A professional who compares prices, packaging, physical characteristics, and styles of merchandise in competing stores. Respnsibilities include:

• Visits stores to observe details of merchandise and gather information that will be valuable to employer in setting prices and determining buying policies.
• Verifies complaints of customers on price of merchandise by shopping at designated store to ascertain same quality and style for specified price.
• Prepares reports of findings.
• May check with buyer to verify that advertised merchandise will be available for customer purchase, and that merchandise, price, and sales dates are accurately described in advertising copy and illustration.
• May purchase merchandise in various locations for quality comparison tests.