When deciding on purchase quantities, what is one of the most important factors considered by a buyer?

The most important factor a buyer considers when deciding on purchase quantities is the sales and profit potential of the merchandise. This is crucial because it directly impacts the financial health of the business. Understanding which items are likely to sell well allows the buyer to optimize inventory levels, ensuring that the restaurant can meet customer demand without overstocking. By assessing demand forecasts, trends, and sales data, the buyer can make informed decisions that maximize profit margins and minimize waste from unsold items.

While supplier reliability, marketing costs, and storage capacity are all relevant factors in the purchasing process, they primarily serve to support or enhance the overall purchasing strategy rather than drive the core decision itself. Supplier reliability ensures that the necessary goods can be consistently obtained, marketing costs affect the overall cost structure, and storage capacity limits how much inventory can be maintained. However, the foremost concern will always be to ensure that the items purchased can be sold effectively, thereby generating revenue and profit for the business.