EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 Issue 6 | Page 34

CO U R S E S & C A REERS

Training
Companies aren’t just going to give
anyone a couple of thousand – or even
millions – of dollars to spend on clothes
if they don’t have hands-on experience
in the field. Many big retailers offer
programmes for people who are serious
about becoming a fashion buyer to
help them get experience. They work
in partnerships with national or local
retailers that allow students to study
for a few years to get experience.
After this, those companies may hire
an individual as an assistant to the
lead fashion buyer. Working under the
supervision of the lead fashion buyer,
the individual gets more on-the-job
training and experience.

Quality Control and Merchandise
Responsibilities
Not only are fashion
buyers spotting trends and
predicting their popularity,
they also maintain good
relations with everybody
they work with, especially
other colleagues,
designers, quality
control personnel, fabric
technology specialists and
merchandisers.

When working with
other buying colleagues,
keep in mind that, even
if style preferences
differ, you are all
working towards the
same common goal.
Generally, the team may
meet up weekly, and
will most likely travel
together overseas or on
business trips to consult
with one another.

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easyuni Guide 2015

Issue 6

Buyers have to ensure what is being sold in stores reflects the
company properly. If the quality is not up to standard, the
public might think the company doesn’t care about them and
that, in turn, reflects poorly on the fashion buyer, and it may
cost you your job. In summary, the merchandise cannot be of
poor quality. The fashion buyer has to make sure to keep up
with advancements in technology to see if there is a quicker
and cheaper way to produce what is needed, while still
ensuring it is up to industry standards.