Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

What Does a Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products Do?

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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
• 2Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
• 3Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
• 4Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
• 5Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
• 6Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
• 7Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.
• 8Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.

Required Skills

• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Oracle PeopleSoft
• Advanced Retail Management Systems Retail Pro
• Applicant tracking software
• Biztrak Business Solutions Biztrak
• CAM Commerce Solutions Retail STAR Point of Sale POS
• Claritas ConsumerPoint
• Contact management software
• Eclipse IDE
• Email software
• Enterprise risk management software ERMS