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What does a Vendor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A vendor is a person who sells goods or services.

Vendor job duties include:

  • Research and select vendors based on price, quality, and delivery
  • Maintain vendor relationships and negotiate contracts
  • Resolve vendor or contractor grievances and claims against suppliers
  • Review invoices for accuracy and approval
  • Monitor vendor performance to ensure compliance with contract terms
  • Prepare and process purchase orders
  • Track inventory levels and reorder supplies as needed
  • Coordinate delivery of supplies and materials with production schedules
  • Inspect delivered goods for quality and quantity
  • Maintain updated records of approved vendors and supplier contracts

Vendor Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for vendors, although a high school diploma is preferred. Certification is not required, but vendors must have experience working with the public and handling money.

Vendor Skills

  • Negotiation
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service
  • Sales
  • Marketing
  • Social Media
  • Event Planning
  • Budgeting
  • Research

Related: Top Vendor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Vendor

There are many ways to become a vendor. The most common way is to find a market or event that is looking for vendors and apply to be one. This usually involves filling out an application and paying a fee. Some markets and events may also require that vendors have insurance.

Another way to become a vendor is to start your own business. This will require more work upfront, but it can be more rewarding in the long run. You will need to create a business plan, get funding, find a location, and get all the necessary licenses and permits. Once you have everything set up, you can start promoting your business and bringing in customers.

No matter which route you choose, becoming a vendor can be a great way to make some extra money and sell your products or services to a new audience. Just be sure to do your research and be prepared for whatever comes your way.

Related: Vendor Resume Example

Related: Vendor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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