How do i become a fashion buyer?

Question

My dream job is to be a fashion buyer i know that i would have to start of in administratiion and i cool with that coz thats what i do now. I need to know what qulifications i need and how i go about getting my dream job?
I even thought mayde start of as a PA to someone in the industry?

Answer 1

First of all be very sure that buying is what you want to do because I thought I wanted to be a buyer and having worked for various retaillers realised that I found it incredibly boring. Reason being that I spent much of my time doing tedious tasks such as data entry, answering emails that the buyer was "too busy" to answer herself, as well as packing boxes with clothes, carrying heavy boxes and fetching things out of cupboards because the buyer/assistant buyer cannot do it themselves as they are "too busy".

If it is for you be prepared to work really hard, doing things that other people can do themselves but wont because they really do think that packing boxes or getting an item out of a cupboard is beneath them.
You have to work hard, be a yes person, show initiative and know your product and customer base.

I do not have any fashion related qualifications so do not let this put you off, it obviously helps but is not a prerequisite. Even if agencies try and fob you off by saying you need a buying/fashion degree dont be put off. Many agencies try and push you into merchandising saying that this will give a foot in the door. Personally, I would say dont listen to them in many cases they just have lots of merchandising positions that they want to fill as so many people want to be a buyer, as it's seen as more glamourous.

Obviously, going into merchandising or an administrative/PA position will give you a foot in the door but,even then when a buying job comes up you will still have to compete with people with fashion degrees/buying experience. With retail, especially fashion, once you are in one of those positions it isnt always easy to transfer into a different area unless you know people and have shown real tenacity.

I would say get some work experience in a buying dept if you are not having any luck getting a paid entry level buying job. least this way you have some experience to put on your CV and can get a good reference. Try smaller fashion companies as well as the larger, high street names. Or just try and get as much fashion/retail related work experience as possible this will enable you to make contacts and learn about the industry in order to ascertain if it's really for you.

But if that's your dream job then dont give up, keep uptodate on the latest fashion trends, changes in the industry because they will ask you this in an interview and they will be watching what you wear at interview stage and whilst you are working with them.

There is often a retail careers event which happens in London and other parts of the UK (presuming you are london based). Cant remember the name off the top of my head but try the following for jobs and further info:
Retail Choice
Success Appointments
Freedom Recruitment
Marks and Spencers
BHS - but from working in retail at buying and merchandising level I have heard some real horror stories about that place!
Harrods
Selfridges
Jane Norman - they usually recruit for buying admin posts around this time

Just contact every fashion retailler you know offering to work within the buying dept as work experience or paid employment.

Be prepared to work for rubbish money too but there are the perks of sample sales and, as buying admin, you usually run the samples sales for your dept and can get things for free, otherwise it will be dirt cheap.

But good luck in your career and dont take no for an answer: be persistent, professional and polite.

Remember that it is not as glam as many think it is.

Answer 2

You don t need any qualifications to become a fashion buyer, but most certainly it would help. There are great programmed out there at well established institutions such as the London College of Fashion. Some universities also offer short courses that, coupled with some retail experience, would give you an edge.

Answer 3

You don't need any qualifications to be a fashion buyer. Don't start as a PA because that's something completely different. You need to start as a Junior Buyer or Junior Merchandiser. Just show interest and initiative in the application and interview. Previous experience is the best thing you can have, and it needs to be in retail preferably.

Answer 4

Specific experience in the fashion industry at some level will give you a foot in the door. Perhaps you'd consider beginning in a small boutique as a sales clerk. Learn the product lines carried in the store and as much as you can about the business itself. It's not just about selecting beautiful garments as much as it is about knowing who your target customer is, what they will wear, and then offering them a unique, but salable selection. Knowledge of proper merchandising and display is valuable as well. A buyer needs to be mindful of the profitability of her business as much as catering to the store's clientele. Once you're employed by a store, look for an opportunity to interact with the buyer and express an interest in learning more about that facet of the business. Even if you begin as a buy in a small shop, it is feasible to move on to small chains or larger merchants.

Answer 5

its a pity ur mam doesn't work with one of the high street stores that way you could of got a job with the click of a finger - oh and if ur bf was prince William. Totally wrong but if u get ur dream job least u know u earnt it. good luck x