SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Retail Buyer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103145  Occupational Certificate: Retail Buyer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - W&RSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  131  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-09-12  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip a learner with the knowledge, skills and competencies to perform duties as a Retail Buyer. A Retail Buyer Sources, buys and allocates stock for wholesale and retail outlets.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Manage supplier relationships and the performance of stock.
  • Source products through the identification and selection of suppliers.
  • Buy products (qualifier).
  • Allocate stock to stores.

    Rationale:
    The Wholesale and Retail sector have identified the position of Buyer and Planner as a scarce skill. It is also identified as a national scarce skill. Typical learners would include unemployed persons with grade 12 and employed learners working as supervisors or in management position and would like to move into buying/planning related environment.

    Qualified learners will work in the buying or planning department of a wholesale or retail business. Buyers and Planners have a huge impact on the organisation's ability to manage its cash flow through the successful buying and allocation of stock to outlets of the organisation. This will not only improve business operations but also make a meaningful impact on the economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
  • NQF Level 4 qualification with minimum experience in business operations. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
    Knowledge Modules:
  • 332301-000-00-00-KM-01, Concepts and principles for managing supplier relationships and the performance of merchandise, Level 6, 10 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-KM-02, Concepts and principles for identifying and sourcing products and selecting suppliers, Level 6, 7 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-KM-03, Concepts and principles of buying merchandise, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-KM-04, Concepts and principles for allocating stock to stores, Level 5, 3 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Knowledge Modules: 26.

    Practical Modules
  • 332301-000-00-00-PM-01, Manage supplier and stock performance, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-PM-02, Manage stock through the supply chain, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-PM-03, Source products and identify preferred suppliers, Level 5, 9 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-PM-04, Negotiate with suppliers, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-PM-05, Buy products, Level 5, 7 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-PM-06, Plan and allocate stock to stores, Level 5, 6 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Practical Skill Modules: 40.

    Work Experience Modules
  • 332301-000-00-00-WM-01, Processes and procedures for the management of supplier and stock performance, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-WM-02, Processes and procedures for sourcing products and setting ranges, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-WM-03, Processes and procedures for identifying preferred suppliers, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-WM-04, Processes and procedures for negotiating, buying and recording products purchased, Level 5, 25 Credits.
  • 332301-000-00-00-WM-05, Processes and procedures for allocating stock to stores, Level 5, 12 Credits.
    Total number of Credits for Work Experience Modules: 65. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage supplier relationships and the performance of stock.
    2. Source products through the identification and selection of suppliers.
    3. Buy merchandise.
    4. Allocate stock to stores. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The supplier's performance is evaluated and shortfalls in performance determined according to scenario given.
  • Actions proposed to improve supplier performance are practical and are within the organisation's policy for managing relations with suppliers.
  • Product performances are analysed and evaluated as to whether they are performing to, above or below required standards.
  • Proposals for improving merchandise performance are practical and will promote improved performance.
  • The proposed strategies to clear non performing ranges are practical and would help to clear the applicable merchandise.
  • The proposed strategies to further enhance performance of good performing ranges are practical and would further enhance the performance of the merchandise.
  • Where supplier performance is at fault for the non-performance of merchandise the cause is identified and proposals to improve supplier performance are practical and applicable to the circumstances.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Two international suppliers that can supply the required merchandise are identified along with reasons for the selection.
  • Two South African suppliers that can supply the required merchandise are identified along with reasons for the selection.
  • One supplier that best meets the criteria for selection of new suppliers is proposed along with reasons for the selection.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Preparation processes for a negotiation are undertaken in order to meet given criteria.
  • The preferred cost price is calculated in order to give the required margin.
  • The fall back cost price is calculated so that it will still give the required margin.
  • The different terms to be negotiated are determined including payment terms, discounts, penalties, allowances.
  • The required delivery preference is determined for the given supplier for the required stock.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The quantities of stock allocated meet the expected sales of the stores.
  • The range allocated meets the target market of the stores.
  • Stock shortages are evaluated and stock is transferred from stores with high stock levels and low sales.
  • Stock deliveries impacted upon by unexpected sales are verified and the delivery dates amended accordingly.
  • Sales are analysed and stock ordered based on stock on hand, expected sales and lead times.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The Skills Development Provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the Integrated External Summative Assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment conducted through the relevant Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The external assessment will consist of both a set of written responses (paper or on-line) which will test the learner's ability to communicate, solve problems and make decisions in relation to a set of typical situations and circumstances which are encountered when buying merchandise and allocating merchandise to stores, and the demonstrated use of computers where the candidate will demonstrate sourcing suppliers and products and allocating stock to stores. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of one day at a QCTO accredited assessment centre. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The comparison with international qualifications in the area of Wholesale and Retailing was conducted by comparing the Buyer qualification Level 5 to undergraduate programmes, outcomes of learning and performance criteria found in the qualifications forming the basis of procurement training.

    International comparability was executed with qualifications of two countries, namely the Certificate in Purchase in United States of America (USA) and in the United Kingdom for National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) procurement qualification in level 4(ID Number: Q1025817).

    United States of America (USA):
    The American Purchasing Society offers a course in Green Purchasing and Sustainability, which discusses the issue of finding suppliers who value sustainable business practices. The American Purchasing Society course covers the following:
  • The foundational Association purchaser qualification.
  • The certificate purchasing professional qualification.
  • The certified professional purchasing manager qualification.

    The foundation and purchasing professional qualification provided relevant information to enable international comparison and supports the content because it has similar skills and competence focus and is clearly identifiable with South African (SA) Retail Buyer qualification in terms of:
  • International buying.
  • Fundamentals of business buying and purchasing management.
  • Cost and price analyses.
  • Negotiation.
  • Quality and service management.
  • Managing inventory.
  • Accounting, finance and cost management for buyers.
  • Ethics.
  • Terms and conditions documenting the purchasing agreement.

    United Kingdom
    The Distance Learning College in the United Kingdom covering the NCVQ qualification which covers the following:
  • Key roles of procurement and supply.
  • The sourcing process.
  • Effective and efficient administration.
  • Pricing arrangements.
  • Quality management.
  • Teamwork.
  • Effective communication.
  • Developing supplier relationships.
  • Demand and supply.
  • Contractual documents.
  • Forecasting.

    This is an NCVQ Level 4 Retail Buyer qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The retail buyer qualification compares well with other similar international qualifications. The comparison indicates clearly that there is good alignment in terms of areas of learning and competencies with the retail buyer qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Practitioner, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the following qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Facilities Manager, Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    None.

    Criteria for the Accreditation of Providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) website.

    The curriculum title and code is: Retail Buyer: 332301-000-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partners (AQP):
    Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&R SETA).

    Derived Qualifications Registered as Part Qualifications:
    332301-000-00-01. Occupational Certificate: Buyer, Level 5, 110 Credits.
    332301-000-00-02. Occupational Certificate: Planner, Level 5, 53 Credits. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.