Wholesale & Retail Buyers

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Code: 13-1022.00

Description : 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. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

JobTitles : Buyer, Trader, Mechandiser, Procurement Specialist, Category Manager, Merchandise Manager, Product Manager, Purchasing Manager

Tasks:
  • Use computers to organize and locate inventory, and operate spreadsheet and word processing software.
  • Negotiate prices, discount terms and transportation arrangements for merchandise.
  • Manage the department for which they buy.
  • Confer with sales and purchasing personnel to obtain information about customer needs and preferences.
  • Examine, select, order, and purchase at the most favorable price merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements and other factors.
  • Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns and determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed.
  • Set or recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, and selling prices for merchandise.
  • Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
  • Interview and work closely with vendors to obtain and develop desired products.
  • Conduct staff meetings with sales personnel to introduce new merchandise.