Choosing a merchandising company starts with the stores and work you need covered. A national coverage statement is useful context, but it is not a confirmed deployment plan. Ask each prospective partner to assess the same outlet list and tasks so you can compare practical proposals.
Test coverage against actual outlets
Supply store names, addresses, states and any access restrictions. Ask which locations can be serviced, the proposed visit frequency and any locations that need separate arrangements. For programmes spanning Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Sarawak, clarify route planning and supervision in each area. A retailer logo alone does not confirm every branch is included.
Ask how the team will be supervised
Find out who briefs merchandisers, checks their work and handles absence or access problems. Ask how instructions are updated when a promotion or planogram changes. A named escalation contact and a clear replacement process are more useful than a general promise that problems will be managed.
Review a sample report before agreeing the format
Use an anonymised example to check whether outlet, date, SKU, task status and evidence can be understood without another meeting. Ask how an unavailable SKU differs from a product that is not listed, and how incomplete visits are recorded. Confirm the delivery frequency, file format and person responsible for acting on exceptions.
Compare the full scope, not only the headline price
Make visit frequency, visit duration assumptions, supervision, travel, reporting and materials explicit. Ask what is excluded and how additional outlets or tasks would be priced. Two proposals with the same monthly fee may cover different amounts of work. Keep campaign promises and expected outcomes separate from the services actually included.
Use a pilot to check the operating fit
Where appropriate, start with a representative group of stores. Review whether instructions are workable, evidence is clear and exceptions reach the right person. Agree how the pilot will inform the wider programme. To request an OSAM proposal, provide the brand, SKU list, outlet addresses, intended start date and required tasks; coverage and timing can then be assessed against the brief.
