Which strategy might lead to increased costs for buyers?

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) can lead to increased costs for buyers primarily due to the potential for higher prices negotiated by vendors. In a VMI system, the vendor takes responsibility for managing the inventory levels at the buyer's location, meaning they often determine what stock to maintain and how much to order. Since the vendor has more control over the inventory, they may charge a premium for their services, which can elevate the overall costs for the buyer.

Additionally, VMI systems might necessitate advanced technology and more integrated data-sharing processes to function effectively, which can add to the infrastructure costs for the buyer. While VMI can lead to improved efficiency and reduced stockouts in some cases, the initial investment and potential increased pricing from vendors could result in higher costs compared to strategies where buyers maintain more direct control over their inventory and purchasing.

In contrast, just-in-time (JIT) inventory management focuses on reducing inventory costs by ordering only what is needed and when it is needed, which can lead to lower holding costs. Traditional inventory practices may involve holding larger quantities of stock, which can incur additional costs but are typically well understood and predictable. Direct purchasing involves acquiring items straight from suppliers, which usually can streamline costs directly to the buyer without the intermediate