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Fundamentals of Purchasing for the New Buyer

This fundamentals course introduces the core principles of purchasing and supply management, guiding participants through each step of the purchasing process, including negotiation, vendor management and materials planning. You’ll learn how to manage supplier relationships, ensure quality and on-time delivery, and control costs more effectively. The course also explores how tools like eProcurement can support better purchasing decisions and improve overall business performance.  

Seminar Number: 04265

5
(190 reviews)
  • In-Person
  • Live Online
  • At Your Company Location

Course Scheduling & Pricing

Home>Course Topic>Purchasing and Supply Chain Management>Fundamentals of Purchasing for the New Buyer

About This Course

Procurement professionals play a critical role in managing costs and supplier relationships. This course introduces the essential responsibilities associated with purchasing and supply management, helping new buyers understand sourcing strategies, negotiation fundamentals and vendor evaluation. It's one of our buyer training programs that moves beyond theory so you'll gain hands-on knowledge that empowers you to make informed purchasing decisions, supporting broader organizational goals.

Read the FAQs

Who Should Attend

Newcomers who want to learn every facet of their job responsibilities - as well as veteran buyers who want to update their skills.

  •   In-Person3 Day(s)
    1.8 CEU
  •   Live Online3 Day(s)
    1.8 CEU
 
 

This fundamentals course introduces the core principles of purchasing and supply management, guiding participants through each step of the purchasing process, including negotiation, vendor management and materials planning.

You’ll learn how to manage supplier relationships, ensure quality and on-time delivery, and control costs more effectively. The course also explores how tools like eProcurement can support better purchasing decisions and improve overall business performance.

 

  • Understand today's procurement strategies and techniques
  • Identify the core expertise, process knowledge, and interpersonal skills necessary for success as a 21st-century buyer
  • Discover the criteria for successful supplier selection
  • Manage your supplier relationships to reduce costs, improve quality, and enhance performance
  • Understand legal and ethical requirements and issues
  • Learn negotiation techniques for a global purchasing environment
  • The changing role of the buyer in today's organization
  • How purchasing adds value to the firm, and profit to the bottom line
  • Developing the supply base and supplier relationships
  • Designing effective supplier performance measurements
  • Making effective procurement decisions through the use of price and cost analysis
  • Utilizing value and total cost of ownership concepts to reduce costs
  • Tools for enhancing material flow and reducing inventory investment
  • Specialized purchasing instruments, master agreements, contracting methods, and e-procurement
  • Successful selection and management of service suppliers
  • Professional practices and standards of purchasing ethics
  • Legal aspects of purchasing: contracts, agency, warranties, and anti-trust laws
  • Negotiating skills and tactics for the buyer

Learning Objectives

  • Develop More Effective Relationships to Source, Qualify, Solicit, and Assess Your Supplier Base
  • Increase the Buyer’s Contribution to the Organization’s Bottom Line and Enhance Customer Satisfaction
  • Use Methods and Techniques to Enhance Material and Product Flow
  • Recognize the Ethical and Legal Practices Involved in Purchasing
  • Develop a Purchasing Negotiation Strategy
  • Assess Risk and Competitive Advantage

The Buyer’s Role in Today’s Purchasing Organization

  • Explain How Purchasing Adds Value
  • Define the Supply Chain and the Buyer’s Role in Purchasing and Supply Management
  • Describe the Purchasing Cycle
  • Discuss the Importance of Cross-Functional Teams and Purchasing

Managing the Supplier Base and Relationships

  • Obtain Sufficient Purchase Description or Specification Information from Internal Customers
  • Rate Aspects of a Supplier’s Capabilities
  • Analyze a Financial Statement from a Hypothetical Supplier
  • Define How Acceptable Sources of Supply are Found in the Marketplace
  • Identify Key Principles of Soliciting, Qualifying, and Pre-Selecting Suppliers
  • Examine Key Aspects Associated with Supplier Performance

Managing Effective Procurement Decisions: Applying Price, Cost Value

  • Assess Competitive Market Pricing and the Application of Discounts
  • Analyze Costs to Calculate a Target Cost to Negotiate More Effectively with Suppliers
  • Define an Internal Cost Estimate and a Supplier’s Cost Breakdown Structure
  • Explain Learning Curves, Life Cycle Costing, and Value Analysis
  • Define Leasing, Renting, and Outsourcing
  • Describe How Identifying Total Cost of Ownership Fosters Better Buying Decisions

Tools for Enhancing Material and Product Flow

  • Explain How ABC Analysis Is Used to Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
  • Summarize the Techniques Used to Make Informed Decisions on Inventory
  • Describe How Inbound Freight Control Is Used to Improve the Total Value Provided to a Firm by a Supplier
  • Describe the Most Common INCOTERMS and Their Meaning for International Sourcing
  • Discuss How Global Sourcing Requires Additional Knowledge to Understand Supplier Selection, Payment, and Risk Implications

