Shared purchasing is a procurement model in which multiple individuals or organizations come together to collectively acquire goods or services in order to achieve cost savings and other benefits. In this arrangement, the participating entities join forces to pool their purchasing power, leverage economies of scale, and negotiate better contracts with suppliers.
The primary goal of shared purchasing is to reduce expenses through bulk buying, centralization, and standardization. By aggregating their demands, the participants can secure favorable pricing, volume discounts, and improved terms from suppliers who may be more willing to negotiate with a larger customer base. Shared purchasing also enables risk sharing, as the burden of procurement is distributed among the participants, ensuring a more stable and sustainable supply chain.
This concept commonly applies to business organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, although it can also extend to other contexts such as consumer cooperatives. Collaborative purchasing consortia or buying groups are often established to facilitate shared purchasing endeavors, providing a structured platform for coordination, collaboration, and cost optimization.
Benefits of shared purchasing include cost savings, enhanced purchasing power, increased operational efficiencies, streamlined processes, and improved access to quality products and services. It can also foster knowledge sharing among participants and serve as a platform for strategic alliances and cooperative ventures. Ultimately, shared purchasing enables organizations to achieve economies of scale and cost-effective procurement, leading to increased competitiveness and overall financial advantages.
The etymology of the term "shared purchasing" can be broken down as follows:
1. Shared: The word "shared" is derived from the verb "share", which comes from the Old English word "scearu" meaning "a part or portion". It originally referred to dividing or distributing something among people.
2. Purchasing: The word "purchasing" originates from the Middle English word "purchacen" or "pursen", which come from the Old French word "pourchacier" meaning "to seek, obtain, or procure". It is related to the Latin word "pulcerāre" meaning "to make dirty" or "pollute", as in acquiring something. Over time, "purchasing" evolved to specifically refer to acquiring goods or services in exchange for money.