Purchasing agents buy machinery, equipment, tools, raw materials, parts, services, and supplies necessary for the operation of an industrial establishment, public utility, or governmental unit and select the appropriate vendors 2 . Purchasing agents typically focus on routine purchasing tasks, often specializing ion a commodity or group of related commodities. This usually requires the purchasers to monitor market conditions, price trends, or futures markets. Purchasing managers usually handle the more complex or critical purchases and may supervise a group of purchasing handling other goods and services. Qualified persons usually begin as trainees.
Educational requirements tend to vary with the size of the organization.
Large stores and distributors accept applicants who have completed associate or bachelor's degree programs from any field of study, but prefer individuals with a business background. Oak Trail Way, Port Richey, FL 34668. National Association of Purchasing Management, Inc., P.O. Box 22160, Tempe, AZ 85285. NW., Washington, DC 20405.