achat

Achat, in French, is the noun for the act of purchasing a good or service in exchange for money. The related verb is acheter, meaning to buy. An achat can describe a single transaction as well as the broader act of acquiring items to meet needs.

In economics and consumer behavior, an achat represents the demand-side of a transaction and depends on price, preferences, income, and information. Purchases can be impulsive or deliberate, and may involve evaluation of alternatives, value, and risk.

The purchasing process typically includes need identification, information gathering, evaluation, negotiation, payment, and delivery. Post-purchase considerations include warranties, returns, and after-sales service. For individuals, choices are often influenced by brand, quality, price, and convenience; for organizations, procurement aims to optimize cost, quality, and supply continuity.

In business, procurement covers the planning and management of purchasing activities, including supplier selection, contracts, and inventory control. E-procurement and online marketplaces have modernized this function, enabling faster bidding, catalog-based buying, and electronic payments.

Legal and regulatory aspects address consumer protection, contract validity, guarantees, and taxation. In many jurisdictions, value-added tax (VAT) or sales tax applies to purchases, and consumer rights may provide returns or repair options.

Recent trends include digitalization of purchasing, cross-border e-commerce, and sustainable or ethical buying practices. The term achat remains central to discussions of commerce, consumer welfare, and market efficiency.