BUYERA buyer is an individual responsible for deciding, whatto buy, where to buy from, how much to buy, and whatprice to buy and sell.

BuyerBuyers of different types of organizations have different needs – to meet their own customer demands.

merchandise they buy buying patternstype and level of service

Types of buyers

Importer Buyer

Retail Buyer

Buying ResponsibilitiesThe scope of the buyer’s job is dependent upon :o organizational structure of the retail store o the types of goods offered o the store’s dollar volumeo the location of store branches and units

Note: The duties and responsibilities may not necessarily performed by all buyers.

Buying responsibilitieso Management responsibilities

o Market forecasting

o Merchandising planning and selection

o Working with resources

o Preparing merchandise table

Management ResponsibilitiesBuyer has constant contact with salespeople,

merchandise managers, staff personnel, other store buyers, and customers.

Management ResponsibilitiesBuyer is responsible of running a good department

, attracting consumers to the store and of course , maximizing profit.

To fulfill these duties buyer has to function as a manager.

Market ForecastingBuyer works as a market specialist –

awareness of external forces:

1. Market trends2. Economic conditions 3. Technological advancements that will

affect consumer attitude4.Computer applications in merchandising5. Understand consumer behavior 6.What affects consumer buying decisions in the

market place

Merchandise planning and selectionThe buyer is a planner. A buyer should know the importance of record

keeping since he is instrumental is preparing the merchandise budget.

Merchandise planning and selection

Store buyers must know how assortment plans are developed.

Buyer should know what merchandise to buy as well as how much to buy .

Working with resourcesBuyer must visit domestic and

foreign trade centers. May use the service of a resident

buying office. Retail buyer should know the

techniques used in making buying contacts, as well as developing good buyer - vendor relationship.

Preparing Merchandise for Sale

The store buyer must be aware of the legal aspects of pricing.

Determining wholesale price and the retail price are all part of buyer’s job.

The buyer must be an effective communicator.

The Importer Buyer

Stockist

Has a design cell. Requires suppliers to work with his designers on design & product development

Salesman/road samples

Works well in advance of the season

Comparatively longer lead times and large volumes

The Importer BuyerVery price point conscious

Services a number of different levels of retailers

May have a private label, else does other store labels

All shipments are by sea – price

Note: Private label products or services are typically those manufactured or provided by one company for offer under another company's brand.

The Importer BuyerNormally easy on quality requirements

Requirements may vary based on individual retailers serviced

The Retail BuyerWorks for large department store groups or for specialty chains :

Central Buyer

Multiple Stores Buyer

The Central BuyerNormally represents chain store groups, specialty store

groups, and mail order groups

Senior person in the organization

Very Large buying budget - buys for all stores of the chain

Single apparel type buyer

May or may not give design inputs

Often selects merchandise from the manufacturers in house collection

The Central BuyerRepresents the label so is very quality conscious

Could pay higher prices for good products

Goods go directly to retailer so presentation is of importance

Buy closer to the season

Shorter lead times

The Central BuyerRequirement on quantities are dependant on specific

chain size

Deliveries are time bound – retail outlet stock planning

The final decision maker on his merchandise

The Multiple Stores BuyerRepresents a number of independent retailers -

renders a buying service

Can be a multiple commodity buyer

Not the final decision maker on merchandise selection

Very long decision-making process on final confirmation

The Multiple Stores BuyerOrder placing / deliveries long drawn - final lead time

is short

Very quality conscious and strict on deliveries

Goods prices

Requires very close monitoring and follow up

Thank you!!