"on-the-spot purchase" does it sound ok in your English-speaking people's ears?
I read it in a Chinese-English translation book, I think "on the spot purchase" is easily to understand, for instance: a business man decided to make a bulk purchase the moment he saw the goods at the internatinal fair, so, that's "on the spot of" the fair, meaning before the fair closed, the purchase is made.
is "on-the-spot purchase" really a good expression? although the book is published by a authority press house in language learning, I still reckon it is not real English, or it is the English with a Chinese falour??
Or, what is the proper expression to say it in real English?

Thank you!

Question

"on-the-spot purchase" does it sound ok in your English-speaking people's ears?
I read it in a Chinese-English translation book, I think "on the spot purchase" is easily to understand, for instance: a business man decided to make a bulk purchase the moment he saw the goods at the internatinal fair, so, that's "on the spot of" the fair, meaning before the fair closed, the purchase is made.
is  "on-the-spot purchase" really a good expression? although the book is published by a authority press house in language learning, I still reckon it is not real English, or it is the English with a Chinese falour??
Or, what is the proper expression to say it in real English?

Thank you!

Answer

I think if you say "on the spot purchase", it does not easily annoys one's (english-speaking) ear as it is so literal to understand -  it entails that something has been purchased instantly or on the spot right after it was put to dispaly or exhibit. 

here in our country though, "on the spot buying" or "instinct buying" is commonly expressed. 

:)

Answer

I agree with Beth, if you do something 'on the spot' you are doing it immediately, there and then, without hesitation.  More often you will see it phrased as "The man saw exactly what he wanted at the exhibition and made the purchase on the spot."  This is because the 'spot' is referring to the place, and it has become an idiomatic expression which extends its meaning of spot to also be 'immediate'., or a point in time.
Similar, but not the same, are words such as 'on impulse'(an impulse buy) or 'on the spur of the moment' (at once, a snap decision).

Answer

'On the spot purchase' is perfectly accetable english but it is casual english really. 'on the spot' in this context is more like saying spontaneous or without out delay. In proper less casual English we might say. He made an immediate descion to purchase the items. or He brought the items there and then without delay. the clue to the meaning of on the spot here is found in the words 'the moment he saw the goods'...'on the spot' yes can also refer to the exact place something happened or will happen.