jobalob Browse careers

Is being a retail buyer a good fit for you?

Chooses and buys goods for shops and wholesalers to sell. Studies past sales to work out what customers will want.

What the work involves

  • Negotiates prices, discounts and delivery arrangements with suppliers.
  • Inspects products to judge quality and value.
  • Recommends mark-ups, discounts and selling prices.
  • Finds out what customers need by talking with sales and buying staff.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be persuading and organising. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onLow. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousLow. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingStrong. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingStrong. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

What it tends to reward

Compared with other work, this job stands out for:

  • Mastery. Getting really good at something over time.
  • Independence. Trusted to decide how the work gets done.
  • Belonging. People who look out for each other, and a manager who has your back.

How much training it needs

Apprenticeships and training. Usually vocational training or an apprenticeship. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if a retail buyer is one of yours.

Free. About 15 minutes. No account.

Start my free match

Similar kinds of work