Purchasing Agent vs. Buyer: What Are the Differences?

Purchasing agents and buyers are responsible for different aspects of the purchasing process. A purchasing agent is responsible for the entire process, from finding vendors to negotiating prices. A buyer, on the other hand, is responsible for a specific product or group of products. In this article, we compare and contrast the job titles of purchasing agent and buyer, and we provide information on the skills and education needed for each position.

What is a Purchasing Agent?

Purchasing Agents are responsible for procuring the supplies and materials needed for their company to run smoothly. They work with vendors to negotiate contracts, prices and delivery schedules. Purchasing Agents also track inventory levels and budget restrictions to ensure that their company doesn’t overspend. They may also be responsible for training new employees on company purchasing procedures. Purchasing Agents typically work in office environments, but they may also travel to meet with vendors or attend trade shows.

What is a Buyer?

Buyers are responsible for purchasing the products and services that their company needs to function. This can include everything from office supplies to raw materials for manufacturing. Buyers work with suppliers to negotiate contracts, set payment terms and conditions, and track orders. They also track market trends and prices to ensure that their company is getting the best possible deal on the products and services it needs. In some cases, buyers may also be responsible for managing inventory and ensuring that products are delivered in a timely manner.

Purchasing Agent vs. Buyer

Here are the main differences between a purchasing agent and a buyer.

Job Duties

One of the biggest differences between a purchasing agent and a buyer is the type of duties they perform. A purchasing agent’s primary job duty is to ensure that their company has the necessary materials, equipment and services it needs to operate efficiently. This typically involves searching for and evaluating various suppliers and vendors before making purchases on behalf of their company.

A buyer performs many different job duties related to finding and acquiring goods and products. They may conduct research to determine which products would be most beneficial for their company to purchase, negotiate prices with sellers, coordinate transportation of purchased items and oversee quality assurance measures when making purchases.

Job Requirements

Purchasing agents and buyers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many purchasing agents and buyers pursue certifications through the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) or the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use purchasing software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Purchasing agents typically work in an office environment, where they may spend their days on the phone or emailing suppliers to find the best deals for their company. They also travel frequently to visit different vendors and attend trade shows. Buyers often work in a similar environment, but they may have more physical responsibilities like traveling to warehouses or construction sites to evaluate products.

Buyers may also work outdoors at times, such as when evaluating crops or livestock. This is because buyers are responsible for ensuring that the product meets the quality standards of the buyer’s company.

Skills

Purchasing agents and buyers share some similarities in the skills they use on the job. Both need to have excellent negotiation skills to get the best prices for their products, as well as strong analytical skills to compare prices and quality of different products. They also both need to be able to stay organized and keep track of large amounts of information, as they often are working with many different suppliers at one time.

However, there are some differences in the skills needed for these two jobs. Purchasing agents typically need to have stronger research skills than buyers, as they often are responsible for finding new suppliers that meet the company’s needs. They also may need to have a more in-depth knowledge of the products they are purchasing, as they often are the ones who determine what products the company should buy.

Buyers usually need to have stronger communication skills than purchasing agents, as they often are the ones interfacing with the suppliers. They also may need to have more sales experience, as they often are responsible for building relationships with suppliers and convincing them to sell their products to the company.

Salary

Purchasing agents earn an average salary of $57,557 per year, while buyers earn an average salary of $65,540 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the professional has prior to pursuing either position.