Buyers are responsible for purchasing specialized equipment, materials, services, and supplies according with prescribed purchasing procedures and regulations of companies. They try to get the best deal for their employers, including the highest quality services and goods at the best prices. Their duties vary according to the industry they work for. In the case of buyers of farm products, they are required to purchase tobacco, grain, fertilizers, among other items.

Buyers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Interviewing sales representatives.
• Analyzing departmental purchase requisitions.
• Processing purchasing transactions.
• Distributing technical bid invitations.
•   Selecting vendors.

• Having marketing skills.
• Being able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Having knowledge of product and material market in the area of specialization.
• Being able to perform financial analyses.
• Having excellent communication skills.
• Being able to make quick decisions.
• Having math skills.
• Being creative.
• Having high attention to details.
• Having leadership skills.

There are different academic qualification requirements for Buyer jobs according to the needs of companies. Distributors and large stores demand candidates having a Bachelors Degree with a business emphasis. Other companies require applicants with a Master´s or Bachelor´s Degree in business, applied sciences, engineering, or economics. Some companies offer training programs that last one to five years, such as manufacturing companies where new employees are supervised by experienced purchasers to learn about prices, suppliers, commodities, and markets. Professionals working on this field are encouraged to have continuing education, such as college courses in supply management and seminars offered by some institutions.