How to Be Print Buyer/Purchaser - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Buyer/Purchaser is essential for any business that relies on the acquisition of goods and services. They are responsible for selecting and purchasing the materials necessary to produce a product or provide a service. As a result, efficient and cost-effective purchasing is essential for any business to remain competitive and profitable.

The Buyer/Purchaser must have a thorough understanding of the market, supplier capabilities, and product specifications in order to negotiate the best price and terms on the purchase of goods and services. They must be able to identify potential suppliers and analyze their cost, delivery, quality, and other factors, while also managing supplier relationships. the Buyer/Purchaser must be able to accurately forecast demand, maintain inventory levels, and coordinate with other departments, such as production or marketing.

All of these responsibilities enable the Buyer/Purchaser to make decisions that maximize a companys savings, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer candidates who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Consider pursuing a college degree in business or a related field. Earning a college degree may help you stand out from other applicants and provide you with additional knowledge and skills to succeed in the role.
Gain experience in the printing industry. Having experience in the printing industry can be beneficial when applying for a print buyer or purchasing position. Consider getting a job or interning at a printing company to gain hands-on experience.
Develop your knowledge of the printing industry. Familiarize yourself with different types of printing processes, materials, and equipment. Its also important to become familiar with current technologies and trends in the printing industry.
Develop your negotiation skills. Print buyers/purchasers should possess strong negotiation skills to ensure they get the best price for the products and services they are purchasing.
Develop your communication and organizational skills. Print buyers/purchasers must have strong communication and organizational skills to effectively communicate with vendors and manage multiple projects.
Pursue certification. Pursuing certification through the Association of Print Technologies (APTech) can help demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the printing industry.

A successful Buyer/Purchaser must have a combination of ideal qualifications and experience. To begin, they should have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with vendors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. They must also be able to negotiate terms and prices in order to get the most cost-effective deals.

they must have strong analytical and organizational skills to analyze data, identify trends and develop strategies. Finally, they need to be knowledgeable in current contractual laws and regulations in order to ensure compliance and accuracy when making purchases. These qualities, when combined, result in the ideal Buyer/Purchaser who can maximize savings while keeping the company up-to-date with the latest market trends.

You may want to check Printer Maintenance Technician, Wide Format Printer Technician, and Print Production Artist for alternative.

Job Description

Negotiate and coordinate the purchase of materials, supplies, and services.
Monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with quality and delivery requirements.
Analyze price proposals, financial reports, and other information to determine reasonable prices.
Prepare cost analyses to determine the most cost-effective suppliers.
Maintain records of goods ordered and received.
Develop and implement purchasing policies and procedures.
Research potential vendors to determine product quality and quantity availability.
Resolve discrepancies between invoices and orders.
Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.
Maintain and update a preferred supplier list.
Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
Analyze market and delivery systems to assess present and future material availability.
Manage supplier relationships, including contract negotiations and pricing agreements.
Participate in the development of specifications for equipment, products, or substitute materials.
Monitor inventory levels and place orders as needed to ensure that materials are available when required.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the printing industry and current trends
Knowledge of printing processes and techniques
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to negotiate and manage contracts
Excellent communication skills
Good organizational and time management skills
Ability to manage and lead a team
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks
Knowledge of budgeting, cost control and pricing strategies
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and other related software programs
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong customer service orientation

The ability to negotiate is an essential skill for any print buyer or purchaser. By being able to successfully negotiate prices, terms, and delivery schedules, it ensures that the buyer gets the best value for their money. Negotiation requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to assess the market and come up with solutions that benefit all parties.

This also requires the ability to be persuasive and confident in order to get the best deal. When a buyer is successful in negotiating, it can lead to reduced costs, improved quality, faster delivery times, and better customer satisfaction. These factors all contribute to a successful business relationship between suppliers and buyers.

Offset Print Production Manager, Printer Specialist, and Print Media Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in print buying/purchasing?
How do you go about researching and selecting vendors for a particular project?
What methods do you use to negotiate pricing and discounts with vendors?
How do you stay up-to-date on industry trends and technologies?
Describe a difficult decision you've had to make in print buying/purchasing.
What strategies do you use to ensure quality control?
How do you manage budgets, timelines, and deadlines when purchasing print materials?
What challenges have you faced when selecting the right materials for a project?
Describe how you maintain positive relationships with vendors and printers.
How do you monitor the progress of a project to ensure it meets the client's expectations?

Common Tools in Industry

Procurement Software. This tool helps Buyers/Purchasers to manage their purchasing processes, such as creating purchase orders, tracking vendor payments, and automating supplier invoicing (e. g. Oracle Purchasing).
Online Auctions. This tool allows Buyers/Purchasers to search and bid on items from multiple sellers in real-time (e. g. eBay).
Supplier Relationship Management Software. This tool helps Buyers/Purchasers to maintain better relationships with suppliers by tracking relevant information such as contact information, delivery schedules, and pricing (e. g. SAP Ariba).
Comparison Shopping Sites. This tool allows Buyers/Purchasers to compare prices from multiple vendors and make more informed purchasing decisions (e. g. CNET).
Contract Management Software. This tool helps Buyers/Purchasers to create, store and track contracts as well as manage associated documents (e. g. DocuSign).
ERP Software. This tool provides Buyers/Purchasers with a comprehensive view of their entire organization and helps them to better manage their financials, inventory, and purchasing processes (e. g. SAP).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM)
Institute of Supply Management (ISM)
International Purchasing and Supply Education and Research (IPSER)
American Purchasing Society (APS)
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)
International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM)
Association for Operations Management (APICS)
Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC)
Professional Association of Purchasing and Procurement (PAPP)
National Contract Management Association (NCMA)

We also have Printer Quality Assurance Technician, Print Production Technician, and High-Speed Printer Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Supply Chain Management. The management of the flow of goods and services, including the movement and storage of raw materials, inventory, and finished goods from the point of origin to the point of consumption.
Vendor Management. The process of managing relationships with vendors or suppliers to ensure that they provide quality goods or services at a reasonable price.
Sourcing. The process of locating suppliers or vendors for goods or services.
Negotiation. The process of bargaining with a vendor to obtain the best possible price for goods or services.
Contract Management. The process of managing the execution, performance, and termination of contracts to ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
Inventory Management. The process of managing the movement and storage of inventory to maintain adequate stock levels.
Procurement. The process of obtaining goods or services from suppliers or vendors.
Quality Assurance. The process of ensuring that goods or services meet specified standards of quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Print Buyer/Purchaser?

A Print Buyer/Purchaser is a professional responsible for selecting and purchasing printing services for their organization or client. They work with printers to determine the best products, prices, and services for their needs.

What skills are required for a Print Buyer/Purchaser?

Print Buyers/Purchasers should possess knowledge of printing processes, materials, and equipment, as well as strong negotiation and communication skills. They must also be organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What are the responsibilities of a Print Buyer/Purchaser?

The responsibilities of a Print Buyer/Purchaser include working with printers to determine the best products and services for the job, evaluating estimates, negotiating prices, and overseeing production. They must also manage budgets and timelines, and ensure quality control throughout the production process.

What qualifications are needed to become a Print Buyer/Purchaser?

Print Buyers/Purchasers typically have a bachelor's degree in graphic design, marketing, or a related field. They may also have experience in a related industry, such as printing or publishing.

How much does a Print Buyer/Purchaser earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Print Buyer/Purchaser is $47,093 per year. Salaries can range from $32,000 to $74,000 annually, depending on experience and geographic location.