The simple, yet powerful way to capture and control non-sourced spend
The Spot Buy capability, available with SAP Ariba procurement solutions, delivers a cost-saving, single source for buying indirect goods. It simplifies those one-off or emergency purchases previously considered too costly and time-consuming to source. Now your employees can find what they need from trusted suppliers on SAP Business Network, formerly known to millions of companies as Ariba Network.
With this intuitive, consumer-simple shopping experience – customized to match your purchasing policies and automate compliance – buyers can quickly find what they need while you increase organizational savings through:
- Simpler processes – The Spot Buy process for finding and buying non-sourced goods eliminates non-catalog request process costs and lengthy response times
- Lower prices – Spot Buy prices compared to non-catalog and existing contract prices reflected savings of 10% to 20% in many cases, due in large part to the buying power of the SAP customer base
- More rebates – Customers using P-Card can enjoy additional savings from rebates while reigning in control over walk-around P-Card programs
- Lower supplier management costs – Using Spot Buy for the purchase of non-sourced goods eliminates the need to manage a base of one-time, ad-hoc suppliers
What's more, you can make it easy for users to punch out and find more buying options on Amazon Business and the Unite marketplace, while still adhering to your purchasing guidelines.
Spot Buy Capability Features
Here are some features and benefits you can enjoy while placing spot buys with suppliers on Ariba Network.
Trusted supplier network
Spot buy suppliers on SAP Business Network are engaged in a dynamic, digital marketplace, where millions of SAP Ariba solution users and their trading partners have been transacting trillions of dollars in business commerce for more than 20 years.
Strong compliance
A three-tier supplier-vetting process helps to make sure that Spot Buy suppliers on SAP Business Network meet your compliance standards.
Thorough risk assessment
SAP monitors all suppliers on SAP Business Network against Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) directories for supplier risk assessments.
Manageable supply base
Based on your procurement policies, you determine the suppliers to which your employees can have access on SAP Business Network with the Spot Buy capability.
Customizable restrictions
You can turn buying restrictions on and off based on a range of parameters, including supplier, category code (i.e. UNSPSC), price thresholds, manufacturer, user, and even preferred items.
Enriched payment data
Gain greater visibility into P-card data enriched with purchase order number, item, commodity code, item amount, taxes, and shipping information.
More Information

Solution brief for North America
Learn more about how the Spot Buy capability makes it easy to find and buy non-sourced goods with competitive pricing and delivery options.
Read the brief
Datasheet for Europe
If your company operates in Europe, refer to this datasheet to learn more about your opportunities with the Spot Buy capability available with SAP Ariba procurement solutions.
Read datasheet
About three-tier supplier vetting
Read this datasheet to learn more about our three-tier supplier vetting process that helps you adhere to your compliance standards.
Read more about supplier vettingOur Spot Buy Partners
Give your buyers greater choice with our Spot Buy partners to help them quickly find what they need while supporting your cost-savings goals.

More About Spot Buy
Attend a demo of Amazon Business
Sign up to see a live demonstration of how Spot Buy together with Amazon Business can easily guide users to the items they need to do their jobs, while helping purchasing organizations control supplier selection, content, user accessibility, and price allowance.
Register nowParticipate as a supplier
The Spot Buy capability provides suppliers with an efficient way to open channels to not only boost sales to existing customers, but also generate new sales and gain additional market share.
Find out how