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Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
  • Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
  • 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.
  • Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
  • Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
  • Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
  • Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.

Skills that matter

  • Critical Thinking
  • Negotiation
  • Active Listening
  • Persuasion
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Bakery Buyer
  • Buyer
  • Frozen Food Buyer
  • Grocery Buyer
  • Deli Buyer
  • Gourmet Food Buyer

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