A bachelor’s degree in retail, fashion, marketing, or another related field is preferred. Additional computer training also may be required. Retail buyers are encouraged to become members of trade organizations such as the National Retail Federation or American Purchasing Society.

How long does it take to become a retail buyer?

Buyers and purchasing agents typically get on-the-job training for more than 1 year. During this time, they learn how to perform their basic duties, including monitoring inventory levels and negotiating with suppliers.

What do you need to be a buyer?

Usually, you start as an assistant buyer, go on to become a junior buyer and work your way up. To go straight into a buying role, you’d probably need a degree in retail or business. It’s possible to enter without a degree and spend more time learning, doing training and gaining qualifications.

Do retail buyers make good money?

Retail buyers in the United States make an average salary of $53,203 per year or $25.58 per hour. People on the lower end of that spectrum, the bottom 10% to be exact, make roughly $39,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $71,000. As most things go, location can be critical.

Do retail buyers travel a lot?

Fashion buyers usually work indoors at the office or are travelling. Visits to the retail store might also be common. Fashion buyers also spend a large time hunting for the best deals. Because fashion buyers have to travel a lot, they often sacrifice their personal lives for their professional advancement.

What is a buyer job like?

A Buyer, or Purchasing Agent, is responsible for purchasing materials, supplies or equipment for a business. Their duties include negotiating deals with suppliers, researching possible item selections and taking inventory of current products.

How much do buyers for stores make?

How much does a Retail Buyer make? The average Retail Buyer in the US makes $53,793. The average bonus for a Retail Buyer is $1,245 which represents 2% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year.

What does a buyer for a store do?

Retail Buyers are responsible for planning, managing, selecting and purchasing goods and merchandise that are sold in retail stores. They look for new and review existing goods in store to ensure store’s competitiveness.

What’s the best way to become a retail buyer?

Steps to Become a Store Buyer. Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement for working as a retail buyer.

What can I do with a buyer’s degree?

While pursuing a degree, students can work part-time in a retail position to gain experience. Retail experience is beneficial in understanding the industry and is required for employment as a buyer. Before being offered a buyer position, entry-level graduates may need to work as assistant buyers.

What do you need to be a grocery store buyer?

Personal Qualifications. If you want to be a buyer for a grocery store chain, you should have good decision-making and analytical skills. You should be able to analyze a variety of options and determine which is the best.

Where can I get a job as a store buyer?

You can apply on the stores’ websites or through your university’s career placement office. You’ll start out typically as a trainee, where you will learn buying techniques and merchandising practices. Then, you will be promoted to assistant buyer, then to buyer for a single department, and eventually to being the buyer for an entire store.