Understanding Specialized Purchasing Instruments and Contracting Methods

  • Identify the Basic Parts of a Contract and a Contract Planning Checklist
  • Differentiate between the Types of Purchasing Contracts and Agreements
  • Discuss Usage of Purchasing/Procurement Credit Cards and Appropriate Policies for Their Implementation
  • Describe the Service Contracting Process and Guidelines for Service Contract Supplier Selection, Agreement Provisions, and Administration
  • Apply E-Procurement Principles to the Purchasing Cycle

Professional Practices

  • Explain the Difference between Ethical and Legal Purchasing Practices
  • Describe 12 Questionable Purchasing Practices
  • Discuss the Legal Framework That Affects Purchasing
  • Explain Elements of a Breach of Contract That Remedies the Breach
  • Describe Three Kinds of Warranties—Stautory, Implied and Express
  • Discuss Key Points of the Convention for International Sales of Goods
  • Recognize Key Issues about Contract Law and How Contracts are Formed
  • Determine the Importance of the Uniform Commercial Code

Negotiating Skills for the Buyer

  • Define the Nature and Scope of Negotiations in Purchasing
  • Differentiate between Strategy and Tactics in Negotiations
  • Define Win-Win, Objective Setting, Deadline, and Authority Level
  • List the Crucial Elements of Negotiation
  • Prepare and Plan for Negotiations
  • Apply Some Negotiation Strategies, Tactics, and Counter Offers

Download Extended Seminar Outline PDF

View a Sample of Our Reviews

5

190 reviews

 
I enjoyed this seminar very much. It was overall a great amount of various information about the industry as a whole. It was interesting to learn about other aspects of purchasing, even the ones that don't directly relate to my current job.
5
Kimberly Z.
 
Purchaser
 
Industry: Business Services
Training style was very informative and active. Open discussion style was excellent
5
Eric H.
 
Purchasing Analyst
 
Industry: Insurance
I enjoyed the communication between myself, the course leader and the other buyers concerning our experiences and what we will implement in our work environments. The course leader is very knowledgeable on what is needed to be successful as an overall buyer for companies. The importance of expanding the buyer's toolbox as well as taking a hard look at all the facts was thoroughly explained.
5
Danika T.
 
Associate Buyer
 
Industry: Manufacturing
The class moved at a good pace and enabled quality discussion. It went into enough depth and examples to offer realistic situations for reference.
5
Kelly W.
 
Buyer/Planner
 
Industry: Minerals & Mining
I received a lot of good information to sharpen my skills. Also the instructor hit on many good points and kept the class interesting with many examples of experience. Also enjoyed the mix of different fields that the class attracted. Overall was very pleased with the tools I came away from it with.
5
Allen J.
 
Supply Chain Manager
 
Industry: Retail

American Management Association is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.

In-Person Schedule

2 Sessions Available

Live Online Schedule

2 Sessions Available

  • $2,645.00 Non Members
  • $2,395.00 AMA Members
  • $2,345.00 GSA
Date Duration State City Zip
  2026-05-06 2026-05-08 May 6, 2026 - May 8, 2026 3 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

  2026-09-14 2026-09-16 Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026 3 Days IL Chicago 60601-5927 Chicago Register Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this purchasing training program?

This purchasing training program introduces the core principles of professional purchasing and procurement. Participants learn how to evaluate suppliers, understand pricing structures, manage purchasing processes, manage vendors and support organizational goals through effective buying decisions.

Who should attend buyer training programs like this one?

This program is designed for new buyers, purchasing assistants and professionals who are beginning to take on procurement responsibilities. It is especially valuable for individuals seeking buyer training programs that explain the fundamentals of purchasing, supplier relationships and purchasing strategy.

What are the fundamentals of purchasing for new buyers?

The fundamentals of purchasing include understanding sourcing processes, evaluating suppliers, understanding today’s procurement strategies, negotiating pricing and ensuring that purchases meet organizational requirements. New buyers must also learn how purchasing decisions affect costs, operations and overall supply chain performance.

Is this course helpful for professionals who are new to procurement?

Yes. Professionals who are transitioning into procurement roles often benefit from structured procurement training that explains how purchasing processes work within an organization. This course helps new buyers understand key procurement responsibilities and develop the skills needed to support effective purchasing decisions.

How does purchasing training help improve supplier relationships?

Effective purchasing training helps professionals understand how to evaluate supplier performance, communicate expectations and build productive relationships with vendors. Strong supplier partnerships can improve quality, reliability and overall purchasing outcomes.

I’m new to a buyer role. Will this new buyer training help me get started?

Yes. This program is designed as new buyer training for professionals who want to build confidence in purchasing responsibilities. Participants gain practical knowledge about purchasing processes, supplier evaluation and the role of buyers in supporting organizational success.
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