The organizational buying process has 8 steps:
1) Need recognition where the organization identifies an internal or external need.
2) General need description where the organization describes the characteristics and quantity of the needed item.
3) Product specification where the organization decides on technical product characteristics.
4) Supplier search where the organization identifies potential suppliers.
5) Proposal solicitation where the organization invites supplier proposals.
6) Supplier selection where the organization evaluates proposals and selects a supplier.
7) Purchase decision where the organization finalizes the order details.
8) Performance evaluation where the organization reviews supplier performance.