Retail Buyer

This qualification is for any individual who is or wishes to be employed in the retail industry as any of the following :
• Retail Buyer
• Planner
• Assistant Buyer
• Assistant Planners


The occupational purpose of the qualification
• A Retail Buyer sources, buys and allocates stock for wholesale and retail outlets

The occupation tasks are :
• Manage supplier relationships
• Manage the performance of stock
• Identify and source stock from a selection of suppliers
• Buy Stock
• Allocate stock to stores

Structure of the Qualification :

Knowledge Standards
• Concepts and principles for managing supplier relationships and the performance of merchandise NQF 6 – 10 credits
• Concepts and principles for identifying and sourcing products and selecting suppliers.
NQF 6 – 7 credits
• Concepts and principles of buying merchandise
NQF 5 – 6 credits
• Concepts and principles for allocating stock to stores
NQF 5 – 3 credits

Practical Standards
• Manage supplier and stock performance
NQF 5 – 10 credits
• Manage stock through the supply chain
NQF 5 – 4 credits
• Source products and identify preferred suppliers
NQF 5 – 9 credits
• Negotiate with suppliers
NQF 5 – 4 credits
• Buy Products
NQF 5 – 7 credits
• Plan and allocate stock to stores
NQF 5 – 6 credits


Work Experience Standards
• Processes and procedures for the management of supplier and stock performance
NQF 5 – 8 credits
• Processes and procedures for sourcing products and setting ranges
NQF 5 – 12 credits
• Processes and procedures for identifying preferred suppliers
NQF 5 – 8 credits
• Processes and procedures for negotiating, buying and recording products purchased
NQF 5 – 25 credits
• Processes and procedures for allocating stock to stores
NQF 5 – 12 credits