Free Purchase Order Template

Create a Clear Order for Your Vendor

Choose the vendor, list what you need, and add the delivery details. Docelf calculates the total and keeps the purchase order with your other documents.

You can:

• Add what you need and the quantity
• Add the price. Docelf handles discounts, sales tax, and totals
• Add the delivery details and terms
• See when your vendor opens the purchase order

What Is a Purchase Order?

A purchase order, often called a PO, is the document you send when you are ready to order from a vendor. It shows what you need and the agreed price. It also tells the vendor where and when to deliver.

What Should a Purchase Order Include?

A clear purchase order normally includes:

• Your business details
• The vendor's details
• A unique PO number and the order date
• What you are ordering
• The quantity and price for each item
• Discounts and sales tax when they apply
• The delivery date and location
• Payment terms and notes when needed

When Should You Use a Purchase Order?

Use a purchase order when you want the details in writing before the vendor ships the products or starts the work. It is useful for larger purchases, repeat orders, or purchases that need approval. It also helps when delivery instructions matter.

Not every small purchase needs a PO. Use one when a clear record will prevent questions or help with approval. It can also make the vendor's invoice easier to check.

Ready to Send the Order?

Add the vendor and what you need. Add the delivery details. Docelf calculates the total. Then email or download the purchase order.

Create Free Purchase Order

Purchase Order or Invoice?

Not sure which document comes next? Start with who is buying and who needs to pay.

Your business sends the purchase order before the vendor delivers the products or starts the work. The vendor later sends an invoice for payment. Use the PO number to match the two documents before you pay.

How to Create a Purchase Order

Not sure what goes where? Follow the steps below.

A good purchase order tells the vendor what you need, what it will cost, and where to deliver it. Keep the order easy to follow.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Add Your Business: Enter the business details the vendor should use.
2. Add the PO Number and Date: Add a unique PO number and the order date.
3. Add the Vendor: Choose a saved vendor or enter the vendor's details.
4. Set the Delivery Details: Add the delivery date and location. Include special instructions if needed.
5. List What You Are Ordering: List each product or service you need.
6. Add Quantities and Prices: Add the quantity and price. Include any discount or sales tax. Docelf updates the total.
7. Add the Terms and Send: Add the payment terms and any notes. Check the order, then email it, print it, or download the PDF.

Before you send: Check the vendor and PO number. Review the order and total. Make sure the delivery details and terms are clear.

Purchase Order Templates by File Format

Already work in Word, Excel, Google Docs, or Google Sheets? Start with the format you know.

• Word Purchase Order Template
• Google Docs Purchase Order Template
• Excel Purchase Order Template
• Google Sheets Purchase Order Template
• Other Purchase Order Formats

Rather create it online? Create the purchase order with Docelf.

Purchase Order Templates and Tools

Choose the template or tool closest to how you buy. Then adjust it for this vendor and order.

• Purchase Order Types
• Construction Purchase Order Template
• Contractor Purchase Order Template
• Product Purchase Order Template
• Service Purchase Order Template
• Blanket Purchase Order Template
• Purchase Order Management System
• Small Business Purchase Order Template
• Purchase Order Software

Popular Purchase Order Templates

Choose a common layout, then add the details for this vendor and order.

Blank Purchase Order Template

Start with a clean order and add only the details you need.

View Blank Purchase Order Template

PDF Purchase Order Template

Create a purchase order you can download, print, or attach to an email.

View PDF Purchase Order Template

Construction Purchase Order Template

Order materials or services and keep the job details with the order.

View Construction PO Template

Online Purchase Order Template

Create and send the order online. See when the vendor opens it and keep it easy to find.

View Online Purchase Order Template

Purchase Order FAQs

• What is a purchase order?

  A purchase order is a document you send to a vendor to place an order. It shows what you need, the price, and the delivery details.

• What is a purchase order template?

  A purchase order template gives you a ready-made place for the order details. Add your business and vendor details. Then add the PO number, items, delivery details, and terms.

  Fill in the details for each order instead of starting with a blank document every time.

• How do I create a purchase order?

  Add your business and vendor details. Give the order a PO number and date. Then list what you need and the price.

  Add the delivery details and payment terms. Check the total, then email, print, or download the purchase order.

• What should a purchase order include?

  Include your business and vendor details. Add the PO number and order date. List what you need and show the total.

  Add the delivery details and payment terms. Include a note or approval details when needed.

• When should I use a purchase order?

  Use a purchase order when you want a clear record before the vendor ships the products or starts the work. It is useful for larger purchases or repeat orders. Use one when the order needs approval or clear delivery instructions.

• Do I need a purchase order for every order?

  Not always. Many small businesses use them for larger or repeat purchases. They also help when an order needs approval or the details must be clear before the vendor ships the products or starts the work.

• What is a PO number?

  A PO number is a unique reference number for a purchase order. You and the vendor can use it to discuss the order, track the paperwork, and match the purchase order with the vendor's invoice.

• What is the difference between a purchase order and an invoice?

  A purchase order starts the purchase. The buyer sends it to the vendor before the products are delivered or the work begins. An invoice asks for payment. The seller sends it after the sale, delivery, work, or billing period.

• Can I use a purchase order for services?

  Yes. A purchase order can cover services as well as products. Describe the work and agreed price. Add the dates, location, and terms the vendor needs.

• Can I download a purchase order as a PDF?

  Yes. Finish the purchase order, then download the PDF, print it, or attach it to an email. You can also email the purchase order directly from Docelf.

• Can I email a purchase order to a vendor?

  Yes. You can email a purchase order from Docelf and see when your vendor opens it. You can also download the purchase order as a PDF or print it.

• Can I create a purchase order on my phone?

  Yes. Docelf works on phones, tablets, and computers. Create or check a purchase order at the job site or in the office.

• Which currencies can I use on a purchase order?

  Docelf supports US dollars, euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, and Australian dollars.

• What is included in the 14-day free trial?

  You can try every Docelf feature and create unlimited documents for 14 days. No credit card is required. The trial does not become a paid subscription unless you choose to upgrade. If you do not upgrade, your access ends when the trial expires.

• Who needs a purchase order template?

  A purchase order template is useful for any small business that buys from vendors. Contractors, office managers, and project managers often use one.

• What are the benefits of using an online purchase order template?

  An online purchase order template helps you finish orders faster. Docelf calculates the total, remembers vendor and item details, and keeps your orders together.

  Email the purchase order from Docelf or download a PDF to print. You can also see when your vendor opens it.

Ready to Place the Order?

The paperwork is the boring part. Make it the quick part.

• Create and send your purchase order in minutes
• Let Docelf calculate the total
• Reuse saved vendor and item details
• See when your vendor opens the purchase order

Create Free Purchase Order