Find Business Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Wholesale and Retail Buyer

Find Schools Near

What is a Wholesale and Retail Buyer?

Wholesale & Retail Buyer Example 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.

A Day in the Life of a Wholesale & Retail Buyer

  • Determine which products should be featured in advertising, the advertising medium to be used, or when the ads should be run.
  • 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.
  • Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
  • Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.
  • Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
  • Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.

What a Wholesale & Retail Buyer Should Know

Below is a list of the skills most Wholesale and Retail Buyers say are important on the job.

Negotiation: Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

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.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Types of Wholesale and Retail Buyer

  • Buyer
  • Purchaser
  • Commodity Manager
  • Importer Exporter
  • Wholesale Buyer

What Kind of Wholesale & Retail Buyer Job Opportunities Are There?

In the United States, there were 123,300 jobs for Wholesale and Retail Buyer in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Wholesale and Retail Buyer. There will be an estimated 13,300 positions for Wholesale & Retail Buyer per year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Wholesale & Retail Buyer are Washington, Colorado, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Delaware. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What Tools do Wholesale and Retail Buyers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Wholesale and Retail Buyers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Email software
  • Word processing software
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Project
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Facebook
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • Scheduling software
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software

Becoming a Wholesale & Retail Buyer

What kind of Wholesale and Retail Buyer requirements are there?

undefined

How Long Does it Take to Become a Wholesale & Retail Buyer?

undefined

You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming a Wholesale and Retail Buyer might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: Qfamily via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.

Visit School

Find Business Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited business colleges across the U.S.