I recently read an article about claiming more miles than they actually drove due to the rising cost of gasoline. This issue has come up time and time again over the years in all industries where mileage reimbursement part of the job. In a perfect world the company would recognize that gasoline is a big expense for their employees and increase the reimbursement to properly compensate. However it is probably cheaper to know that a certain percentage of millage claims are always going to be inaccurate regardless if the reimbursement is “Fair”.

claiming mileage

I am not an expert on the subject, but I believe that if your company’s reimbursement rate is less than the IRS rate you may write off the difference on your taxes. (DISCLAIMER I AM NOT A CPA) I would be sure keep detailed accurate records and have a conversation with your accountant. In any case when you are given asked to report millage and other expenses for reimbursement it comes down to your personal morals and ethics. These are going to vary from person to person and will be justified in many different ways. Personally I would prefer not to have an embarrassing conversation with a supervisor regarding a few dollars.

I recently read an article about Retail Merchandisers claiming more miles than they actually drove due to the rising cost of gasoline. This issue has come up time and time again over the years in all industries where mileage reimbursement part of the job. In a perfect world the company would recognize that gasoline is a big expense for their employees and increase the reimbursement to properly compensate. However it is probably cheaper to know that a certain percentage of millage claims are always going to be inaccurate regardless if the reimbursement is “Fair”. I am not an expert on the subject, but I believe that if your company’s reimbursement rate is less than the IRS rate you may write off the difference on your taxes. (DISCLAIMER I AM NOT A CPA) I would be sure keep detailed accurate records and have a conversation with your accountant. In any case when you are given asked to report millage and other expenses for reimbursement it comes down to your personal morals and ethics. These are going to vary from person to person and will be justified in many different ways. Personally I would prefer not to have an embarrassing conversation with a supervisor regarding a few dollars.

As a Retail Merchandiser you may find yourself in a position to work for more than one company. This can be a great opportunity to earn additional income. Many merchandisnig companies offer flexible scheduling. This can allow you to juggle several merchandising assignments and increase your income potential. I recently spoke to a young merchandiser in my local grocery store who was a full time college student who represented three different merchandising companies on a part time basis. All three were companies were servicing different industries. Her primary was grocery, then she represented a sporting good brand, and finally big name you store chain. It is very important to ensure you do not create a conflict of interest when representing more than one company. This young merchandiser she was able to work her merchandising assignments around her full time college schedule and still work 25-35 hours per week. She explained that most of her work hours were in the evening or on weekends. This is just another great example of how this niche industry can be a great source of income for those who require a flexible work schedule. I wish I would have known about these opportunities when I was a college student.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when working for more than one merchandising company.

1. Read every document you sign and make sure you keep a photo copy for yourself . Many companies have non-compete agreements (although they are nearly impossible to enforce).

2. When taking on a new schedule try and select assignments that allow at least 4-5 days of flexibility to be completed.

Example: Hallmark often allows two week periods for resets to be completed.

This will give you ample time to ensure you are completing your merchandising task properly and are not rushed.

3. Try and accept assignments in the same area or on the same route, gasoline is expensive and so is your time. Do your best to have your assignment schedule stacked so you can get them done on the least amount of trips as possible.

4. Always make sure you check in with the store manager, even if it is for 5 minutes to say hello. Store managers are often asked by corporate provide feedback on your performance. Do everything you can to keep them happy.

The best things about being a Retail Merchandiser

1. You get to see the new products first.

2. You get to get out and be among others.

3. Your job can not be out sourced to other countries.

4. Job security, even if you have to switch companies someone has to physically do the job

5. You are not stuck in a office all day.

Most retail merchandiser jobs today require a minimum level of education.

The most common requirement is at least a minimum of a high school diploma or GED or equivalent.

Can you lift up to 60 pounds?

Can you work in a refrigerated or freezer section?

Can you climb a step ladder?

Can you stoop, bend, and stand for long periods

These questions are just to make sure a possible employee has the capability to perform the job requirements.

Before you apply for a job, it’s best to ask about all of the requirements first so you can make sure you show up with all of the experience and training necessary.

As far as physical fitness is concerned, it’s obvious that the more “in-shape” you are, the better. Most retail merchandising positions require a bit of lifting, stooping, able to work in cold environmental conditions (i.e. refrigerated and freezer sections of retail stores) depending on the location(s) that you are sent.

Reset Merchandisers for example may be required to build and install displays and shelving. Although you do not need to be a power lifter it is tougher than a day at the office.

Building a display (shelf) can be physically demanding and often requires working with a team.

How to Improve Your Physical Fitness

There are several ways to improve your physical health, as you probably already know, and it’s not our position to tell you what you should do. Chances are, you already know what you have to do – you just have to do it, whether it’s exercise more, eat better, or whatever.

Our goal is to motivate you to do what you know you need to do.

The retail merchandiser career is an exciting and fulfilling path that is currently in high-demand, and we’d hate to see anyone be denied the opportunity to become a part of this community because of physical setbacks.

How can I improve my level of physical fitness?

Make small changes because they add up.

If you’re not a healthy eater, that’s fine. Most of us aren’t and great tasting food is, well – great. You don’t need to make a drastic change, just cut one or two things out and be strong about it. Maybe it’s just cutting out all the carbonated drinks, or that large white chocolate mocha with whip you have each morning. One little change can make a huge change.

If you’re not into exercising much, that’s fine too. It’s hard to go from nothing to 2 hours in the gym each day. Just take the stairs instead of the elevator once a day, or take a walk during your lunch break instead of checking your email. Again, these small changes can really change your life.

Whatever you choose to do if you need to get into better shape, we wish you the best of luck!

Common requirements for Retail Merchandisers

• Must be at least 18 years old
• United States citizen or legally able to work without sponsorship
• Successfully pass a criminal background
• Motor Vehicle report
• Pass drug testing
• Have a valid drivers license
• Auto insurance
• Reliable transportation
• Access to a computer with internet on a daily basis

Here a just a few of the most common industry terms you will need to know

Plan-o-gram

An illustration that shows which product is placed in a specific area of shelving. Also used to ensure multiple store displays have the same look and feel.

Ensures that shelf space is used efficiently

Endcap

Strategic product placement at the end of the aisle

This area is used to catch the attention of the shopper as they enter or leave the aisle

Note: items placed on an endcap for sale will sell at a much faster pace than products not on the endcap

Reset

To rearrange the store in order to drive sales and showcase new products

Rests often require pulling all old product and adjusting or installing new shelving

Cut-In

Used to insert a new product after a asile has ben set.

Often by pulling one row of a product that has several vertical facings.