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Business & Finance

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

Median salary

$75,650

Typical range

$46k – $128k

Job outlook

+6% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

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Education

Typical entry: Associate degree

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Typical progression

  1. Junior Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

    Entry / Junior

    $46,460

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

    Established

    $75,650

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

    Senior

    $101,585

Key skills

A typical day

  • •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.

Fields of study

Any field

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