Preiskatalogs

Preiskatalogs, commonly called Preiskataloge in German, are publications that list the prices of goods or services offered by manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers. They serve as a reference document for buyers and suppliers and can cover a wide range of industries, from consumer goods to industrial equipment. The catalogs may be distributed in print, digitally as PDFs, or hosted in online catalogs linked to procurement systems.

A typical Preiskatalog includes items organized by category, with each entry listing a product name, a unique article number or SKU, a brief description, the unit of measure, and the price. Prices are usually shown in a specific currency and may include net and gross amounts, tax status, and terms. Additional information often appears, such as minimum order quantities, bulk discounts, lead times, availability, and payment or delivery terms. Some catalogs also indicate validity periods for prices and note promotional prices or customer-specific pricing.

Formats and usage vary. Traditional printed catalogs were once the primary medium, but today most Preiskatalogs exist as online or digital catalogs integrated with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or e-commerce platforms. They support procurement, sales negotiations, tendering, and catalog-based ordering. The catalogs can be static for a defined period or continually updated to reflect changes in cost, supply, or promotions.

In practice, Preiskatalogs are closely related to Preislisten and Preisverzeichnisse and are influenced by regional tax rules, currency considerations, and market dynamics. They play a key role in pricing transparency, supplier negotiations, and streamlined purchasing processes.