Shanghai Garment Foreign Trade Salesman: How Heavy Is Their Daily Workload?

Shanghai garment foreign trade salesman at work, Shanghai garment foreign trade salesman daily job routine

Common Misconceptions About Garment Foreign Trade Sales

Many outsiders misunderstand the role of a garment foreign trade salesman. They assume the job only involves email communication, quotation and order receiving, with easy schedules and flexible working hours. However, those working at small and medium garment export companies know the reality. A salesman acts as salesperson, merchandiser, assistant, admin, purchaser and document handler all in one. Handling all departmental tasks alone is a daily routine, and the workload is extremely heavy.

Real Daily Work Routine of a Shanghai Knitwear Foreign Trade Salesman

I have a friend working for a Shanghai knitwear export firm, who mainly handles US clients. His full daily responsibilities cover all links of apparel export business.

2.1 Pre-order Sales Development & Quotation

His core duty is client development, cost calculation and style communication to push order deals. Before orders are confirmed, he sorts client files, calculates unit prices and confirms design details.

2.2 Full Merchandising Work After Order Intention Emerges

Once clients show interest, all merchandising tasks fall on the salesman. He coordinates factory sampling, tracks sample progress, checks fabric & accessories, follows embroidery processes and purchases trims like labels. Every stage from sample confirmation to mass production needs repeated verification, and any oversight causes production errors.

2.3 Administrative & Logistics Assistant Duties

Apart from merchandising, he also finishes all assistant work independently. He packs samples, arranges international courier delivery and updates order forms & progress reports monthly and quarterly.

2.4 Document Preparation Before Shipment

After goods are ready for delivery, he double-checks all export documents to guarantee smooth customs clearance.

Overloaded Daily Work Schedule

The salesman must reply to client messages instantly, track factory production status in real time and send sample parcels promptly. He also needs to design PPTs, submit regular reports and source accessories for sampling and embroidery confirmation. Every trivial link cannot be delayed.

Career Insight & Conclusion

Even with such heavy workload, he gains stable designated clients due to comprehensive service capability. As an old saying goes, multiple skills bring more career advantages. All foreign trade practitioners can learn from this case: stay focused on work and improve comprehensive abilities continuously.