Description
Purchase merchandise for resale at the wholesale or retail level. Analyze sales, market trends, price, and quality to assess value and margin. Select, order, and authorize payment for goods under contracts. Meet with vendors, introduce new products, and negotiate terms. May supervise or assist junior buyers.
- • Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, and economic conditions to forecast demand and inventory needs.
- • Authorize invoice payments and merchandise returns.
- • Consult with store or merchandise managers on budgets, assortments, and open-to-buy plans.
- • Train or supervise assistant buyers or clerical staff.
- • Provide pricing, markups/markdowns, and product codes for tickets and systems.
- • Select products and timing for advertising and promotions with marketing.
- • Track competitor pricing and promotions across channels.
- • Inspect samples and shipments to evaluate quality, value, and yield.
- • Negotiate prices, discounts, freight, and delivery terms with suppliers.
- • Place and manage purchase orders to meet specifications, quantity, and quality requirements.
- • Recommend retail prices and margin targets.
- • Gather customer and sales feedback to refine assortments.
- • Collaborate with vendors to source or develop exclusive or private-label items.
- • Manage replenishment, lead times, and safety stock to optimize turns.
- • Review SKU performance and plan reorders, markdowns, or exits.
- • Resolve shipment, invoicing, or quality issues with suppliers and internal teams.
- • Maintain product and vendor records, contracts, and compliance documents.
- • Consider sustainability, compliance, and logistics efficiency in sourcing decisions.
- • Coordinate product launches and conduct sales meetings to introduce new items.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
