Who in a buying center typically controls the budget for a purchase?

The individual who typically controls the budget for a purchase in a buying center is often the gatekeeper. A gatekeeper is responsible for managing the flow of information and materials, which includes having authority over expenditures and purchasing decisions. They often have the power to either approve or deny requests related to budget allocations. By controlling the budget, gatekeepers play a critical role in the procurement process, as they can determine which suppliers or products are considered based on financial constraints.

In a buying center, other roles play different functions. The buyer executes the purchasing process but may not necessarily have the final say over budget allocations. The initiator identifies the need for a product or service, while an influencer provides input and advice but does not control budget decisions. Each role has its unique responsibilities, but budget control is a defining characteristic of the gatekeeper's position within the buying center.