Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
Also Known As:Acquisition Specialist, Art Dealer, Buyer, Buying Professional, Category Planner, Commodity Buyer, Contract Sourcing Specialist, Contracts Specialist +33 more
Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.
Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
Conduct sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.
Supplemental Tasks (10)
Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.
Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number.
Train or supervise sales or clerical staff.
Determine which products should be featured in advertising, the advertising medium to be used, or when the ads should be run.
Monitor competitors' sales activities by following their advertisements in newspapers or other media.
Analyze environmental aspects of competing merchandise when making buying decisions.
Compare transportation options to determine the most energy-efficient options.
Develop strategies to advertise green products or merchandise to consumers.
Identify opportunities to buy green commodities, such as alternative energy, water, or carbon-neutral products for resale to consumers.
Monitor consumer preferences or environmental trends to determine the best way to introduce new green products.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Bachelor's Degree
35%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
20%
Less than a High School Diploma
14%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
11%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
10%
Some College Courses
8%
Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.