Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

13-1022.00

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. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
• Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
• Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
• Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.
• Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.
• Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.
• Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.
• Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.
• Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.
• Conduct sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.
• Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.
• Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number.
• Train or supervise sales or clerical staff.
• Determine which products should be featured in advertising, the advertising medium to be used, or when the ads should be run.
• Monitor competitors' sales activities by following their advertisements in newspapers or other media.
• Analyze environmental aspects of competing merchandise when making buying decisions.
• Compare transportation options to determine the most energy-efficient options.
• Develop strategies to advertise green products or merchandise to consumers.
• Identify opportunities to buy green commodities, such as alternative energy, water, or carbon-neutral products for resale to consumers.
• Monitor consumer preferences or environmental trends to determine the best way to introduce new green products.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - Accounting software; Intuit QuickBooks 🔥
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - Qlik Tech QlikView
• Calendar and scheduling software - Contact management software; Scheduling software
• Cloud-based data access and sharing software - Microsoft SharePoint 🔥
• Customer relationship management CRM software - Claritas ConsumerPoint
• Data base user interface and query software - Microsoft Access 🔥; Oracle Database 🔥
• Development environment software - Eclipse IDE 🔥
• Electronic mail software - Email software; Microsoft Outlook
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Biztrak Business Solutions Biztrak; Enterprise resource planning ERP software; JDA Software Group Advanced Warehouse Replenishment by E3; JDA Software Group Assortment Planning by Arthur; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; Oracle PeopleSoft 🔥; Product development management software; Sage ERP Accpac; SAP software
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Graphics software
• Human resources software - Applicant tracking software; Oracle Taleo
• Internet browser software - Microsoft Internet Explorer; Web browser software
• Inventory management software - Inventory control systems
• Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software - Infor Supply Chain Management; Kliger-Weiss Infosystems; Materials requirement planning MRP software; Oracle PeopleSoft Enterprise Supply Planning Multi-Site Material Planner
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Microsoft Windows 🔥
• Point of sale POS software - Advanced Retail Management Systems Retail Pro; CAM Commerce Solutions Retail STAR Point of Sale POS; Millennium Software Atrex; Plexis Software Plexis POS; Point of sale POS software; POSitive Software POSitive for Windows; SAP POS Data Management; Specialized Business Solutions Keystroke POS; Windward Software Windward System Five
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint ; Presentation software
• Procurement software - Oracle Advanced Procurement; Sourcing Simulator
• Project management software - Microsoft Project 🔥; Project management software
• Risk management data and analysis software - Enterprise risk management software ERMS
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Web page creation and editing software - Facebook 🔥; LinkedIn 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Purchase stocks of merchandise or supplies.
• Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers.
• Purchase products or services.
• Determine the value of goods or services.
• Advise others on business or operational matters.
• Confer with personnel to coordinate business operations.
• Authorize financial actions.
• Disburse funds from clients accounts to creditors.
• Analyze market conditions or trends.
• Analyze consumer trends.
• Obtain information about goods or services.
• Discuss business strategies, practices, or policies with managers.
• Provide information to coworkers.
• Train personnel to enhance job skills.
• Supervise employees.
• Create marketing materials.
• Research issues related to the environment or sustainable business practices.
• Evaluate logistics methods to reduce environmental impact.
• Develop business or market strategies.
• Identify strategic business investment opportunities.