Become a fashion buyer - learn the essentials from Udemy

Become a Fashion Buyer - Learn the essentials.

This course will help you decide if becoming a fashion buyer is for you, and it will help you understand the key tasks of a fashion buyer and the skills required to become a successful fashion buyer.

Why choose this course? Because it is designed by a fashion lecturer with 10 years industry experience plus 10 years lecturing at top universities and helping thousands of students.

By the end of this course you will be in a position to understand what a fashion buyer does. You will have the confidence to either embark on further study or take the steps to securing your first job as a fashion buyer.

Section 1:

Introduction

Section 2:

You will learn the buyers main responsibilities
You will gain an understanding of the key areas a buyer is evaluated on in their role (otherwise referred to as KPI's or key performance indicators), and
You will understand the key skills required to be successful in this role.

Section 3:

Structures of buying departments are discussed – from small to large sized businesses , different types of buying roles (brand buyers to product developers) and
We will cover other staff roles in a buying department that work alongside a buyer.

Section 4:

You will understand the steps involved in planning a fashion range

Section 5:

You will gain an understanding on various sources used in predicting fashion trends for your fashion range and a checklist is provided for you to create your own trend board.

Section 6:

You will gain a good overview of the financials involved in planning a fashion range, and gain an understanding of the considerations to factor in when building a fashion range.

Section 7:

You will understand what to look at when sourcing a fashion supplier, how to evaluate a supplier and understand the different types of suppliers.

Section 8:

Understand the steps involved in negotiating with a supplier.

Section 9:

You will understand the term landed cost price and how this is calculated.
You will also understand the importance of strategies involved in setting the retail price.
Gross Profit calculations are also included in this section as it is important financial part of a buyers role.

Section 10:

You will understand the fundamental analytical functions in a buying department and gain an understanding of what an open to buy is.
There will be basic calculations and examples of an OTB.

Section 11:

You will gain an understanding of the key sales reports reviewed in a buyers role.

Section 12:

You will gain tips on the best way to land your first role. We will cover work experience, qualifications, finding available positions, cover letters and CV presentation, and interview preparation for meeting with a company.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to Become a Fashion Buyer - learn the essentials.

This lecture outlines each section in the course.

This lecture details a buyers main responsibilities. After completing this lecture you will understand key tasks of a buyer.

This lecture discusses the KPI's (key performance indicators) of a buyer. You will understand how buyers are evaluated.

This lecture discusses the key skills required to be a successful fashion buyer.

This lecture discusses the common company structures in buying departments

This lecture discusses the different types of buying roles

This lecture outlines other positions in a buying department other than the buyer.

This lecture outlines the steps involved in planning a fashion range. You will understand the process of building a range.

First step in planning a fashion range

This lecture discusses the various avenues to research fashion trends

This lecture discusses a mood board and a checklist on creating the perfect mood board.

This lecture details all the factors to consider when building a fashion range. It also details the financial considerations.

This lecture discusses the points to consider when selecting a supplier.

This lecture discusses measuing the effectiveness of a supplier.

This lecture covers the different types of suppliers.

This lecture discsses the steps to negotiating with a supplier.

This lecture discusses the term landed cost price and calculations are provided to work out landed costs. You will understand the term landed cost price and how to calulate this.

What is landed cost?

This lecture discusses different retail pricing strategies to entice a customer to purchase.

This lecture discusses gross profit and measuring it through mark-ups and gross margin percentage formulas. You will understand how to calculate mark-up numbers and gross margin percentages.

A quiz on Gross Margin %

Gross Margin Calculation

Retail Price (excluding taxes) – cost price (landed) = Gross Profit

Gross Profit / Retail Price (excluding taxes)

= Gross Margin %

This lecture discusses sales budget planning

This lecture discusses an open to buy (OTB) and a brief overview of how it is calulated.

Open to Buy (OTB)

This lecture discusses planning and managing stock

This lecture discusses sales reports and the importance of analysing reports in a buying department.

This lecture demonstrates common sales reports and key information and formulas viewed on these reports.

This lecture discusses the various avenues to secure your first job interview for a fashion buying role.

This lecture discusses cover letter and CV preparation.

