The practices adopted by public bodies for the management of micro-purchases (less than 5,000 euros) involve "hidden" costs that substantially increase the public expenditure incurred for such purchases, up to 22 percent. This is what emerges from the Nomisma study - commissioned by Amazon Business - carried out with the aim of understanding the operating methods and practices of the system of purchasing goods below the threshold of Community importance by Public Administration entities, with particular attention to goods of less than 5,000 euros. Without prejudice to the possibility of always resorting to ordinary procedures, contracting authorities may proceed with the award of works, services and supplies for an amount below the thresholds, through direct awards and negotiated procedures. The award procedure varies depending on the amount of the contract. The interviews conducted have highlighted how the purchasing procedures for micro-purchases of municipal entities involve costs that substantially increase the public expenditure incurred. On a national average, in the case of purchases of less than 5,000 euros, the costs of the procedures increase public expenditure by 22% compared to the value of the asset purchased; In the case of purchases of less than 500 euros, this percentage rises to as much as 60%. This means that current purchasing practices mean, according to Nomisma, that for a good with a market value of 50 euros, the Municipality spends a total of 80 euros.