Buyers and Purchasing Agents - Overview (2024)

FAQs

What is the role of a buyers and purchasing agent? ›

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review the quality of products. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents and typically handle more complex procurement tasks.

Transcript: Purchasing agents and buyers of farm products are savvy shoppers, but instead of malls, they head to farms and other locations to buy livestock, oysters, cotton, fruit, grain and much more. They keep farm products moving; from the initial purchase, to quality evaluation, to storage, to sale.

Purchasing agents are responsible for researching and comparing suppliers, goods, and services. Then, they select the most suitable ones in terms of reliability, product quality, and cost-efficiency to ensure that their company is getting a good deal from the purchase.

Manages purchases by forwarding orders to suppliers and monitoring and expediting orders. Verifies receipt of items by comparing items received to items ordered; resolves shipment errors with suppliers. Authorizes payment for purchases by forwarding receiving documentation.

What is a Buyer? Buyers are responsible for purchasing goods for a company to use or sell in their own business. This position requires extensive research and the ability to negotiate contracts with suppliers, manage an inventory, evaluate quality goods, and stick within a budget.

Purchasing agents are responsible for buying things that businesses need to operate. They research the prices, availability and quality of goods and services to ensure they are getting the most cost-effective deal. These products may be used in-house or for resale.

The AAA identified seven basic farm products: wheat, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, hogs, and milk. Farmers who produced these goods would be paid by the AAA to reduce the amount of acres in cultivation or the amount of livestock raised.

A buying center example is a case of a cleaning service provider who wishes to contract with a mall. The service provider must go through the administrative assistant as the gatekeeper. The administrative assistant would then link the service provider to the buying center's property management.

Judgment and Decision Making. Good judgment and decision making are essential for purchasing professional certification. As a purchasing professional, you need to be sensible and evaluate your decisions by the process, rather than by the randomness of events.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a purchaser? ›

Job duties include assessing the market, evaluating pricing and availability, ordering new products, and keeping accurate records. Most of the job is performed in-house or in an office setting. However, a purchaser may regularly attend trade shows and conventions. They may also meet with vendors in person.

Buyers and purchasing agents buy products and services for organizations to use or resell. They evaluate suppliers, negotiate contracts, and review the quality of products. Purchasing managers oversee the work of buyers and purchasing agents and typically handle more complex procurement tasks.

Procurement Specialists often navigate complex negotiations, tight deadlines, and cost management, which can be inherently stressful.

Purchasing Agent career paths

A purchasing agent can pursue various career paths, including a buyer, purchasing manager, or director of purchasing. They can also become a senior buyer, purchasing manager, or sourcing manager. Some can find opportunities as a materials manager, materials director, or office manager.

A buyer's agent is a real estate agent who specializes in helping buyers navigate the homebuying process. Buyer's agents are different from listing agents, who represent the seller in a real estate transaction.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with proven negotiation skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Thorough understanding of purchasing procedures and policies.

However, listing agents work in the best interest of the seller, looking for viable offers to consider and marketing the property at a reasonable price. Buying agents work in the best interest of the buyer, looking for the best properties and negotiating to ensure the best price.