How to Become A Fashion Buyer South Africa

Fashion Buyers usually work for department stores, clothing chains, wholesale clothing distributors or smaller retail establishments.

Below are the steps Become A Fashion Buyer in South Africa

Earning a high school diploma

There are companies that require a bachelor’s degree with careers related to retail, while others require a high school diploma or a GED.

Take courses in accounting, mathematics and business to prepare you for a career in fashion buying. Also, participate in any activity that can develop your interpersonal skills.

Get a bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree can provide you with more opportunities, while a high school diploma, in some cases, can only get you an entry-level job. Large companies require fashion buyers to have a bachelor’s degree because they prefer their employees to have knowledge in marketing.

Gain knowledge of the fashion industry

As a fashion buyer, you must keep up with industry trends and understand the customers’ needs. Knowledge is your greatest asset, so the learning never stops.

Make an effort to study the fashion industry, read fashion blogs and magazines to gain extra information.

Gain experience

You need to put your skills into practice, and getting experience can help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Here are ways you can gain experience:

Apply for Fashion Internships:

Some companies hire people after they complete their internships. Research websites of fashion companies that have internships or contact a department store to see any available positions.

How much do fashion buyers earn in South Africa?

An early career Retail Buyer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R289,711 based on 17 salaries. A mid-career Retail Buyer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R420,000 based on 17 salaries.

What qualifications do I need to be a fashion buyer?

These prerequisites are:

Earning a high school diploma. There are companies that require a bachelor’s degree with careers related to retail, while others require a high school diploma or a GED.

Get a bachelor’s degree.

Gain knowledge of the fashion industry.

Gain experience.

Obtain a certification.

Prepare for the interview.

How much money does a fashion buyer make?

The median annual fashion buyer salary in the United States is R 964165.29 as of 2018, with a range usually between R 432580.98 and 1451920.00. The median is the salary in the middle, so that half of fashion buyers earn less than this amount and half earn more.

Is fashion buying a good career?

Fashion buying is one of the most demanding jobs in the industry, and as well as requiring a creative mind, a good buyer will need an analytical one too.

Seasonality does not exist anymore, meaning buyers are having to work harder and faster than ever to keep up with constantly-dropping collections and micro-trends.

How many years does it take to become a fashion buyer?

Career Requirements

Fashion buyers usually need a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and two to five years related merchandising experience. Buyers should have good analytical, decision-making and negotiating abilities and basic math skills.

Are fashion buyers in demand?

Fashion buyers interpret the trends of seasonal fashion by being in constant contact with the market. Fashion buyers usually work in friendly office environments and they can travel a lot to attend fashion shows and to keep abreast of new trends. Successful buyers are in great demand by the clothing industry.