The business buying process involves several key steps: 1) Problem recognition, where a need within the company is identified that an external good or service could fulfill. 2) Determining general product specifications and requirements to address the need. 3) Identifying potential suppliers through directories, references, advertisements, and online research. 4) Soliciting proposals from qualified suppliers and selecting finalists to make presentations.

1. stages in the business buying process

3. For a New task all these steps are necessary but
for Straight Rebuy and Modified Rebuy some of
steps may not be needed

4. Problem recognition
You need a Doctor
The buying process begins when someone in the company recognizes
a problem or need that can be met by acquiring a good or service

5. General need Description and
product specification
Next, the buyer determines the needed item’s
general characteristics and required quantity

6. Supplier Search
The buyer next tries to identify the most appropriate suppliers through
trade directories, contacts with other companies, trade advertisements,
trade shows, and the Internet

7. Proposal solicitation
The buyer next invites qualified suppliers to submit proposals, After
evaluating the proposals, the buyer will invite a few suppliers to
make formal presentations

8. Supplier selection
The buying center specify and rank desired supplier
attributes, and then select best one

9. Order-Routine Specification
After selecting suppliers, the buyer negotiates the final order,
listing the technical specifications, the quantity needed, the
expected time of delivery, return policies, warranties, and so on

10. Performance Review
The buyer periodically reviews the performance of the chosen
supplier(s), The performance review may lead the buyer to continue,
modify, or end a supplier relationship

11. Summary

12. Credit
KOTLER, P. & KELLER, K. 2011. Marketing
Management 14th Edition,Upper Saddle River,
NJ, Prentice Hall(With due thanks to the owners
of Photographs)