Professional Procurement Management

Free Purchase Order Generator

Create professional purchase orders for supplier procurement, inventory management, and budget control. Streamline purchasing with instant PO generation and tracking. Free preview includes sending purchase orders. No credit card required.

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Purchase Orders Explained

What is a Purchase Order?

A purchase order (PO) is a legally binding document issued by a buyer to a supplier, authorizing a purchase transaction. It specifies the types, quantities, and agreed prices for products or services. Once accepted by the supplier, it becomes a contract between both parties.

Legal Protection

Creates binding agreement protecting both buyer and supplier with clear terms.

Budget Control

Enables spending authorization and tracking before committing to purchases.

Audit Trail

Maintains complete record of all purchase transactions for compliance and auditing.

Invoice Matching

Facilitates three-way matching between PO, goods receipt, and supplier invoice.

PURCHASE ORDER #PO-2025-3942
FROM (BUYER)
TechCorp Solutions Ltd
London, UK
TO (SUPPLIER)
Global Parts Supplies
Manchester, UK
PO Date: 15 January 2025
Required By: 22 January 2025
Payment Terms: Net 30
ORDER ITEMS
Server Components × 5 £4,500.00
Network Cables × 50 £250.00
Subtotal £4,750.00
VAT (20%) £950.00
Total £5,700.00

Authorized by: Sarah Johnson, Procurement Manager

Why Use Purchase Orders?

Key benefits of implementing a purchase order system in your business

Financial Control

Pre-authorize spending and prevent unauthorized purchases

  • Budget tracking
  • Spending limits
  • Cost forecasting

Legal Protection

Binding contract protecting both parties in disputes

  • Written agreement
  • Clear terms & conditions
  • Dispute resolution

Inventory Control

Track stock levels and manage reordering efficiently

  • Stock forecasting
  • Reorder automation
  • Delivery scheduling

Audit Trail

Complete documentation for audits and compliance

  • Complete records
  • Compliance tracking
  • SOX compliance

Supplier Management

Build better relationships with clear communication

  • Clear expectations
  • Performance tracking
  • Volume discounts

Efficiency Gains

Streamline procurement and reduce processing time

  • Automated workflows
  • Faster approvals
  • Reduced errors

Professional Purchase Order Features

Everything you need for efficient procurement management

Auto Numbering

Sequential PO numbers with custom prefixes for organization and tracking.

Supplier Database

Manage supplier details, contacts, and payment terms in one place.

Approval Workflow

Multi-level authorization process with spending limits and notifications.

Item Catalog

Product database with descriptions, SKUs, and standard pricing.

Budget Tracking

Monitor spending against budgets with real-time reporting.

Three-Way Matching

Match PO, goods receipt, and invoice for payment authorization.

PDF Generation

Professional PDF purchase orders with custom branding and logo.

Email Delivery

Send POs directly to suppliers via email with delivery confirmation.

Status Tracking

Track PO status from creation through delivery and invoicing.

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Purchase Order FAQs

Is a purchase order legally binding? ⌄

Yes, a purchase order becomes a legally binding contract once the supplier accepts it. It specifies the exact terms of the transaction including products, quantities, prices, delivery dates, and payment terms, protecting both parties in case of disputes.

What's the difference between a PO and an invoice? ⌄

A purchase order is created by the buyer to order goods/services from a supplier. An invoice is created by the supplier requesting payment for goods/services delivered. The PO initiates the transaction, while the invoice closes it by requesting payment.

Who creates a purchase order? ⌄

The buyer (purchasing company) creates the purchase order. Typically, a procurement department, purchasing manager, or authorized employee generates the PO after obtaining necessary approvals. It's then sent to the supplier to fulfill the order.

What information must be on a purchase order? ⌄

Essential information includes: unique PO number, buyer and supplier details, order date, required delivery date, detailed item descriptions with quantities and unit prices, subtotal and total amounts, delivery address, payment terms, and authorized signature. Additional terms and conditions may be included.

What is three-way matching in procurement? ⌄

Three-way matching is the process of verifying that the purchase order, goods receipt, and supplier invoice all match before authorizing payment. This control ensures you only pay for goods actually ordered and received at the agreed price, preventing fraud and errors.

Can a purchase order be cancelled or changed? ⌄

Yes, but only with supplier agreement. Before acceptance, you can cancel or modify freely. After acceptance, you need supplier consent as it's a binding contract. Issue a PO amendment or change order documenting agreed modifications. Keep all versions for audit purposes.

Do small businesses need purchase orders? ⌄

While not legally required, purchase orders are highly recommended even for small businesses. They provide financial control, prevent unauthorized spending, create audit trails, clarify terms with suppliers, and protect you legally. They're especially important as your business grows.

How long should purchase orders be kept? ⌄

Keep purchase orders for at least 6-7 years for tax and audit purposes. In the UK, HMRC requires business records for 6 years. Some industries have longer retention requirements. Store digitally for easy access and to save space. Check your local regulations for specific requirements.