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The differences between merchandisers and purchasers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a purchaser has an average salary of $50,031, which is higher than the $31,051 average annual salary of a merchandiser.
The top three skills for a merchandiser include customer service, PET and pallets. The most important skills for a purchaser are purchase orders, FDA, and POS.
| Merchandiser | Purchaser | |
| Yearly salary | $31,051 | $50,031 |
| Hourly rate | $14.93 | $24.05 |
| Growth rate | 1% | - |
| Number of jobs | 109,447 | 6,852 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Average age | 38 | 48 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
Merchandisers are employees working for a retail company. Merchandisers are mainly responsible for the store's products. They curate products that are in line with the store's branding. Merchandisers create purchase requisitions and, upon receipt of the products, create displays that would attract the customers. They also ensure that the inventory of the store is well-stocked. Merchandisers should be up to date with current market trends. They should also be familiar with what customers need and want. It is important for merchandisers to know their company's branding by heart. Merchandisers should be able to create good relationships with vendors as well so that their store may be chosen for special promotions.
A Purchaser is responsible for buying goods and services from distribution centers to sell to customers or other companies. They conduct data analysis and research current market trends to identify public demands and generate resources that would increase the company's revenues and profitability. They also ensure the adequacy of supply inventories for deliveries, respond to customers' inquiries and concerns, and recommend products according to their needs and budget requirements. A Purchaser must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in documenting purchase transactions and negotiating contracts with suppliers and vendors.
Merchandisers and purchasers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Merchandiser | Purchaser | |
| Average salary | $31,051 | $50,031 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $39,000 | Between $36,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | Richmond, CA | Atlantic City, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | Barnes Group |
| Best paying industry | Education | Technology |
There are a few differences between a merchandiser and a purchaser in terms of educational background:
| Merchandiser | Purchaser | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 54% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between merchandisers' and purchasers' demographics:
| Merchandiser | Purchaser | |
| Average age | 38 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 58.0% Female, 42.0% | Male, 49.2% Female, 50.8% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 6.4% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0% | Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.2% Asian, 7.7% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 7% |