CPG brands understand the critical role reset merchandisers play in creating an optimal shopping experience. These merchandisers are entrusted with implementing new displays and enhancing product placements within retail stores. From overnight work to constructing new shelving based on approved planograms and strategically rearranging products, their tasks are pivotal.
While brands often rely on external merchandisers to handle these responsibilities, it is essential to find the right talent for the job. The ideal reset merchandisers possess not only speed and accuracy, but also a deep understanding of store layouts, planogram interpretation, and overall store-level operations. That’s where the Trax Flexforce comes in.
Here are 5 reasons why CPGs should opt for Trax Execution:
- No more gaps in coverage
Trax Execution uses a flexible workforce to conduct merchandising visits. Unlike traditional agencies which are facing major talent shortages, brands using Trax have over 1.5mm merchandisers registered and ready to perform jobs for them when required.
Additionally, the onboarding team works around the clock to ensure the workforce is activated on the Trax app nationwide and experience-matched so they are ready to be deployed at short notice.
- Quality is guaranteed
Even though new reps are constantly coming onboard, past experience is a pre-requisite and Trax matches all reps to jobs based on skills. In 2024, 85% of all visits were completed by reps with more than 40 visits, and as many as 91% of users had at least half that number under their
Moreover, for specialized reset jobs, reps cannot simply ‘claim’ a task; they have to be ‘assigned’ to it. This is only done if they have specific skills, previous experience, and a good track . Trax rewards high performers with more work, while poor performers aren’t given new jobs.
Reps are ‘matched’ to a job using experience tagging, i.e. ‘resets’, ‘reset quality’, ‘reliability’, etc. Matched reps are then also thoroughly briefed by the Trax project team via the app as well as phone calls.
The journey of a Trax rep, Sandra
- Week 1: Onboarding
- Sandra began by applying for reset work on the Trax app.
- To onboard, she was given 2 Trax funded
- Her first 25 jobs were mainly Auditing. A few Merchandising projects were also introduced.
- In her first she completed 108 projects.
- Week 2: From auditing to merchandising
- Sandra continued her application for reset work by completing a pre-screen questionnaire.
- For her next 25 jobs, half are now
- She was introduced to Activation projects with ‘Cut-In’ jobs which require store manager interaction.
- Week 3: More activation work including sampling
- Her work for the next period was mainly Activation and
- Week 4: A mix
- Sandra was completing a mix of audit, POSM, pack transitions, cut-in sampling and re-stocking projects.
- She completed her first reset project following Trax screening and briefing process.
And because reps for different categories may have different areas of expertise and knowledge when it comes to consumer trends and behaviors, or retailer requirements for specific categories vs others, they are also selected based on experience for those categories.
- Clear instructions and expectations
Before a rep is even given a job, expectations are set about the work required. For example, Trax onboarding execs find out whether the rep has the ability to lift 50 lbs if necessary, or whether they can commit to a certain number of hours and time as required, and any other details of the task. They are also given written instructions once selected – including sign-in requirements and support pictures for the Trax app to validate work. The Flexforce is also equipped with protocols to follow for unforeseen scenarios, like if the team leader is not to be found at the store on their arrival.
- Ability to adapt and take advantage of opportunities in-store
Retail environments are dynamic, and surprises are bound to occur. The Trax merchandisers possess the flexibility to address unforeseen issues or opportunities promptly. Using the Trax image recognition app, they capture images of the store shelves. This visual data provides an accurate snapshot of the current state of the shelves. Artificial intelligence (AI) then compares it with the desired state and applies customized rules to generate a list of tasks to be performed in real-time. The team is equipped to handle these tasks, guaranteeing a responsive and adaptable approach.
- No-shows, a staple in gig work, are virtually non-existent
The Trax project team confirms attendance with scheduled reps the day before the shift, and the update is sent to clients when requested. Trax sends messages via the app and SMS on the day of the shift as well, to ensure the rep is on their way the store.
Once the reps upload the visits to the Trax app, the geo-location and sign-in features are used to validate their attendance, timeliness, and completion of hours.
Reset jobs can make all the difference when it comes to consumer purchase decisions, so they cannot be assigned lightly. Trax Execution uses the power of the flexible workforce is qualified and highly experienced merchandisers at your disposal to perform these crucial jobs. And with reps able to provide coverage across urban and rural areas, we can take your project off the ground within days.
