How to Find a Fashion Buyer

Fashion buyers decide what a company or retailer should have in its store, trying to predict what will be popular in the market. They play a huge role in the success of a boutique or retail company. They are required to have good fashion sense and should be able to understand and predict seasonal trends.

Fashion buyers must be creative, perceptive and objective, with organizational and planning skills. They must be confident and persuasive. They must be prepared to take risks, but should be able to make sound decisions.

Instructions

1. Create a listing online at job directories like Monster.com, CareerBuilder, Yahoo!, HotJobs or Vault.com. Create a listing on networking sites like Craiglist.com and Marketplace on Facebook.com. Some of these sites will require registration and payment.

2. Job fairs are also places where prospective employers can find a fashion buyer. There will be many well-rounded people who attend, some with excellent retail skills and education.

3. Attend trade fairs as well as fashion shows, where fashion buyers observe trends.

4. Scout department stores or small boutiques.

5. Merchandising schools are a great place to find candidates.

Tips & Warnings

• Fashion buyers need to know how to select styles based on criteria such as assortment plans, size breakdown requirements, quantity required, quality and finish. They have to understand a company's overall purchasing based on financial and distribution terms and must be involved in budgeting for the coming season. Fashion buyers may also be responsible for strategic planning of the long-term buying goals for a company. They can also be involved in contract negotiations with suppliers, including the price, the delivery date and specific merchandise requirements.