CONSUMER CHEMICALS BUYING PROCESS AND WAYS TO IMPROVE IT

Abstract

In order to improve the course of logistics processes in the chemical industry, it is necessary to know and understand the buying process in the companies of direct customers. It has a number of specific features. Therefore it is necessary for manufacturers of consumer chemicals examine the buying process with its customers in order to identify these specific features, resulting mainly from the importance of the purchase, the nature of purchased products, but also from the specific use of consumer chemicals. This paper aims to contribute to the knowledge of the specifics of the purchase of consumer chemicals in enterprises in the food industry. It presents the results of a qualitative research carried out in the purchasing departments of selected food businesses. The research was aimed at mapping the way of purchasing consumer chemicals (and at revealing its specifics) and identifying the ways to improve it. The conclusions of the paper develop not only the theoretical knowledge but also generate recommendations to manufacturers of consumer chemicals for improving their logistics processes in relation to food industry enterprises as a selected segment of their customers.