To ensure facilities are properly stocked, Purchasing Agents and Buyers work closely with marketing and merchandising teams to coordinate the ordering of needed products. They must maintain excellent vendor relations, complete all paperwork, and direct daily activities. Professionals must commonly obtain formal education in combination with retail industry experience for these occupations.
With duties often very similar to or in coordination with purchasing professionals, buyers place inventory orders and handle any necessary price negotiations. They will commonly visit promotional events such as trade shows or showrooms to gather ideas or make business contacts for future purchases. Depending on the size of the organization, they will order direct or determine the amount of goods to be used by each facility.