Alabama Department of Labor

SOC: 13-1022 Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products 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. Include assistant buyers. Default

Education:		Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

OJT:		Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

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, markdown 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 and determine what the company will sell and how much inventory is needed. 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.

License:		License not required.

Outlook:		Satisfactory

Alabama Employment Outlook
Comprehensive wage data available: Alabama Occupational Wage Survey	Alabama Projections Estimated Employment 2016 Projected Employment 2026 Annual Average Openings Annual Growth Rate 360 350 40 -.28

Related Occupations:

Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:

Assessors Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products First-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, Hand First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers Logistics Managers Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products Purchasing Managers Retail Salespersons Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

No postsecondary schools reported programs.

Occupational Videos 13-1022.00 Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products