Day In The Life of a Merch and Apparel Logistics Pro

Red Oak founder Ben Beard goes above and beyond each day to ensure only the highest quality products are supplied on time and on budget. In this blog we outline what a day in the life of a merch and apparel logistic pro looks like.  

Ben is a problem solver who is committed to nurturing and maintaining strong relationships with Red Oak’s factory partners in China.  

Operating in a different time zone to our factory partners can offer up some unique challenges – but thanks to the internet we can chat online at the drop of a hat.

And as there are several key players from design to delivery, he is the master of juggling many projects and negotiating different outcomes.  

Typical Day For Ben 

First up in the day Ben looks for updates from all key players of projects, to see what pieces of the puzzle we have and what information we are missing.  

From there we focus on gathering accurate information and applying pressure to ensure good decisions are made and to keep the ball rolling. 

Communication with factories starts around 11am Australian time and can continue sporadically through the day right up until 8pm if required. Most communication is about timings or requesting faster outcomes.  

In early stages of product development, there will also be feedback on correct original samples.  

As a freight date nears, there will be more communication with factories and freight companies. Meetings are often online, continual and on-the-run. We live on WeChat with factory partners and have a group chat for each project which includes all key decisions makers.  

We also have weekly WIP reports from each factory partner. This enables order consolidation of orders into one container, to save on freight and allow faster clearance at ports. 

How Ben Helps Red Oak’s Customers  

Ben has a zero tolerance on rejects and late delivery and will go above and beyond to keep customers happy.  

It is Red Oak’s aim to provide your event team with peace of mind.  

We can do that because we act as a problem solver throughout the production process with our partners in China.  

With many years of experience, we have become logistics professionals. We also try to be one step ahead and don’t overlook the minor issues that might arise.  

What Makes Red Oak Experts in Their Field

We have a huge range of proven event merchandise products, which stand the test of time. Also, in 20 years we have NEVER missed a delivery date for an event.  

The Red Oak team understands how to manage the small stuff which can make a difference, and we also love to help customers.  

Our number one rule is, NEVER ever ASSUME anything and never ever let a factory make assumptions. Everything must be coded so a final product can be made with clear instructions. 

Here are some other reasons: 

Strong communication with five Chinese factory partners daily 
500k units placed across factory partners drives good prices and favours 
Excellent product coding systems 
Weekly WIP systems with all factories 
Coordinated logistics from China 10 times a year 
Passionate Red Oak staff 
Focus on our strengths and not be all things to all customers

Our Products

Headwear – visors, truckers, sports caps, buckets, beanies  
Sublimated sportswear – Run T’s, run singlets, cycle jersey’s, hoodies, outerwear, fishing shirts, kids, unisex and ladies sizes 
Printed towels – fitness, sports, beach 
Screen printed apparel – t’s, hoodies, polos, singlets 
Bags and backpacks – back sacks, back packs, sports bag, travel bags