Procuring C-items: Why small parts often cause a lot of effort in purchasing

by Wiepa Team on Jul 09, 2026

Procuring C-items: Why small parts often cause a lot of effort in purchasing

In a nutshell

For C-items, the ordering effort often significantly exceeds the actual value of the goods. Core assortments and fixed order lists are more effective here than trying to optimize every single price.

C-items are products with a comparatively low individual value that are frequently needed. These include many office supplies, hygiene products, packaging materials, and consumables.

Why C-items are difficult

  • many small individual orders
  • high search and coordination effort
  • many invoices and suppliers
  • frequent reorders
  • different items per department

What helps?

Core assortments, order lists, and clear responsibilities reduce effort. This makes the procurement of small parts more predictable.

Frequently asked questions

Why is price comparison often hardly worthwhile for C-items?

Because the effort for comparison, ordering, and invoice verification usually exceeds the potential savings on the individual price.

How do you identify typical C-items in your own assortment?

Mostly by low individual value combined with high order frequency, such as adhesive tape, labels, or small packaging.

Is a core assortment alone sufficient?

For many C-items, yes, in combination with clear minimum stock levels and a fixed ordering point, the process becomes particularly efficient.

Further Wiepa Guides

What are C-items?
Core assortment in purchasing: Why less choice often saves more money

Conclusion

C-items, in particular, benefit from structured procurement processes.

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