A crucial step of merchandise handling is pricing merchandise. The method will vary with each retailer. Some small shops may still place price labels directly on the product. Others use shelf labels as a means of communicating prices. Many retailers use bar codes and electronic point of sale to maintain inventory pricing.
Which ever pricing method is used, it is very important to make sure merchandise is priced before it leaves the receiving area. It can be extremely frustrating to a customer wanting to purchase an item that cannot be scanned or does not include any indication of a price.
If tagging merchandise with price labels, hang tags or any other custom sticker consider the following guidelines:
- Do not cover any important information on the product packaging.
- Most tags and labels should be placed on the upper right area of the product.
- Color-code labels for special events or markdowns.
Stocking Merchandise
As soon as the inventory has been received, checked-in and priced, it should immediately make its way to the appropriate location within the store. Chain stores and larger retail environments may use plan-o-grams or allocated shelf space for the new arrivals. Smaller stores may have specified departments or zones.
Regardless of size, each retail store should have some designated selling space to each particular product line or category of merchandise. New merchandise may have an initial distribution dilemma. Buyers, merchandisers and/or store managers can coordinate to determine the best location for new arrivals.
Not all freight will be available for display immediately after arrival. Some merchandise may be held temporarily if it is considered seasonal or for a planned promotion. Don't forget about these products. When the correct time arrives, move the merchandise to the sales floor as soon as possible.
Other Freight Processing Tips
A few additional pointers for processing freight and receiving merchandise are:
- Plan each process well to reduce the amount of physical contact with the products.
- Keep aisles and emergency exits free of stock.
- Work high-priority and fast selling items first.
- Price labels and tagging supplies should not be left in areas accessible to customers.
- Avoid injury by working safely and efficiently to prevent accidents.
The final stage of the freight process should be an attractive and well-planned display of exciting, new merchandise presented to the customer. Keep in mind, this last stop for the merchandise is the first thing the customer sees.