Music Career Finder

Start Here:

1. 1. Are you a Musician/Performer or are you just looking for a career in the Music Business? *This question is required.
2. 2. What are you most interested in? Select as many as you like. *This question is required.

Field Merchandiser

Date: November 5, 2014
Reads: 10,698

Career Overview

Distributes merchandise and promotional materials to retailers and wholesale departments.

Alternate Titles

Merchandising Representative, Field Representative

Avg. Salary

$29,6491

Salary Range

$22K-$43K1

Career Description

The Field Merchandiser works in a variety of record company departments, including merchandising, marketing, sales, and promotions, depending on how the company is set up. His or her major responsibility involves visiting record stores and record departments of retail stores, distributing promo displays, posters, and merchandising aids.

Displays might include posters, window displays, CD holders, pictures, CD covers, T-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, and more. In terms of setting up the displays, this might be done by the Field Merchandiser, or the responsibility may be given to the Record Store Manager, with the Field Merchandiser giving advice on what kind of setup would be most effective.

Because of the vast amount of music stores, the Field Merchandiser does quite a bit of traveling. Staff meetings also take up part of the Field Merchandiser’s day, where topics of conversations include new promotions and merchandise. They might also discuss which retailers are effectively using displays, and which ones are not.

It is also important that the Field Merchandiser check store inventory. If the supply is low, the Field Merchandiser would contact the Record Label Salesperson, Marketing & Sales Manager or Consumer Researcher responsible for that area.

Salary

On average, Field Merchandisers earn approximately $29,600 annually. The salary range for Field Merchandisers runs from $22,000 to $43,000.

These earnings depend on their responsibilities and the size and location of the label.

Hey, what do you think about trying our new Music Career HelperMusic Career Helper really quick? It’s totally free and could help get your career moving fast! Give it a try. It’s totally free and you have nothing to lose.

Career Path

To move up the career path, a Field Merchandiser may look at work within the marketing department. They might also consider becoming a Merchandising Coordinator, a Record Label Sales Rep, or a Sales Manager, etc.

Because of the many markets, prospects for the Field Merchandiser are pretty fair.

  • A job in a record store in a large market will provide a great opportunity to meet with Field Merchandisers, Salespeople, and people in Promotions. This provides the chance to ask questions and build connections with those already in the business.
  • If you do find a position within a record store, ask your Manager to reach out on your behalf to their Field Merchandiser contact at each record label.
  • Always consider becoming an Intern in the marketing or merchandising department of a record company in order to get your foot in the door.
  • Send your résumé and cover letter to the Personnel Director so they’ll have your information on file.

Experience & Skills

While it is not necessary, it is a good idea for an individual to have some sales experience prior to taking the job. Someone who is easy to get along with, who can establish a good rapport, and who is articulate should flourish as a Field Merchandiser. A good knowledge of the music and/or record industry is necessary.

Education & Training

Small labels may only require a high school diploma for their Field Merchandisers, but larger record companies prefer or require a college or degree (see our list of music schools here). Useful majors that will help prepare an individual for a job as a Field Merchandiser might include advertising, marketing, or communications. There are also a number of colleges offering music merchandising or music business degrees.

Additional Resources

Field Merchandisers can belong to the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), which is an organization that represents those in the recorded music industry. Regular membership is open to record stores, distributors, Rack Jobbers, etc., while associate membership is open to others in the industry.

  1. 1Multiple. "Field Merchandiser Salaries in United States". Glassdoor. published: Oct 29, 2019. retrieved on: Dec 17, 2019
Site Search
We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.