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Merchandiser vs vendor

The differences between merchandisers and vendors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a vendor has an average salary of $52,533, which is higher than the $31,051 average annual salary of a merchandiser.

The top three skills for a merchandiser include customer service, PET and pallets. The most important skills for a vendor are product knowledge, customer service, and stock merchandise.

Merchandiser vs vendor overview

MerchandiserVendor
Yearly salary$31,051$52,533
Hourly rate$14.93$25.26
Growth rate1%-
Number of jobs109,4475,341
Job satisfaction4.4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age3845
Years of experience--

What does a merchandiser do?

Merchandisers are employees working for a retail company. Merchandisers are mainly responsible for the store's products. They curate products that are in line with the store's branding. Merchandisers create purchase requisitions and, upon receipt of the products, create displays that would attract the customers. They also ensure that the inventory of the store is well-stocked. Merchandisers should be up to date with current market trends. They should also be familiar with what customers need and want. It is important for merchandisers to know their company's branding by heart. Merchandisers should be able to create good relationships with vendors as well so that their store may be chosen for special promotions.

What does a vendor do?

A vendor's role is to sell goods and services to individuals, business entities, and stores. It is their responsibility to maintain the supply flow of products, coordinate with business partners, and maintain positive relationships with customers to strengthen the client base. As a vendor, it is vital to ensure that the products adhere to quality standards, monitor inventory, and implement deliveries to various stores. There are also instances where a vendor must advertise products on different platforms to improve brand awareness and boost sales.

Merchandiser vs vendor salary

Merchandisers and vendors have different pay scales, as shown below.

MerchandiserVendor
Average salary$31,051$52,533
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $32,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CityRichmond, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateAlaskaNew York
Best paying companyMicrosoftDoorDash
Best paying industryEducationManufacturing

Differences between merchandiser and vendor education

There are a few differences between a merchandiser and a vendor in terms of educational background:

MerchandiserVendor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Merchandiser vs vendor demographics

Here are the differences between merchandisers' and vendors' demographics:

MerchandiserVendor
Average age3845
Gender ratioMale, 58.0% Female, 42.0%Male, 55.4% Female, 44.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 21.1% Asian, 5.9% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage6%8%

Differences between merchandiser and vendor duties and responsibilities

Merchandiser example responsibilities.

  • Consult customers on Scotts products and educate them concerning the advantage and benefits over competitive products.
  • Manage jewelry stock and inventory balances accurately.
  • Manage backroom/stock room inventory by organizing pallets, stacking and storing product inventory.
  • Google Adwords, SEO, etc.
  • Carry items up and down ladders.
  • Climb and work on ladders frequently.
  • Show more

Vendor example responsibilities.

  • Attain prime floor display space and provide point of sale (POS) signage.
  • Handle various tasks from cashier, managing supply and back-stock, responsible for ordering merchandise for cereal department.
  • Work directly with local and national retailers to negotiate sales, places orders, and manage deliveries of wine and spirits.
  • Operate hand-held and truck mount RF scanning guns.
  • Stock home depot trees and keep it looking organize.
  • Have also work in the depot loading bread and cake trucks overnight
  • Show more

Merchandiser vs vendor skills

Common merchandiser skills
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • PET, 8%
  • Pallets, 5%
  • Back Room, 5%
  • POS, 5%
  • Sales Floor, 4%
Common vendor skills
  • Product Knowledge, 26%
  • Customer Service, 26%
  • Stock Merchandise, 9%
  • Purchase Orders, 5%
  • End Caps, 5%
  • Excellent Guest, 5%

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