Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.
AI Impact Summary
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 38/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 56% of all analyzed occupations. Of 20 analyzed tasks, 5 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
6
AI-Vulnerable
7
AI-Resistant
5
AI-Augmented
AI-Vulnerable
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
AI-Resistant
Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
20 tasks analyzed
Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.
Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.
Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.
Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.
Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers. | 80 | 81.2% | 10% |
| Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers. | 35 | 29.0% | 10% |
| Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased. | 20 | 23.0% | 5% |
| Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness. | 60 | 51.0% | 10% |
| Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number. | 90 | 85.2% | 3% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 24.6%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
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