Consider these Sales and Marketing Careers in the Fashion Industry

Careers in the multibillion-dollar fashion industry are not all limited to the creative element. There are also other lucrative areas of the industry, especially in sales and marketing. These are some of the most coveted.

Buyer

A fashion buyer has duties that include being able to effectively analyze financial expenses, as well as make sound financial decisions. A buyer must also step up and be able to take charge of financial projects.

Buyers must have knowledge of both theory and techniques of design. Those with a B.A. in Clothing Technology or related fields are at an advantage. They must have experience in P.A. work or other related fields,  must be creative, innovative, and resourceful. A buyer’s possible salary may range from $800 to $1,500 per month, plus commissions.

Sales Representative

A sales representative assists investors in making financial decisions regarding the fashion organization. He also creates an image for the fashion house for other companies and fashion groups regarding merchandise sales. Good sales representatives must be able to do three things: one—be able to effectively analyze financial expenses, two—be able to assist investors in making sound financial decisions, and three—be able to “sell” the fashion house and/or its merchandise.

A sales representative must have knowledge of both theory and techniques of communications and advertising. A degree in Advertising or related fields is an advantage. They must have good people skills in order to establish a rapport, then good communication skills to be able to make the deals. Sales representatives can earn $1,500 to $3,000 per month, plus commissions and bonuses.

Agents

Agents are basically the backbone of any fashion house, as they are the ones who scout for models. They thrive on being able to mingle with people to see who possess potential model qualities.

An agent must be able to do several things in order to be called successful. He or she must be able to effectively analyze applicants and see whether or not they have what it takes to succeed in the business. Once they have accepted the applicants, they must be able to “sell” the models to the public. And lastly, an agent must be able to create a good rapport between the agent and the fashion house. A good agent makes between $2,000 and $5,000 monthly, plus commissions and percentages.

Wholesalers

Wholesalers are the ones who purchase and sell fashion materials and equipment to the fashion house. To be a successful wholesaler, one must be able to effectively analyse materials, and be able to purchase and sell in bulk for the fashion house with a good profit margin.

While a degree is not a requirement, a degree-holder of any four-year course is an advantage. As long as the wholesaler has good people and communication skills, is innovative and imaginative, and most of all, persistent, he or she can earn up to $10,000 to $30,000 yearly, depending on the wholesaler’s skills as buyer and supplier.

Distribution Agent

A distribution agent allocates all the assets of the fashion house towards areas where it would be the most effective. A distribution agent’s work is relatively simple. He must be able to effectively analyze materials and their potential for profit. Once he has done that, he should be able to allocate materials effectively.

While a degree-holder of any four-year course is an advantage, a degree in Economics, Clothing Technology, or other related courses is a definite advantage. He must have good communication skills and exemplary math and economics skills. A distribution agent’s possible salary may range from $10,000 to $50,000 yearly.

Store Seller

A store seller’s job is to assist buyers in making their choices when buying fashion items from the store, as well as keep the store clean and functioning effectively. For those frustrated “shopaholics” out there, this could be a haven as store sellers often get considerable discounts from the store’s merchandise.

For a store seller to be successful, he or she must be able to effectively communicate with customers. The store seller should also be able to match customers with their preferences or be able to visualize which fashion articles will fit the customer.

Since a store seller’s success depends on his customers, to be a good store seller one must be a people’s person. And since this is a fashion store, they must also be imaginative and smart. A store seller’s possible salary may range from $10 to $40 per hour.

Store Manager

The store manager should be able to supervise the sales force, manage inventory, and keep the store running smoothly. He or she should also be able to handle situations that are beyond the capacity of his employees, as well as think quickly on his feet. Store managers should also be able to effectively communicate with customers and must have good decision-making skills. Because they work with people under their command, they must exude confidence and authority.

Ideally, store managers should hold a degree in management or other related courses, and since they have people working under them, they must be able to carry the weight of their command. A store manager’s possible salary may range from $20 to $80 per hour.

Window Display

A window display artist is a person responsible for creating the beautiful and eye-catching storefronts and displays for fashion stores. For a window display artists to be able to keep the interest of the public eye, they should be able to keep up with the latest fashion trends. He must also know the latest offerings from the fashion house and what is “in” with the public at the moment. Lastly, he or she should be able to visualise and execute a beautiful display.

A good window display artist must be creative, innovative, and resourceful – creative, to be able to continuously make new window displays to awe the crowds; innovative, to be able to think of new ways to present the displays; and resourceful, to be able to identify problems and immediately solve them with whatever is at disposal. A degree in Interior Design or Fine Arts is often preferred. A successful window display artist’s possible salary may range from $10 to $50 an hour.