Buyers purchase goods to sell in warehouses, shops or department stores. They purchase merchandise that they believe will appeal to the public and which can be sold at a profit. Merchandise is any stock sold in a shop and may include clothes, food, electronic goods, building materials etc.
To estimate the amount of merchandise needed, past and present sales records are examined and evaluated using merchandise inventories. Buyers study their market, confer with managers and sales clerks, and watch reports of general economic conditions to help with ordering merchandise. They must know the quality of the merchandise and the business standard of firms with whom they deal.
Retail buyers work closely with advertising people to plan sales campaigns and window and floor displays. Depending on the size of the business they work for, buyers may work either independently or as part of a team. They have lots of contact with people, in person, over the phone or through the Internet. Buyers meet with people from their own business, such as marketing, finance and sales staff, and suppliers and wholesalers locally and overseas.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work
- working with people
- helping to set trends
- challenges of picking the right merchandise and marketing items
Demanding aspects
- trying to keep sales increasing by wise selections
- long and irregular hours
- personality clashes that sometimes occur in a competitive, fast-paced field
- need to travel
Requirements
A buyer should:
- be alert, with the ability to recognize and make use of favourable conditions
- be able to negotiate in a tactful, yet decisive manner
- have presentation and good communication skills
- have the ability to make calculations
- not be overly compliant or easily confused
- have interest in merchandising
- have planning, budgeting and time management skills
- be willing to take risks and make mistakes
- have decision-making skills and leadership ability
- be pleasant, attractive and well-groomed
- be good judgement, with regard to what is good value for money
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: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Economics, Accounting
Training
Diploma: A course in Purchasing Management is offered at VUT, and Retail Business Management at CPUT, VUT, UNISA and PE FET College.
Some companies have in-service training for their own purchasing personnel
Employer
- Department stores
- Retail firms
- Own retail business
Contact
Any of the above mentioned universities of technology
Any chain / departmental store or retail firm