A new approach to purchase in domestic SMEs

Purpose: The main objective of the paper is to determine the way purchases are carried out in small and medium-sized domestic enterprises. In particular, the following research questions are asked: (1) in which activities do they use the Internet? (2) How willing are they to use electronic tools in purchases? (3) Have supply chain problems arising primarily from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine changed the buying habits of companies? Design/methodology/approach: SMEs were selected as the subject of the research. The questionnaire study was quantitative in nature. Findings: The specificity of purchasing in SMEs results mainly from a different way of managing organisations and often from a different approach to cooperation with suppliers. Research results show that small and medium companies are using the Internet increasingly in particular phases of the purchase process. They are becoming convinced (albeit slowly) of the electronic solutions available in the area of purchasing and appreciate their advantages. Supply chains and consumerization of B2B purchasing contribute to changing the approach of SMEs and popularising electronic tools. Research limitations/implications: The article contains a preliminary study. In the future, additional research is planned on a comparison of the use of electronic solutions in the procurement of SMEs in individual industries and in different countries. Originality/value: The article presents a detailed analysis of the reasons for the specificity of SMEs’ purchase. In addition, the results of research on the use of electronic tools on the Internet in the purchasing process are discussed. The conclusions of the research are important for domestic SMEs and organisations that support the development of this sector. Keywords: purchasing, electronic tools, supply chains, SME sector. Category of the paper: Research paper.