The Handbook of Buying and Purchasing Management is a comprehensive guide the covers the A’s to Z’s of purchasing, from the recognition of a need for a product or service to the delivery and satisfaction after the delivery. It is suited for the new buyer who wants a thorough understanding of the principles of purchasing as well as the seasoned purchasing manager who wantes to learn the latest concepts and to learn how to solve the problems that every purchasing operation encounters. Whether working for a small company or giant organization, using the guidelines in this book will help readers do a better job and be prepared to solve the problems often faced. Plus, the book offers tips on the tremendous profit opportunities available from good purchasing and how those profits can be obtained. Also included is advice on how to: • Set up your purchasing organization to gain negotiating strength and minimize duplication of effort • Protect your company from costly legal mistakes when you buy • Use administrative procedures that make buying less risky and provide the information necessary to minimize future cost • Describe the products and services you want to purchase so that you will receive the quality you want and keep cost under control • Analyze cost so you that you are able to negotiate from strength • Find the suppliers you need and how to determine if they are qualified • Follow-up and expedite shipments to get the best results • Avoid common purchasing mistakes.