What Toy Buyers Do

Toy buyers assess and purchase collectible toys for retail sale. They decide which toys make it or do not make it on to the shelves of stores. This gives them enormous financial responsibility, especially around the winter holiday shopping season.

Toy buyers work for large, general toy stores, specialty toy stores or large general retail stores that sell toys. They earn a salary. But some may get a commission based on how well a toy they bought sells.

Toy buyers also travel a lot. The Internet has made it easier for toy buyers and suppliers to interact. But toy buyers cannot simply base purchasing decisions on Internet catalogs. That means they spend a lot of time on the road.

The three major toy shows are spread across three continents. And there are a number of regional shows across North America throughout the year. "Every time there is a fair in North America, we try to be there," says Baruk.

The constant travel may make it difficult, although not impossible, for people with physical disabilities to find work as toy buyers, says Baruk. Those with sensory disabilities may also find it difficult to find work as toy buyers because they may find it difficult to evaluate toys from all perspectives.