Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
What is an associate buyer and how to become one
An associate buyer works in the retail industry and assists senior buyers in purchasing products. They research and analyze market trends, negotiate with suppliers, and maintain relationships with vendors. Associate buyers must have strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. They may manage inventory levels and ensure competitive pricing for products. In addition, they collaborate with marketing and merchandising to develop sales strategies that increase revenue and customer satisfaction.
Avg. Salary $49,963
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.33%
Asian 6.01%
Black or African American 8.51%
Hispanic or Latino 16.85%
Unknown 4.55%
White 63.74%
Genderfemale 68.17%
male 31.83%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
What are the pros and cons of being an associate buyer?
Pros
Potential for career growth within the company
Opportunities for travel and attending trade shows
Competitive salary and benefits package
Collaborative work environment with other departments
Potential for flexible work schedule
Cons
High stress and pressure to meet sales goals
Long hours, including weekends and holidays during peak seasons
Heavy workload with tight deadlines
Limited control over product selection due to budget constraints and company policies
Possibility of facing ethical dilemmas when dealing with vendors or products
Associate buyer career paths
Key steps to become an associate buyer
Explore associate buyer education requirements
Start to develop specific associate buyer skills
Skills Percentages Customer Service 16.25% Purchase Orders 14.83% Math 5.01% Vendor Relations 4.50% Logistics 3.23% Complete relevant associate buyer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New associate buyers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an associate buyer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real associate buyer resumes.Research associate buyer duties and responsibilities
- Define and manage sales, markdowns, inventories (OTB plans) achieving financial objectives for all years in position.
- Manage numerous RFP processes for the non-technology services.
- Support include identifying and qualifying vendors, manage process for select RFP's and assist with bid assessments.
- Work closely with planner and buyer to manage OTB and determine when to maximize business and when to protect liabilities.
Prepare your associate buyer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your associate buyer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an associate buyer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable associate buyer resume templates
Build a professional associate buyer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your associate buyer resume.
Apply for associate buyer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an associate buyer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first associate buyer job
Are you an associate buyer?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average associate buyer salary
The average associate buyer salary in the United States is $49,963 per year or $24 per hour. Associate buyer salaries range between $36,000 and $68,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do associate buyers rate their job?
Associate buyer reviews
To be involved in negotiations
I like all in this job, because I have the choise to be in relation with a lot of persons and know what they are doing against purchasing also what the use to buy and under what coondition
In most cases I'm finding you need a college degree to do what I did without it. I know there is a company out there that would train me. I could be an asset if given a chance.
Updated January 8, 2025
