Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
Purchasing agents (except wholesale, retail, and farm products) purchase machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, or services necessary for the operation of an establishment. They purchase raw or semifinished materials for manufacturing and may negotiate contracts.
A purchasing agent purchases products or services, evaluate applicable laws and regulations to determine the impact on organizational activities, executes sales or other financial transactions and negotiates contracts with clients or service providers. Besides, they also analyze business or financial data.
To enter into the profession of a purchasing agent, candidates have to earn a bachelor's degree in a related area such as business or economics, logistics, supply chain management or purchasing. A previous experience as a purchasing agent, along with proficiency in CRM and inventory management software programs, is desirable. One should also hold good communication, negotiation, organization and documentation skills along with research and analytical skills.
Wholesale buying refers to purchasing and selling goods in large quantities at a cheaper price, and wholesaling is generally done to shopkeepers who then sell to the public.
Purchasing agents file jobs in wholesale, manufacturing, retail trade, small and large firms, logistics, operations and supply chain and in varied roles of purchasing clerks and assistants.
To be successful as a purchasing agent, aspirants should be able to critically assess suppliers, products, and services and bargain the best possible deals. An efficient purchasing agent has a depth sense of business and maintains scrupulous transaction records.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- MBA Finance
- MBA Marketing
- MBA Business Management
- B.Com Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor's Any Subject
Tasks
- Purchase the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price and in correct amounts.
- Prepare purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services.
- Research and evaluate suppliers, based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production and distribution capabilities, and the supplier's reputation and history.
- Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other data and information to determine reasonable prices.
- Monitor and follow applicable laws and regulations.
- Negotiate, renegotiate, and administer contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other representatives.
- Monitor shipments to ensure that goods come in on time, and resolve problems related to undelivered goods.
- Confer with staff, users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine corrective action.
- Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to determine need for changes.
- Maintain and review computerized or manual records of purchased items, costs, deliveries, product performance, and inventories.
Progression Routes
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