Title: Describe the buying process.
Course: Fashion Marketing, Advanced (12153-II) > Section: Analyzing the Buying Process

Description should include

- roles and responsibilities of the buyer
- target market
- wholesale vendors
- merchandise plan (financial)
- assortment plan
- sourcing/market
- buying decisions
- inventory management (e.g., receiving, markdowns, returns to vendors).

Process/Skill Questions:

- What types of information should be gathered before developing a merchandise plan?
- Why is a merchandise plan usually developed for a six-month period?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of having top management develop the merchandise plan? Of having each department head develop his or her department's plan?
- What is the difference between a basic stock plan and a model stock plan?
- What happens if a buyer does not meet profitability expectations?
- What is the importance of assortment planning, open to buy, and the role of the buyer in meeting corporate guidelines?

Teacher Resource:

DECA Event: Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making