Description

Buyers, also referred to by the name of purchasing agents are employed in a variety of areas. The most common companies that employ buyers include retail stores supermarkets, grocery stores, car dealerships, and a host of others. Buyers' work is physically and mentally demanding. They not only have to be knowledgeable of their business, but they must also know the kind of items that need to be purchased. In addition to the psychological aspect, buyers are often required to travel physically to get the goods they purchase. They typically work inside, although certain types of buyers, such as dealerships for cars would have vehicles outside to pick from. Buyers usually collaborate with public relations or sales representatives from other businesses. The majority of buyers hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Management, however, some may have a degree in their area of expertise, such as Fashion, for instance.

The majority of buyers work Monday through Friday times when other businesses are operating. The typical day for buyers includes making inventory, determining the items that need to be bought and determining the best places to buy it. Sometimes, buyers have to travel out of town to purchase the items they require and may be working on weekends.

Roles & Responsibilities

Within the context of the Buyer, employees are expected to fulfill the following roles and responsibilities in order to make meaningful contributions towards organizational success.

  • The Buyer is responsible for sourcing and purchasing raw materials necessary for the production process. The individual must conduct research to find the best prices, negotiate with vendors, and ensure that the materials meet the quality standards required.
  • The Buyer must monitor inventory levels to ensure that the company has enough supplies to meet production needs. The Buyer must also collaborate with internal teams to analyze inventory patterns and forecast future needs to avoid any shortages or overstocking.
  • The Buyer is responsible for conducting supplier audits to ensure that suppliers comply with quality standards, are financially stable, and have ethical business practices. The Buyer must also assess supplier performance regularly to ensure they meet the required standards.
  • The Buyer must maintain records of all transactions and communications with suppliers.

Qualifications & Work Experience

As an entry-level Buyer in India, the following qualifications are essential:

  • Bachelor's degree in Business or Supply Chain Management
  • Excellent analytical skills to analyze procurement data
  • Good negotiation skills to work with vendors and suppliers
  • Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in purchase orders and invoices.

Essential Skills For Buyer

1

Client Interaction

2

Business Communication

3

Complex Buying Behavior

Skills That Affect Buyer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Inventory Management

19%

Negotiation

9%

Data Analysis

11%

Procurement Analysis

3%

Career Prospects

If you're a recent graduate or have limited job experience in India, there are many roles you could consider besides a Buyer. Here are four options:

  • Sales Assistant: In this role, you'll help sales associates with administrative tasks, client communications, and product research.
  • Marketing Coordinator: As a coordinator, you'll support the marketing team's efforts by helping with research, content creation, and event planning.
  • Operations Associate: This role focuses on ensuring efficient daily operations, including logistics, communications, and inventory management.
  • Customer Service Representative: In this position, you'll handle customer inquiries and complaints, as well as helping with order processing and delivery coordination.

How to Learn

According to Google data, the role of a Buyer in India is expected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the last 10 years, this job role has witnessed a steady increase in demand, with an upward trend expected to continue. With the region's expanding economy and globalization, there will be a surge in employment opportunities for Buyers in the coming years. This positive projection indicates promising prospects for individuals pursuing a career in this field in India.