This lecture discusses interview preparation to secure your first fashion buying role.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the responsibilities of a fashion buyer, which provides a clear understanding of the role's demands and expectations in the fashion industry

Details the financial aspects of range planning, which is crucial for making informed decisions about budgeting and profitability in fashion buying

Covers supplier negotiation steps, which equips learners with practical skills for securing favorable deals and building strong supplier relationships

Includes guidance on job searching, CV preparation, and interview skills, which directly supports learners in their pursuit of a fashion buying career

Discusses key performance indicators (KPIs) for buyers, which helps learners understand how their performance will be evaluated in the role

Requires learners to create a trend board, which may require access to design software or physical materials that may not be readily available

Reviews summary

Essentials for aspiring fashion buyers

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the world of fashion buying, covering the key responsibilities, necessary skills, and departmental structures. Many find it an excellent starting point for those considering a career in the field, appreciating the overview of range planning, trend forecasting sources, and crucial financials like landed cost and gross profit calculation. Students highlight the practical tips for navigating the industry and the particularly useful section on securing your first job, including CV and interview preparation. While some found specific topics like financials or OTB calculations could benefit from more in-depth examples, the course is generally praised for giving a clear, comprehensive overview of the essentials required for an aspiring fashion buyer.

Introduces key financial concepts for buying.

"Understanding landed cost and gross profit calculations was really helpful for grasping the financial side."

"I found the lectures on financial considerations and range planning to be very informative."

"The course breaks down essential financials like OTB in a way that's easy to follow."

Well-structured and easy to follow content.

"The course is very clear and concise, making it easy to digest the information presented."

"I found the structure logical and the lectures were easy to follow, even on complex topics."

"The way the material was presented made it very accessible and easy to understand."

Helpful guidance for landing your first job.

"The section on finding your first job, CVs, and interview prep was incredibly useful and practical."

"I appreciated the tips for preparing for interviews and presenting my application effectively."

"This course gave me practical steps on how to actually pursue a career in fashion buying."

Excellent overview for beginners in fashion buying.

"This course provided a really good overview of what a fashion buyer does and the essentials needed for the role."

"I gained a solid understanding of the different areas of fashion buying from this course."

"It's an excellent starting point if you are considering becoming a fashion buyer, giving you all the key information."

Some topics could use more in-depth exploration.

"While the overview is great, I felt some sections, like OTB calculations, could have had more examples or detail."

"I wished there was a bit more depth on certain financial concepts or negotiation strategies."

"It gives you the essentials, but be prepared to seek out more detailed information on complex areas."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become a fashion buyer - learn the essentials with these activities:

Review Basic Accounting Principles

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of basic accounting principles to better grasp the financial aspects of fashion buying, such as landed cost price, gross margin, and open to buy.

Browse courses on Cost Accounting

Show steps

Review key accounting terms and definitions.
Practice basic calculations related to profit and loss.
Familiarize yourself with financial statements.

Read 'Fashion Buying: From Trend Forecasting to Shop Floor'

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of the fashion buying process by reading a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of the role.

View Fashion Buying: From Trend Forecasting to Shop... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how the concepts relate to the course material.
Identify areas where you need further clarification.

Attend a Fashion Industry Networking Event

Show steps

Expand your network and learn from industry professionals by attending a fashion industry networking event.

Show steps

Research and identify relevant networking events in your area.
Prepare a brief introduction about yourself and your interests.
Attend the event and engage in conversations with other attendees.
Follow up with contacts you made after the event.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Read 'The End of Fashion: How Marketing and Technology Have Changed the Clothing Business Forever'

Show steps

Understand the broader context of the fashion industry by reading a book that explores the impact of marketing and technology.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to marketing and technology.
Reflect on how these factors influence fashion buying decisions.
Discuss the book's insights with peers or colleagues.

Create a Trend Forecast Presentation

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of trend forecasting by creating a presentation showcasing upcoming fashion trends and their potential impact on buying decisions.

Show steps

Research upcoming fashion trends using various sources.
Create a visually appealing presentation with trend boards.
Present your findings to peers or colleagues.

Supplier Performance Evaluation Template

Show steps

Create a template for evaluating supplier performance based on the criteria discussed in the course, such as quality, delivery time, and pricing.

Show steps

Review the course material on supplier selection and evaluation.
Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for supplier evaluation.
Design a template with clear metrics and scoring system.
Test the template with sample supplier data.

Develop a Mock Range Plan

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of range planning by developing a mock range plan for a specific fashion brand or retailer.

