A fashion buyer is responsible for selecting merchandise, planning the long-term buying strategy and negotiating contractual terms with suppliers.
The fashion buyer:
- interprets the trends of seasonal fashion by constantly being in contact with the market;
- assists in the formulation of budgets
- selects styles, bearing in mind the requirements, quality and financial cosiderations
- contributes to merchandise distribution plans
- negotiates with suppliers.
Satisfying Aspects
- being the first to see fashion trends
- the excitement of working in the ever-changing world of fashion
- dealing with people
- some travelling involved
Demanding aspects
- dealing with difficult people
l- frustration when the merchandise required is not available
- purchased merchandise does not prove to be popular
Requirements
A fashion buyer should:
- be creative and imaginative
- be perceptive and objective
- have an interest in fashion and the market
- able to negotiate and have sound judgement
- be prepared to take risks
- have self-confidence
- have organizational abilities
- show good taste
- have good business sense
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Business Economics, Accountancy, Needlework and Clothing
Training
Degree: suitable degrees - BCom, BBusSc, BAdmin or BA. Subjects such as Business, Marketing.
Clothing Management - UJ, CPUT.
Diploma : Fashion, Marketing, Business Management - all universities of technology and FET Colleges.
Many private, technical and correspondence colleges offer appropriate courses., eg Fashion Merchandising at Intec
Experience and knowledge are gained through in-service training.
Employer
- department stores
- retail firms selling fashion clothing, fabrics or furniture etc
- the fashion buyer with the necessary experience and capital, can start own business.
Contact
The various universities and universities of technology mentioned above.
Any head office of larger commercial undertakings selling clothing.