Managers keep track of how buyers are doing. They also keep a record of the contracts that buyers made. In many industries a purchasing manager has many of the same duties as a buyer or purchasing agent. Thus, before buying any goods, purchasing managers research suppliers. Suppliers are the people who provide the goods and services.
Managers review the reputation and history of the suppliers.
They also go to trade shows and examine the goods that are on display. Managers may also travel to suppliersfactories to examine products. In addition, managers review suppliersprices, quality, availability, and selection. Once managers find a few good suppliers, they solicit bids. This means managers give suppliers a list of what they want.