Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (5%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 17 (85%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 2 (10%)

• Provide clerks with information to print on price tags, such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs, manufacturer number, season code, or style number.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Buy merchandise or commodities for resale to wholesale or retail consumers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Negotiate prices, discount terms, or transportation arrangements with suppliers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Examine, select, order, or purchase merchandise consistent with quality, quantity, specification requirements, or other factors, such as environmental soundness.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Recommend mark-up rates, mark-down rates, or merchandise selling prices.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Obtain information about customer needs or preferences by conferring with sales or purchasing personnel.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Authorize payment of invoices or return of merchandise.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Monitor and analyze sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns, company sales, and needed inventory.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collaborate with vendors to obtain or develop desired products.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inspect merchandise or products to determine quality, value, or yield.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Consult with store or merchandise managers about budgets or goods to be purchased.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Determine which products should be featured in advertising, the advertising medium to be used, or when the ads should be run.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Monitor competitors' sales activities by following their advertisements in newspapers or other media.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Analyze environmental aspects of competing merchandise when making buying decisions.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Compare transportation options to determine the most energy-efficient options.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Develop strategies to advertise green products or merchandise to consumers.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Identify opportunities to buy green commodities, such as alternative energy, water, or carbon-neutral products for resale to consumers.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Monitor consumer preferences or environmental trends to determine the best way to introduce new green products.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct sales meetings to introduce new merchandise.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train or supervise sales or clerical staff.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task