Clothing Packer

The lowdown
Making sure items of clothing are packed appropriately for distribution
Packing by hand or using machine-packing equipment
Preparing delivery paperwork
What does a Clothing Packer do?
Clothing Packers ensure items of clothing are packed in the appropriate way for
distribution.

They wrap the garments in tissue or bubble wrap before folding and packing them
into the appropriate container. They then need to prepare the order and organise
delivery notes.

When working in mass-production, Clothing Packers need to load packing

machinery with garments and packing materials, unload packing items and weigh
garments ready for dispatch.

Those working for mail order companies may also be involved in checking
returned garments for flaws and damage. These items may need to be cleaned and
re-packaged for sale.

Extra responsibilities may include training new starters, sewing, conducting in-line
checks or taking on the role of team leader.

Clothing Packers usually work in a warehouse environment or on a production

line. They can expect to spend a lot of time standing or sitting in the same position.

THE JOB AND WHAT'S INVOLVED

Clothing packers ensure that items of clothing are packed in the correct way ready
for distribution. The type of packaging used depends on the type, value, fabric and
destination of the garments.

Clothing packers may pack:

 Mass-produced garments from a clothing manufacturer, wholesaler or
warehouse, which require rapid packing by hand or using a machine, usually
into plastic bags or on to hangers covered by a plastic bag.
 Clothing returned from a retail store, to be transported back to a manufacturer,
wholesaler or warehouse, which usually involves taking garments from rails or
shelves and packing them into pallets or crates.
 Clothes sent by mail order or internet retailers, which need to be packed
individually and sent to customers with the relevant paperwork.
 Unwanted clothing returned by customers to mail order or internet companies,
which may need cleaning and pressing before it is repacked for future sale.

An automated packing machine may be used when packing mass-produced items.

This can involve loading the machine with boxes, labels, and packaging materials,
as well as the garments themselves. Clothing packers may also be involved in
grouping different items according to a delivery note and then weighing and
labeling the final package. Packers, especially those working with garment returns,
may also be involved in quality control checks.

Some clothing packers will be required to operate computers to check records,

print labels and record stock levels. Clothing packers are responsible for ensuring
the customer receives their goods in a well-presented way. This is especially
important for expensive items and branded goods.

Clothing packers usually work between 37 and 40 hours a week, which can be in
the form of irregular shift work. It is common for clothing packers to work day,
evening, night and weekend shifts. Part-time work is also common and there may
be opportunities to work overtime.

Clothing packers are usually based in factories and warehouses, which can be
noisy. They may spend much of their time sitting or standing at a packing machine
or conveyor line. The job involves a lot of standing, bending and walking.
Protective clothing, such as overalls, gloves and headwear may be provided.

Starting salaries may be around £11,000 a year. A more experienced packer may
earn around £13,000 a year.
Clothing packers with supervisory responsibilities may earn up to £20,000 a year.

In many jobs, packers are paid an hourly rate, which is usually around £6 per hour.
Others may be paid a piece rate (a set amount for each item they pack).

Those working overtime hours may be paid more and some organisations have a
bonus scheme.

GETTING STARTED WITH THIS CAREER CHOICE

Clothing packers are employed by a wide variety of organisations in the clothing

industry. These include:

 Garment manufacturers.
 Wholesalers and distributors.
 Retail stores.
 Mail order and internet retailers.
 Warehouse and storage companies.
 Shipping and forwarding agents.
 Removal firms.
 Companies that pack manufactured goods for export and those specialising in
exporting new and used clothing.
 Garment rental companies.

Some packing operations are becoming increasingly computerised. Clothing

packing is generally a more specialised area of packing and so has been less
affected by automation.

The number of jobs for clothing packers is stable and there are generally good
opportunities for finding work, particularly in the warehousing, internet retailing
and distribution sectors. The increasing use of the internet to sell clothing and offer
home delivery to customers has ensured a steady demand for experienced packers,
especially multi-skilled workers who are able to operate computers and machinery,
as well as check items.

Job vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, Jobcentre Plus offices and
Connexions centres and on specialist agency and employer websites.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Although no particular qualifications are needed to be a packer, it is helpful to have

key skills and qualifications in practical subjects. Some companies ask for GCSE's
(A*-C) in English and maths. Computer literacy is also increasingly important as
the industry relies heavily on computer-based systems to record, monitor and
dispatch stock. Some employers may give applicants an entry test to find out if
they are good with their hands and can do the job quickly and accurately.

SKILLS AND PERSONAL QUALITIES NEEDED

A clothing packer should:

 Be patient and methodical and not mind repetitive work.

 Be good with their hands and able to work quickly.
 Be safety conscious, especially if working with machinery.
 Have some computer skills for certain packing processes.
 Have some mechanical aptitude for working with machinery.
 Be able to read, write and follow instructions.
 Work well as part of a team and have good communication skills.
 Be reliable and a good timekeeper.
 Be physically fit, especially for heavier packing work.
 Be prepared to keep hands clean to avoid soiling garments.

Job Duties and Tasks for: "Packer and Packager"

1) Mark and label containers, container tags, or products, using marking tools.

2) Measure, weigh, and count products and materials.

3) Examine and inspect containers, materials, and products in order to ensure that
packing specifications are met.

4) Record product, packaging, and order information on specified forms and

records.

5) Remove completed or defective products or materials, placing them on moving

equipment such as conveyors or in specified areas such as loading docks.
6) Seal containers or materials, using glues, fasteners, nails, and hand tools.

7) Load materials and products into package processing equipment.

8) Assemble, line, and pad cartons, crates, and containers, using hand tools.
9) Clean containers, materials, supplies, or work areas, using cleaning solutions
and hand tools.

10) Transport packages to customers' vehicles.

11) Place or pour products or materials into containers, using hand tools and
equipment, or fill containers from spouts or chutes.

Job Activities for: "Packer and Packager"

1) Handling and Moving Objects -- Using hands and arms in handling, installing,
positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
2) Performing General Physical Activities -- Performing physical activities that
require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such
as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

3) Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates -- Providing

information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written
form, e-mail, or in person.

4) Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships -- Developing

constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining
them over time.

5) Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events -- Identifying information by

categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting
changes in circumstances or events.

Skills Needed for: "Packer and Packager"

1) Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking
time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not
interrupting at inappropriate times.
2) Coordination -- Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

3) Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4) Learning Strategies -- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and

procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

5) Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in

work related documents.

Abilities Needed for: "Packer and Packager"

1) Manual Dexterity -- The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together
with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Knowledge, Experience, Education Required for: "Packer and Packager"

Production and Processing -- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes,
quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective
manufacture and distribution of goods.