Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects | Average: employment for this occupation is expected to be strong to 2010. |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $35,000 to $75,000 |
| Brief | Keeping up to speed with current shopping and fashion trends is an important part of a retail buyer's job. There are approximately 230 retail buyers in South Australia. Employment is largely full-time and most work in the Retail Trade industry. Over half of persons in this occupation are males and most are employed in the Adelaide metropolitan area. This occupation has a younger age profile with only around a third of buyers aged 45 years or older. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for:
Retail Buyer
Diploma of Retail Management
2008 - Semester One, 2008 - Places Available
Certificate IV in Retail Management
Introduction
Retail buyers purchase products and merchandise from wholesalers for sale in shops, warehouses and department stores. Buyers are responsible for tasks such as reviewing stock levels, comparing and selecting goods, and observing what their competitors are purchasing. It is vital that buyers keep abreast of any new products in the marketplace. They also decide on product pricing, which is influenced by the wholesale prices buyers negotiate with the suppliers of products, and the level of consumer demand. Another of a retail buyer's key tasks is deciding how products should be displayed and advertised to their best advantage. They must also encourage sales, so retail buyers must relay any important information about products to other retail staff, especially sales staff. Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to identify how to market and promote products effectively are necessary prerequisites for success in this challenging job.
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Education Requirements
Entry into this occupation is generally through a diploma or higher qualification. In some instances relevant work experience is required in addition to the formal qualification. Of those people currently employed 28% have Bachelor degrees; 16% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas; and 12% have Certificate III or IV. Around 44% have no post-school qualifications. It is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment.
TAFE SA offers the following courses that may assist you in getting employment in this occupation: Certificate II in Retail Operation; Certificate IV in Retail Management; and Diploma of Retail Management. For further information about award courses please check the TAFE SA website. Still unsure? Then contact the TAFE SA Information line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about availability of related short courses.
Career Path
Employment opportunities for retail buyers in South Australia, especially in large department stores, are declining. Most buying is centralised in Melbourne and Sydney. This trend is likely to continue. These positions have had a history of being filled from the existing 'executive pool' of established buyers.
Industry
Retail Trade
Interview
To be updated.
Nature of the Job
Retail is not the easy industry many people think it is. It should be approached as a profession, not just a job. The industry can be demanding; however, people with the right attitude, personality, professional outlook and those who are committed to retail, enjoy the work. The rewards include a high level of job satisfaction and, in some cases, sharing company profits as a priority shareholder. You will have to go to seminars and trade shows throughout the year, which will include interstate and even overseas travel.
Typical Physical Working Environment
Retail buying requires strengths in working with and relating to people. Ideally, buyers should have strong customer service skills, and the ability to anticipate retail trends and consumer wants and needs before starting this job. Some people are more naturally adept at this role; however, others may gain these skills on the job. A preparedness to do this and a commitment to ongoing learning are also both highly advantageous to job satisfaction.
Typical Occupational Example
Travelling is an excellent way for retail buyers to check out what new products are available and, when overseas, to catch what's in vogue, for the following season in Australia. Overseas travel is an aspect of the job particularly relevant to people who choose to specialise in a particular area of retail buying. If becoming a fashion retail buyer is your thing, then work trips to London, Paris, Milan and New York would not be out of the question, particularly for those buyers who work in the bigger chains. Similarly, if you'd like to focus on the information technology or electrical retail industries, then you may have to fly to Japan. There are many other areas that retail buyers can choose to specialise in including millinery, shoes, leather goods or jewellery.
Some employers prefer formal training, while others recognise skills gained on the job. Whether you have formal qualifications or not, beginning on the shop floor and learning about the products and the market is a great starting point. This way you can work your way up to the top. Experience is essentially what makes a good retail buyer as it enables you to develop a greater understanding of the philosophies of retailing and customer service. Unique strategies can be applied to suit your business to achieve higher and faster returns and results. A large amount of a retail buyer's time is spent in an office; however, they may also spend time in warehouses or retail outlets previewing merchandise, and comparing quality and price. Although their working hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., exceptions have to be made for travel and during any other communications with interstate or overseas clients. Time differences need to be taken into account in this industry.
Earning Potential
The salary for retail buyers generally starts at around $35,000 per year and may, in some cases go as high as $75,000 depending on the level of experience, and the buyer's knowledge of the particular market.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
This Career Profile information was last modified: 14/11/2007 12:08:47 PM
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary
