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Sourcing & Suppliers

Spot Buy

Also known as: Spot purchase

A spot buy is a one-off, ad-hoc purchase made to meet an immediate need, usually outside of any standing contract or catalogue.

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Spot buys happen when a requirement is urgent, infrequent or not covered by an existing agreement — a replacement part, a last-minute event supply, or a niche item. Because they are made quickly and individually, spot buys often carry higher prices and weaker terms than contracted purchases.

Uncontrolled spot buying is a major source of tail spend and maverick spend. Channelling spot purchases through a marketplace or catalogue restores price transparency and approval control, so even one-off buys stay visible, compliant and competitively priced.

Frequently asked questions

What is a spot buy?
A spot buy is a one-off, ad-hoc purchase made to meet an immediate need, usually outside any standing contract or catalogue.
Why are spot buys often more expensive?
They are made quickly and in small quantities without negotiated pricing or volume leverage, so they typically cost more and come with weaker terms than contracted purchases.

Go deeper

Tail-spend management

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