A merchant is a person who works in commerce and deals with the buying and selling of goods or services. The exact role and tasks of a merchant can vary depending on the industry, company size and specialisation. Here are some of the typical tasks of a merchant:

1. Purchasing: Merchants are responsible for the procurement of goods and services. They analyse the market, search for suppliers and negotiate prices and contract terms.
2. Sales: They sell products or services to customers, advise them and answer questions about the goods on offer. Customer loyalty and sales techniques are crucial here.
3. Customer service: Salespeople maintain contact with existing customers and acquire new customers. They take care of processing orders, complaints and enquiries.
4. Marketing: They may be involved in marketing activities to promote products and publicise the company. This may include running promotions and using social media.
5. Stock management: Merchants monitor stock levels, plan reorders and ensure that goods are available.
6. Financial management: They are often responsible for preparing quotations, invoices and cost estimates and oversee the financial aspects of trading, such as payments and accounting.
7. Market research: Merchants analyse market trends, customer needs and competitors in order to make strategic decisions for the company.
8. Contract management: They are responsible for creating and managing contracts with suppliers, customers and other business partners.
9. Teamwork: Business administrators often work with other departments, such as logistics, customer service and marketing, to ensure the smooth running of the company.
10. Training and development: Many merchants are involved in training new employees and keeping up to date with the latest developments in retail and the industry.

Overall, the work of a merchandiser aims to achieve the company’s economic goals through effective management of purchasing, sales and customer relations.