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Purchase OrderTemplate

A purchase order (PO) is a formal document issued by a buyer to a seller, authorizing and detailing a purchase of goods or services for international trade.

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PURCHASE ORDER

Purchase Order Number
PO-2025-0042
Date
10 Jan 2025
Buyer Reference
REQ-2025-015
Delivery Date
15 Mar 2025
From
Global Trading Co.
45 Queen Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
To
ABC Exports Inc.
1250 Commerce Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90017 United States
Incoterms 2020
CIF Sydney
Terms of Payment
T/T 30% advance, 70% against B/L copy
PRODUCT CODEDESCRIPTIONQTYUNITPRICEAMOUNT
SS-CW-12Stainless Steel Cookware Set (12pc)200SET45.009000.00
NS-FP-28Non-stick Frying Pan 28cm500PCS12.506250.00
KU-SET-5Kitchen Utensil Set (5pc)400SET8.003200.00
Subtotal1100USD 18,450.00
Volume Discount (10%)-USD 1,825.00
TOTALUSD 16,625.00
Shipping Details
Method: Sea Freight
Type: FCL
Loading: Los Angeles, USA
Discharge: Sydney, Australia
Additional Info
Quality inspection required before shipment Packing: Export standard cartons
Signatory Company
Global Trading Co.
Name of Authorized Signatory
James Wilson
Signature
Sample document with realistic data

What is a Purchase Order used for?

A purchase order is a legally binding document that initiates a commercial transaction between a buyer and seller. In international trade, it serves as the official authorization for a supplier to ship goods and is a key document in the procurement process. A well-structured PO helps prevent disputes and ensures both parties have clear expectations.

The purchase order outlines exactly what the buyer wants to purchase, including product specifications, quantities, agreed prices, delivery terms, and payment conditions. It becomes a binding contract when accepted by the seller, forming the basis for subsequent trade documents like invoices and shipping documents.

For importers and buyers, maintaining proper purchase orders is essential for inventory management, budget control, and audit compliance. The PO number is referenced throughout the transaction lifecycle, appearing on invoices, packing lists, and customs documents to link all related paperwork.

Authorizing suppliers to ship goods
Specifying exact quantities and prices agreed upon
Establishing delivery dates and shipping terms
Creating a legal record of the purchase agreement
Reference for matching invoices to orders
Tracking procurement and inventory management
Supporting audit trails and financial records

How to create a Purchase Order

1

Enter buyer and seller details

Add your company information (buyer/From) and the supplier details (seller/To) including complete addresses and contact information.

2

Add product information

List all products you want to order with descriptions, product codes, quantities, units of measurement, and agreed unit prices.

3

Specify trade terms

Select the appropriate Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.) and define payment terms including any deposits or payment milestones.

4

Set shipping and delivery details

Specify the required delivery date, method of shipment, and ports of loading and discharge.

5

Review and authorize

Review all details, add any special terms or conditions, and sign to authorize the purchase order.

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Your questions, answered.

A purchase order is issued by the buyer BEFORE goods are shipped, authorizing the purchase. An invoice is issued by the seller AFTER goods are shipped, requesting payment. The PO comes first and the invoice references it.
A purchase order becomes a legally binding contract when accepted by the seller. The acceptance can be explicit (signed acknowledgment) or implied (by shipping the goods). Until accepted, it is an offer to buy.
Essential elements include: PO number, date, buyer and seller details, product descriptions with quantities and prices, total amount, delivery date, shipping terms (Incoterms), payment terms, and authorized signature.
The PO number is a unique identifier that links all related documents throughout the transaction. It appears on invoices, packing lists, shipping documents, and payments, making it easy to track and reconcile orders.
Yes, you can issue a revised PO or a change order before the seller ships. After acceptance, any changes require mutual agreement. Always clearly mark revisions and reference the original PO number.
Common import terms include FOB (seller delivers to port), CIF (seller pays freight and insurance), or DDP (seller delivers to your door). Choose based on who handles shipping and customs responsibilities.
Yes, always include payment terms such as advance payment percentage, payment on shipment, or net payment days. Clear terms prevent disputes and help both parties plan cash flow.
A blanket PO authorizes multiple deliveries over a period (e.g., quarterly shipments for a year) at pre-agreed prices. It simplifies repeat orders and often secures volume discounts.
A quotation is issued by the seller offering to sell at certain terms. A purchase order is issued by the buyer agreeing to buy. The PO typically references the quotation number to show which offer is being accepted.
Yes, an authorized signature makes the PO official and binding. For companies, ensure the signatory has purchasing authority. Some organizations require dual signatures above certain amounts.
Yes, you can create purchase orders for free on ovrseas. Our platform helps you generate professional POs and manage your international procurement documents in one place.
Use a consistent PO numbering system (e.g., PO-2025-001) and maintain a log of all issued POs. Track status from issued → acknowledged → shipped → received → paid to manage your procurement effectively.

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