How to Work With Department Store Vendors

If you work in a department store, the chances are that you will have to deal with vendors. They are typically commissioned salespeople who have their own agenda when they come to your store. They want to see their products displayed in the best places and want you to push their pieces before anyone else's. In addition, they will train you on the features and benefits of their products.

Instructions

1. Take the time to get to know the vendors if you can. They can be a great source of information and can help you get a hold of hard-to-find merchandise for customers. Vendors are the direct link to the supplier and you need them as much as they need you. If they know who you are, you are more likely to get a favorable response when you call with a request.

2. Be friendly and smile when they make suggestions about your merchandising displays. Most likely, your main office or a display manager controls what is put out prominently and what goes on sale. Direct the vendor representative to the proper corporate person who handles those issues if the vendor asks you to change a display.

3. Try to be available when you have a vendor visit. They usually bring gifts and food to soften you up. More importantly, they can answer questions about their products and they hold training sessions that can help you present their products better and more knowledgeably.

4. Communicate effectively with your vendors. Set your deadlines and make sure they can supply with the product or service at that time. Know your vendor's minimum lead times, minimum order quantities, terms for payment and returns policies.

5. Give feedback to the vendors to take back to their corporate offices. You are on the front-line with the customers and you see and hear their reactions to new packaging or seasonal colors. The manufacturers rely on their vendors to get this information from department store workers. You most likely will be heard and your comments carried back, especially if you have numbers to back up your opinions and good constructive customer feedback to share with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of possible vendor issues with both big and small vendors. Small vendors may be disorganized and unable to deal with large capacity; large vendors may demand that everything be done on their terms and maybe inflexible with your deadlines.