Help Ensure the Success of Your New Catalog

Keep These Tasks In-house

Merchandising. Product sourcing, selection and forecasting should be kept close to the vest, said Schmid, in addition to inventory management and forecasting. "These are crucial to your success, and as such, you should keep these jobs in-house," he said.

Analysis and Financials. Tasks such as budgeting, cash-flow management, campaign post-analysis, breakeven calculations and buying inventory also should be done by senior-level executives employed directly by the catalog.