Services
After a varied career across different industries, I have identified the need for a merchandising function in all retailer’s worlds. None more so than in new and growing retail businesses. You’ve had a great idea, you have been brave enough to develop that idea to create a product and now you’re trading. You have already achieved what 99% of people never get to. You might now be on your own, or with a very small team and be wondering what to do next. Combine that with the feeling of having fewer hours in the day and it can feel like a huge challenge ahead. Most small businesses jump straight into marketing spend because you want everyone to know about your great idea. Marketing seems to be the obvious place to start and of course critical to make sales. However, with a simple infrastructure and by implementing processes early on, you could reduce and maximise your marketing spend, and more importantly, be better informed on how to make more sales and ultimately, profit. How can this be done? Merchandising.
So, what is merchandising?
A merchandiser is responsible for planning and managing the inventory and assortment of products within a retail or e-commerce company. A merchandiser’s primary goal is to ensure that the right products are available at the right time, in the right quantities and in the right locations to meet customer demand and maximise sales. The role of a merchandiser involves analysing sales data, market trends, and historical information to forecast future demand and determine the appropriate product mix and quantities to order.
That sounds like maths to me?
Ultimately, yes. With a good spreadsheet, guidance and formulas, a huge amount of pertinent information can be sourced from data. This will give you a great insight into the current performance of your business and how best to drive sales and reduce overheads going forwards. Many businesses are ‘scared’ of maths and neglect the importance of a clear understanding of sales vs cost and profit vs loss. The sooner this data is collated and managed, the better understanding you will have, which will inevitably be reflected in your customer’s experience with your business. After all, everyone’s goal is happy customers and healthy bank accounts. So, if maths isn’t your thing, don’t worry. I love a spreadsheet and retail, so I can help you with this.
How can I help
I am able to offer bespoke packages to suit you
I appreciate every business is different, so together we can discuss the service that’s best for you. First, we will jump on a complimentary 30 minute introductory call, where I will take a look at your business, understand your requirements and offer my recommendations. This can be booked here.
Packages
Ongoing Merchandising function
Do you feel you need some more consistent merchandising support but don’t want the commitment of payroll staff? I offer an ongoing service where I will cover all of your merchandising needs on a month-by-month basis. Depending on business size and products, I can report on sales, stock and other KPI’s from 10 hours a month. The cost of this is based on a £40 an hour rate. Jump on a call and we can discuss your requirements further.
Not yet started your business?
This is actually the best time to get me involved. I can read your business plan and have a chat through your ideas. What barriers are you facing? What are you fearful of? What are your goals? Any clients using this service will receive a discount on any future services you may need. This service involves a two hour call or it can be face-to-face (at your choice of location within 50 miles of Northampton, or at my base).
Price £350
Do you run your own equestrian service-based business? Are you an instructor, dentist, saddle fitter or busy equestrian? Do you love your job and the face-to-face time you have with your customers? Do you struggle to keep up with the administration, organisation and customer interaction?
These are all things I have experienced myself throughout my time in the equestrian industry. I have found that especially in service-based businesses, business owners love the hands-on interaction but don’t like the office days so much and struggle to find the time to seek new business and follow up on new leads. An equestrian virtual assistant will help you with all of these things. I am able to take over all of your online correspondents and coordinate your diary and customers. Services include-
- Diary management
- Customer services
- Content planning & creation for social channels
- Seeking new opportunities
- Following up on new enquiries
This will give you precious hours and days back a week to focus on the thing you are best at and love the most- your actual job!
All packages are bespoke and adaptable so please be in touch and we will have a call.