Identification of need

When the company needs goods/services, the company’s needs must be identified in order to choose which type of service or product will fit best. Then the buyer needs tofind them at the best quality for the best price while also making sure the supplier is able to deliver.

Finding and qualifying the suppliers

Using the Internet or your supplier databases, you assemble a list of all potential product and/or serviceproviders.Sometimes it’s useful to run RFIs or gather additional information, like years on the market and turnover rates, to pre-qualify suppliers.

Requesting proposals

To make sure you buy the products or services under the best conditions – price, quality, etc. – you request proposals. Based on the results, you know with whom to start negotiations. The RFP results can be considered an overview of current market capability.

Negotiating with suppliers

To achieve the best conditions regarding prices, terms and delivery, you negotiate with suppliers. It’s especially essential if it’s the first time you are working with them. This process can help you evaluate their trustworthiness as well.

Contracting

If both parties, the buyer and the supplier, agree on all terms (pricing, delivery, quality,etc.) you can make it official by signing a contract.

Delivery

Throughout the delivery process, you need to evaluate the products and services delivered to ensure they are what you had planned to buy, they meet your quality standards, they arrive on schedule and you are charged the prices outlined in the contract.

Analyzing results

Once the project is complete, it is essential to analyze the process and evaluate its success as well as record observations for future projects. You may need to present the outcomes to companymanagement or relevantstakeholders. The results can be used the next time you need to make a similar purchase.