Show steps

Choose a fashion brand or retailer to focus on.
Research the target market and current trends.
Develop a range plan including product selection, pricing, and quantities.
Present your range plan to peers or colleagues for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Become a fashion buyer - learn the essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fashion Buyer

A Fashion Buyer is responsible for selecting and purchasing clothing and accessories that will be sold in retail stores. This course directly addresses the essentials of being a Fashion Buyer, helping you decide if this career is right for you. You'll learn about the main responsibilities, key performance indicators, and skills needed to succeed as a Fashion Buyer. Sections on planning a fashion range, predicting fashion trends, and understanding the financials involved are very relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Buyer

Merchandise Planner

Merchandise Planners are responsible for forecasting sales and planning inventory levels to maximize profitability. A Merchandise Planner will be responsible for sales budget planning, which is included in the course. Sections on understanding an open to buy and stock planning provide a vital foundation. The course also covers sales reports, which are key to understanding sales trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Merchandise Planner

Product Developer

Product Developers design and create new products, often working closely with buyers to understand market trends and customer needs. This course directly explores the roles within buying departments, including product development. For anyone considering a career as a Product Developer, this course helps build a foundation for understanding how fashion ranges are planned, how trends are predicted, and how suppliers are evaluated. This is directly relevant, as highlighted in the course content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Developer

Trend Forecaster

Trend Forecasters research and predict upcoming trends in fashion, design, and culture. This course will really help you get started as a Trend Forecaster, because trend prediction is directly addressed. A Trend Forecaster will benefit from the sections on understanding various sources used in predicting fashion trends. The course also provides a checklist for creating a trend board, which is a vital resource.

See salaries and explore the career path for Trend Forecaster

Textile Buyer

Textile Buyers are responsible for sourcing and purchasing fabrics and other materials used in clothing production. A Textile Buyer can use the course's section on sourcing a fashion supplier, learning what to look for and how to evaluate a supplier. The course also covers different types of suppliers. This is relevant in understanding the considerations to factor in when building a fashion range.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Buyer

Supply Chain Analyst

A Supply Chain Analyst examines and improves the efficiency of supply chain operations, including sourcing, production, and distribution. This course touches on various stages of supply chain management. A Supply Chain Analyst can use the sections on sourcing a fashion supplier and negotiating with a supplier. Understanding landed cost price is also advantageous.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Analyst

Fashion Consultant

Fashion Consultants provide expert advice on fashion trends, styling, and personal branding. This course helps build a foundation as you start out as a Fashion Consultant. Especially helpful are the sections on understanding various sources used in predicting fashion trends, as well as a checklist provided for you to create your own trend board. The course covers tips on the best way to land your first role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Consultant

Brand Manager

A Brand Manager oversees the marketing and promotion of a particular brand. A Brand Manager may benefit from the knowledge in this course. The course introduces the main responsibilities of the buyer in the brand development process. The sections on fashion trends, financial areas, and retail pricing strategies may also be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Brand Manager

Fashion Designer

Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories, often working independently or for design houses. Fashion Designers might find this course helpful, because understanding current trends and the steps in planning a fashion range are taught. These topics appear directly on the course syllabus. Learning about suppliers and costing is also beneficial for designers involved in production.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Retail Manager

A Retail Manager oversees the daily operations of a retail store, including managing staff, handling customer service, and ensuring that sales goals are met. While this course focuses on the buying aspect, it may still be useful. Understanding the principles that a Fashion Buyer uses to select inventory is important for a Retail Manager. The sections on financial planning within a buying department and interpreting sales reports provide added value for someone in retail management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Retail Manager

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of a company's operations. A Sustainability Manager in the fashion industry may be involved in supplier selection. This course will explain what to look at when sourcing a fashion supplier, including how to evaluate a supplier. The course teaches you to understand the different types of suppliers, too.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Visual Merchandiser

A Visual Merchandiser creates attractive displays in retail stores to entice customers and promote sales. This course may be useful, because understanding the buying process can help to organize retail space. Sections on understanding fashion trends and planning a fashion range provide supporting knowledge for someone interested in visual merchandising. Information from this course also could inform choices about how to display merchandise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Merchandiser

Import Export Agent

An Import Export Agent manages the movement of goods across international borders, ensuring compliance with regulations and trade agreements. This course may be useful to an Import Export Agent. It discusses the term landed cost price and how this is calculated. This is directly relevant to international trade. The course may also be useful in negotiating with a supplier.

See salaries and explore the career path for Import Export Agent

Area Manager

An Area Manager oversees the operations of multiple retail locations within a specific geographic area. To become an Area Manager, it is helpful to understand the financial sections covered in this course. This includes sales budget planning, open to buy, and understanding strategies involved in setting the retail price. Additionally, gross profit calculations are included in this section.

See salaries and explore the career path for Area Manager

Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Managers ensure that products meet quality standards. A quality Control Manager should know how to evaluate a supplier, a topic covered in this course. You will learn how to measure suppliers' performance. You will additionally learn about the different types of suppliers, all of which are critical to the quality of the supplied goods.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Manager

Become a fashion buyer - learn the essentials

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Essentials for aspiring fashion buyers

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses