Types of Buying Methods

Buying is an essential part of every organization. Some companies make bulk purchases for production, while others buy everyday items for office use only. Whether your company specializes in goods or services, buying is essential. There are four types of buying methods usually implemented in different companies. They are categorized based on the quality and quantity of the goods. Let’s tell you about the buying methods used commonly.

Methods of Buying Based on the Number of Goods

The methods of buying are divided into four types depending on the quantity you need to purchase. The four types are contract buying, conservative buying, speculative buying, and tender buying.

Contract Buying

Contract buying is one of the common methods of buying in industries. Buyers and suppliers sign a contract with specific terms and conditions per their needs and convenience. The contracts usually last for months or years. Thus, the companies do not have to look for a reliable source every few months. It saves time and ensures the vendor sticks to the contract.

Conservative Buying

As the name suggests, conservative buying is buying in a small amount for daily or weekly needs. This is typically done for goods that do not have a long shelf life or materials with unsure needs. Conservative buying is followed to decrease the inventory management load. It is also used in situations when the company suspects a fall in the prices of the goods in the next few days. Other names for conservative buying are small-order buying, hand-to-mouth buying, and economical buying.

Speculative Buying

Speculative buying is the complete opposite of conservative buying. Companies that follow speculative buying purchase goods in a larger amount than needed. This method is usually adopted when the company plans on selling the goods at a higher price to others. Typically wholesalers use this method to make better profits. This type of buying method is also named forward buying.

Tender Buying

Tender buying or buying by tender is a common business practice. Many companies call tenders for the supply of goods and raw materials. Different suppliers fill the tenders, and usually, the lowest quote with the best quality is approved. It is a common practice in government offices. It allows them to be tension-free till the tender completes its period.

Methods of Buying Based on the Quality of Goods

Another widely implied method for buying in companies is by the quality of goods. Both purchase methods may go hand in hand when finding the right vendor. Here are the three methods of buying according to the quality of goods.

Buying by Description

Buying by description refers to purchasing goods from a seller based on their description only. Sampling or inspection may or may not be involved. The company gives a purchase order per the description given by the seller. The descriptions are typically present in business publications, hoardings, or leaflets.

Buying by Inspection

Buying by inspection includes analysis of the products or raw material by the buyer before purchasing. The buyer may visit the store or exhibitions to check the quality of the material. This method ensures that the substances seem of good quality. The buyer also ensures that the vendor can manage the required quantity. The company places an order if the product is of satisfactory quality and deliver on time.

Buying by Sample

In case the buyer cannot visit to inspect the material, they may ask for samples. When purchasing raw materials for food or pharmaceutical industries, sampling is a common practice. It helps ensure that the offered supplies are free from adulteration and unwanted chemicals. The company places an order if sampling shows satisfactory results.

The Bottom Line

Different organizations use different methods of buying to get good quality raw materials and goods. They either buy based on quality, quantity, or suppliers. It could be buying on description, sample, inspection, speculative, conservative, contract, or buying per the tender. Some companies also use concentrated buying, reciprocal buying, or diversified buying methods.