Merchandising, in marketing, planning and control of goods or services to provide effective product development and to ensure the proper commodity at a place, time, price, and quantity conducive to profitable sale. For the manufacturer merchandising involves product planning and management. For the retailer or wholesaler it includes selecting styles, colors, and sizes preferred by the customers or trade. Correct placement and timing of a product are particularly important for fashion goods, for seasonal merchandise, and for fads with a rate of sale that fluctuates drastically. The price is usually determined so as to sell merchandise promptly and at a profit satisfactory to the merchandiser. The quantity ordered should create a supply large enough to satisfy all potential customers but should not be excessive to a degree that might necessitate price reductions in order to bring about sufficient sales.