Voonik Merchandiser Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

What the job involves

A merchandiser in e-commerce, retail, or D2C works at the intersection of product, sales, and operations. Day to day, they manage product listings, pricing, inventory, and promotions to maximise sales and margins. They also coordinate with buyers, vendors, and marketing teams to ensure the right products are available at the right time.

Role and Technical Knowledge

1. 1

   What is the difference between gross margin and markdown? How would you use them in pricing decisions?

   Explain gross margin as revenue minus cost of goods sold, and markdown as a reduction in selling price. Discuss how markdowns affect margins and when to use them to clear stock.

2. 2

   How do you calculate sell-through rate and why is it important for a merchandiser?

   Sell-through rate = units sold / units received. It indicates product performance and helps decide reorders, markdowns, and assortment planning.

3. 3

   What are the key elements of a product listing on an e-commerce site? How would you optimise a listing for a fashion product?

   Cover title, images, description, keywords, price, and attributes. For fashion, emphasise size charts, fabric details, and styling tips to reduce returns.

4. 4

   Explain open-to-buy (OTB) and how it helps in inventory planning.

   OTB is the budget for new inventory purchases. It balances planned sales, stock on hand, and desired stock levels to avoid overstocking or stockouts.

Practical Scenarios

1. 5

   You notice that a particular product has high traffic but low conversion. What steps would you take to improve its performance?

   Analyse the listing: check price competitiveness, images, reviews, and description. Consider A/B testing, adjusting price, or improving content. Also check if the product is in stock and shipping is fast.

2. 6

   A top-selling item is about to go out of stock. How would you handle the situation to minimise sales loss?

   Expedite replenishment, communicate with vendors, and possibly offer a substitute or pre-order. Also adjust marketing to push similar products and manage customer expectations.

3. 7

   You have to plan a festive season sale. What factors would you consider for inventory and pricing?

   Consider historical sales, current trends, lead times, and competitor pricing. Plan for higher stock of bestsellers, create bundles, and set dynamic discounts to maximise revenue.

4. 8

   How would you decide which products to discontinue from the catalogue?

   Look at sales velocity, margin, return rate, and customer feedback. Discontinue low performers and replace with better options. Consider clearance strategies for existing stock.

Behavioural and Situational

1. 9

   Tell me about a time you had to work with a tight deadline. How did you manage it?

   Use STAR method: describe the situation, task, action (prioritisation, communication), and result. Highlight ability to stay calm and deliver.

2. 10

   Describe a situation where you had to convince someone to change their approach. What was the outcome?

   Show persuasion using data and empathy. Explain how you listened, presented facts, and reached a mutually beneficial solution.

3. 11

   How do you handle criticism or feedback on your work?

   Emphasise openness to learning, asking clarifying questions, and implementing changes. Give an example of turning feedback into improvement.

4. 12

   Give an example of a time you worked in a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role?

   Highlight collaboration, your specific contribution, and the team's success. Show you can support others and share credit.

HR and Company Fit

1. 13

   Why do you want to work as a merchandiser in e-commerce/D2C?

   Show passion for retail and online shopping. Mention interest in data-driven decisions and fast-paced environment. Align with company's model.

2. 14

   What do you know about our company and how do you think you can contribute?

   Research the company's products, target audience, and recent news. Suggest how your skills in analysis and organisation can help grow the category.

3. 15

   Where do you see yourself in three years?

   Show ambition to grow into a category manager or senior merchandiser role. Emphasise learning and taking on more responsibility.

4. 16

   How do you prioritise your tasks when everything seems urgent?

   Discuss using urgency and impact matrix, communicating with stakeholders, and focusing on high-impact tasks first. Give a practical example.