Compra

Compra is a Spanish noun that refers to the act of acquiring goods or services, the purchase itself, or the items that have been acquired. The verb form is comprar, and the term is widely used in everyday language to describe both a single purchase (una compra) and shopping activities (las compras). In formal contexts, compras may be contrasted with adquisiciones or procurement, depending on scope and emphasis.

Etymology traces compra to Latin origins, through medieval and early modern Spanish, where forms related to procuring or obtaining were used to describe the act of acquiring goods or services.

In everyday life, compra covers a broad range of transactions, from groceries to household equipment. In business and public administration, the concept differentiates between the act of purchasing (compra) and the broader process of procurement (adquisición). Public sector procurement is often referred to as compra pública and typically involves formal bidding, tendering, and contract award processes (licitaciones or concursos) to select suppliers.

Typical steps in a compra include identifying need, researching suppliers, evaluating options, negotiating terms, issuing a purchase order, receiving goods or services, and processing payment and reconciliation. Documentation commonly includes a purchase order, an invoice, a delivery note, and a receipt.

Consumer protection and e-commerce considerations accompany modern compra practices. These include warranties, returns, refunds, truthful advertising, secure payment, data privacy, delivery reliability, and dispute resolution. The term remains central in accounting and logistics, where purchases affect inventory, expenses, and financial reporting.