Everyone has a favorite store. Maybe yours is the sports store at the mall. Whichever it is, you shop there for a reason, maybe because it sells the best products for the lowest prices. If so, they have top-notch buyers. These pros stalk the wholesale marketplace -- scouring catalogs, visiting manufacturers, going to fashion shows and trade shows -- looking for products that fly off the shelves. That's why loyal customers like you keep coming back for more.
Buyers look for products to resell to the public or to retailers. Purchasers, on the other hand, buy supplies and services for use by the organizations they work for. Working for organizations as different as private corporations and the U.S. military, purchasers order everything from paper clips to tanks.
Buyers and purchasers look for the highest-quality products at the lowest cost.
You can’t become a buyer with only a college degree. You’ll also need related work experience.
A competitive risk taker with good problem-solving and research skills. It also helps to be a clear communicator who is able to work both as a leader and as part of a team.
Buyers advance by taking on departments that make more sales or by taking on new responsibilities as merchandise managers.