Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

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This occupation is part of the Business and Financial Operations cluster

About the Job

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.

It is also Called

  • Art Dealer
  • Assistant Buyer
  • Assistant Merchandise Buyer
  • Associate Merchandise Buyer
  • Buy Boat Operator
  • Buyer
  • Buyer Assistant
  • Category Manager
  • Commodity Manager
  • Contracts Specialist

What They Do

  • 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.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: EC.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Enterprising interests, but also prefer Conventional environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Relationships and Support in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • 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.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Education Required

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $55,120.00 with most people making between $28,960.00 and $89,620.00

Outlook

1.76%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 15,900 people in California. It is projected that there will be 18,600 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 280 openings due to growth and about 400 replacement openings for approximately 680 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

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