Purchasing
When it comes to purchasing and payments, there are a few different methods on campus, and we are here to help you navigate the best way to do it.
- BearBuy: Place an order with a campus preferred vendor on BearBuy
- BluCard: Use a campus or the department's BluCard (credit card)
- Purchase an item using personal funds and submit for reimbursement (pre-approval should be received from the owner of the fund source being used)
- For goods and services related to research activities, partner with your Research Administrator for large purchases, service contracts, honorariums, and other payments to outside vendors
The New Users Quick Reference Guide acts as a starting point for all BearBuy users by answering questions and inquiries regarding high-level roles and responsibilities. It also aims to provide clear information with regard to system processes and training within the BearBuy system.
The SCF has some complementary instructions and tips for buying computing items.
- All new hires are automatically given the role of "shopper."
- All orders for campus preferred vendors (OfficeMax, Give Something Back, Apple, Dell, and Lenova) should be placed through BearBuy.
Amazon Business in BearBuy
Beginning June 2020, users are now able to shop with Amazon using BearBuy! This new program, Amazon Business, simplifies your purchasing process for non-contracted items and allows you to take advantage of Amazon's wide product selection and competitive prices. Shopping on Amazon Business is as user-friendly as Amazon.com. Additional benefits include:
- Free 2-Day shipping on Prime-eligible items (learn more)
- Access to millions of additional products, available only to Business customers
- Business-specific pricing, including quantity discounts on eligible items
- Access to a specialized Amazon Business Customer Service team
BearBuy FAQ
Please visit the BearBuy FAQ page for a complete list.
Chart of Account Codes (COAs) in BearBuy Guide
Please visit the BearBuy COA guide for more information about entering COAs in BearBuy.
The campus or department BluCard can be used to make credit card payments on behalf of the shopper. In fact, for some expenses, it is the preferred method of payment:
If the item you need or the vendor is not available on BearBuy, you may purchase allowable, non-contract items yourself and be reimbursed by using the Direct Entry System.
Purchasing and Payment Matrix
If you have ever wondered what the best method of payment is for what you want to purchase here at UC Berkeley, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Controller’s Office and Supply Chain Management have teamed up to create the purchasing and payment matrix, which outlines the recommended methods of payment for goods and services purchased.
How do I use this resource?
If you need to purchase a specific good or service, search for that item on the main tab of the matrix to find information about which purchasing methods are preferred, allowed, or restricted. For some purchases, there is a required process, and this is indicated within the columns; follow the links for more information on those items. On the far right column, you will find links to the UC policy that applies to purchases of that good or service.