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Purchasing Vs. Procurement

Understanding the difference between purchasing and strategic procurement can help recreation agencies lower costs and improve supply decisions.

5 min read

Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo / dizanna

Recreation administrators typically try to purchase all supplies ahead of the busy summer season to make sure they have enough goods and supplies when the crowds arrive. However, should administrators be “purchasing” these items?

Possibly we should explain.

Purchasing and procurement are not the same. Most people do confuse these terms, but understanding the difference can prove to be a significant cost-savings for park administrators. So, what is the difference? We can start with how these terms are defined in the supply-chain management industry: