carton Assortment
- Carton Marking
- Barcode
- Shipping Mark
17. Final Inspection
Inspection may be conducted by:
- Buyer QA
- Third-Party Inspection Agency
- Internal QA
Production proceeds to shipment only after passing the inspection.
18. Shipment
Commercial department prepares:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Certificate of Origin
- GSP (if applicable)
- Inspection Certificate
Merchandiser confirms shipment schedule with the buyer.
19. Payment Follow-up
Depending on payment terms:
- LC (Letter of Credit)
- TT (Telegraphic Transfer)
- DP (Documents against Payment)
- DA (Documents against Acceptance)
Coordinate with the commercial and finance teams to ensure timely payment collection.
20. Post-Shipment Activities
After shipment:
- Resolve buyer claims (if any).
- Review shipment performance.
- Update shipment records.
- Analyze order profitability.
- Collect buyer feedback for continuous improvement.
Knit Garments Merchandising Flow Chart
Buyer Inquiry
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Review Tech Pack
│
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Costing
│
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Price Negotiation
│
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Order Confirmation (PO)
│
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Sample Development
│
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PP Sample Approval
│
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Fabric Booking
│
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Accessories Booking
│
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Lab Dip / Strike Off Approval
│
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Fabric & Trims Production
│
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PP Meeting
│
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Bulk Production
│
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Quality Inspection
│
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Testing
│
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Packing Approval
│
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Final Inspection
│
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Shipment
│
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Payment
│
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Post-Shipment Review
Key Skills Required for a Knit Merchandiser
- Buyer communication and negotiation
- Product costing and price analysis
- Fabric and trim sourcing
- Sample development coordination
- Time & Action (T&A) management
- Production planning and follow-up
- Quality assurance knowledge
- Commercial and shipping documentation
- ERP and Microsoft Excel proficiency
- Problem-solving and risk management
