I was wondering if anyone elese prefers the name Purchaser over Buyer. I my self see the title of Buyer not as fitting as Purchaser. Why? If some one gose window shopping then they are likely to buy something. A person who has done research into a product, compared prices, checked on the quality of the product and looked into the manufacters history, then they made a purchase.

Name of Facility: Mid Coast Hospital

City, State: NFP

Years as a Buyer: 6

To me, the term buyer can mean one who buys judiciously after evaluating all options, just as purchaser can mean the same thing. The two words, buyer and purchaser, to me are synonymous. It seems to me that purchaser is used a lot in Great Britain rather than in the United States where people might be more inclined to say purchasing agent rather than purchaser. These are just my opinions and I respect your thoughts on this issue too as you look at the terms slightly differently than I usually do. However, as I see you are in Maine, the term purchaser may be used more often on the east coast, whereas I have lived in the midwest and west most of my life and do not as ofter hear the term purchaser.

Name of Facility: Summerdale Enterprises, Inc.

The term "buyer" is what everyone refers to me as. Which is fine with me. However, that only gives a very narrow description of what I really do, which is provide monthly fincancials, research products, provide info on MBO's, etc. My voicemail greeting says "purchasing agent". Either way, I still fulfill the same function, which I think we all do in some form or another.

Name of Facility: University Community Hospital

City, State: Hospital

Years as a Buyer: 3+

My title is Pharmacy Purchasing Analyst. I do a lot of analyzing. I prefer the Purchasing title as well. I have no idea why.

Name of Facility: Arnot Ogden Medical Center

City, State: Acute Care 256 beds

Years as a Buyer: 7

I am titled a "Pharmacy Purchasing Specialist" Some in our pharmacy say "purchaser" some say "buyer" it's about equal. But I agree with Dale, they have equal meaning.

Name of Facility: Good Samaritan Hospital

City, State: Hospital, Acute care

Years as a Buyer: 30yrs

My buyers title is Purchasing Agent. I am not sure she minds what she is called as long as she is a respected member of the team, which she is (very valuable to our efforts).

Name of Facility: Billings Clinic

City, State: Hosptial and Clinic Hybrid

Years as a Buyer: 1