Occupation information for Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products District Of Columbia

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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. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

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details

Currently Employed: 3,270

Projected Annual Job Openings: 270

Typical Hourly Wage: $40.83 - $61.62

Typical Annual Salary: $84,920 - $128,170

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typical training

Typical education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: 1 to 12 months on-the-job training

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typical job duties
  • Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
  • Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
  • Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.
  • Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
  • Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number.
  • 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.
tools & technology
Tools:
  • Desktop calculator
  • Desktop computers
  • Personal computers
  • Point of sale POS terminal

Technology:
  • Accounting software
  • Calendar and scheduling software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
  • Point of sale POS software
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