Do You Need a Merchandiser, or Do You Just Need Field Agent?

When You Need a Merchandiser

A merchandising company is the right choice when the work requires someone to physically change, arrange or install something in store.

You likely need a merchandiser if you need someone to:

• Build or take down a product display
• Stock, rotate, arrange or move products
• Install signage, fixtures or promotional materials
• Reset shelves or execute a planogram
• Speak with a store manager about your product or display
• Secure approvals or coordinate directly with store staff
• Carry out a scheduled booking program

These programs are designed for hands on retail execution. They often involve advance coordination with retailers, store-level communication, materials and trained teams. As a result, they can require a larger budget and a lead time of four to six weeks before execution begins.

If you already know what needs to be done and need people in stores to do it, a merchandising company is probably the right fit.

When You Need Field Agent

Field Agent is the better fit when you need to see, measure or understand what is happening in stores, quickly and cost-effectively.

Using a network of real Canadian shoppers, Field Agent can collect store-level data, photos and shopper feedback across the country. This gives brands visibility into retail conditions without the timelines and costs associated with a traditional merchandising program.

You may need Field Agent if you want to:

• Check whether products are in stock and available for purchase
• Measure on-shelf availability and identify potential phantom inventory
• Verify prices, promotions and sale signage
• Monitor competitors' pricing, displays, assortment or promotional activity
• Audit Planogram, display or merchandising compliance
• Confirm whether displays, signage or new products have reached stores
• Capture time-stamped photos from specific retail locations
• Understand how shoppers experience your product, packaging or promotion
• Conduct mystery shops to evaluate the customer experience
• Gather shopper insights through surveys, product trials or in-store research

Field Agent is especially useful when you have a specific question, a limited budget or a decision that cannot wait several weeks.

In fact, Field Agent can begin auditing stores as early as today, with results available in as little as 72 hours, starting from just $16 per store.

The Simplest Way to Decide

The distinction comes down to execution versus information.

Sometimes, the smartest approach is to use both.

For example, Field Agent can audit stores to identify where a display is missing, a shelf is empty or execution is falling short. A merchandising team can then focus its resources on the stores that need attention. Once the work is complete, Field Agent can return to independently verify the results.

This creates a practical three step process: identify the issue, correct it and verify the outcome.

Not Sure Which One You Need? We Can Help.

Field Agent has a great partnership with Hive Retail Solutions. If your project requires hands-on merchandising support, we would be happy to connect you with their team.

And if you need fast, affordable visibility into what is happening at retail, Field Agent can help you get started right away.

Before launching your next program, ask yourself: Do we need someone to execute in store, or do we need the data to know where action is required?

The answer may save you weeks of time, and a significant portion of your budget.

Not sure what is happening in store? Start an audit today from just $16 per store, or contact us to discuss the right solution for your retail challenge.