Free Simple Purchase Order Template

Simple Purchase Order Examples

These previews show the purchase order layout. Each opens the same editor, where you can add the details for your order.

• 

  Simple Purchase Order Template

  Create Simple Purchase Order
• 

  Simple Purchase Order Example

  Create Simple Purchase Order
• 

  Printable Simple Purchase Order

  Create Simple Purchase Order

Keep the Order Clear and the Paperwork Short

A simple purchase order gives the vendor enough detail to fill an everyday order. You do not need a long description when a product name, size, and quantity identify exactly what you want.

Include the details that affect the purchase, even on a small order. A box of paper and a ream of paper are different quantities. A separate ship-to address matters when the delivery is going somewhere other than your business address.

Docelf calculates the total from your line items, taxes, and any discounts. If the vendor charges for shipping, add it as an ordinary item so it is included in the subtotal.

How to Create a Simple Purchase Order

Start with the vendor and the items you need. Before sending, check the quantities, prices, delivery address, and requested date against what you agreed with the vendor.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1. Add Your Business: Enter your business name, address, and contact details.
2. Add Your Logo: Add your business logo if you use one.
3. Add the Vendor: Enter the vendor's company, address, and contact details.
4. Number and Date: Add a unique PO number and the order date.
5. Describe the Purchase: List each product or service with quantities and unit prices. Add a shipping charge as an item.
6. Check the Total: Check tax, any agreed discount, and the total.
7. Notes and Send: Add the delivery address. Put the requested date, delivery instructions, and agreed payment terms in Notes. Review the order, then email it or download a PDF.

How to Fill In Simple Purchase Order Line Items

Name the product and its unit of sale in each description. A part number, size, or pack quantity helps when the vendor sells several similar items.

This fictional office-supply order uses US dollars. It shows three items and an illustrative 8% tax on the full subtotal. Use the prices and tax treatment that apply to your order.

What to Include in Simple Purchase Order Notes

Use Notes for short directions that do not belong in an item description. Tell the vendor about the delivery window, who to contact, and which PO number to put on the invoice.

The sample below belongs to the office-supply order. Adapt it to your arrangements; include payment terms or other conditions only when you actually use them.

What a Simple Purchase Order Should Include

A short order still needs a clear buyer, vendor, purchase, and destination. Use these checks before sending.

When a Simple Purchase Order Works Best

Choose a simple PO when the purchase is easy to describe and the vendor does not need a long list of conditions before acting.

• You are placing a one-time order with a short list of products or services
• The vendor already understands the product, service, or usual delivery process
• You only need basic prices, quantities, dates, terms, and notes
• You can describe what to buy and when it is needed without a separate schedule

Use the more specific guides when the purchase needs more explanation. The product purchase order guide covers item and shipping detail. The service purchase order guide helps describe scope, dates, and deliverables. For repeat purchases under agreed limits, read about blanket purchase orders.

Simple, Blank, Form, or Professional?

These guides approach the same order from different starting points. Choose blank for a field-by-field starting point, form for completion guidance, editable for changes, or professional for presentation. They open the same Docelf purchase order editor.

• Blank Purchase Order Template
• Purchase Order Form
• Editable Purchase Order Template
• Professional Purchase Order Template

Keep the Order Easy to Recognize and Check

Add your business name and logo, then choose fonts and colors that match your other documents. Keep descriptions readable and ask the vendor to put the PO number on the invoice.

After sending, you can see delivery and opening information for the emailed document in its history. Check the goods or completed services against the order, then use the PO number to match the vendor's invoice. Opening the emailed PO does not confirm that the vendor has filled it.

For a similar purchase next time, reuse saved vendor and item details. You can also duplicate an earlier purchase order as a new draft with a new number. Check the quantities, prices, dates, and Notes before sending the new order.

More Purchase Order Templates

Return to the main purchase order guide, compare layouts, or start with a template built around products or services.

• Free Purchase Order Template
• Purchase Order Templates by Format
• Product Purchase Order Template
• Service Purchase Order Template

Simple Purchase Order Template FAQs

• What is a simple purchase order template?

  A simple purchase order records an everyday order in a clear layout. It identifies the buyer and vendor, the PO number and date, what you are buying, the price, and where it should go. Add only the extra detail the vendor needs to fill that order.

• Is a simple purchase order the same as a basic purchase order?

  Usually, yes. Both terms describe a purchase order that focuses on the essential order details and avoids fields meant for complex purchasing arrangements.

• What should a simple purchase order include?

  Include the buyer and vendor, PO number and date, item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, applicable tax, total, and delivery details. Use Notes for agreed payment terms and short instructions. Add any separately charged shipping as an item.

• What is the difference between a simple and blank purchase order?

  Simple describes the level of detail in the order; blank describes the starting point before you enter it. On Docelf, both pages open the same purchase order editor. You can keep a blank order simple by including only the details the purchase needs.

• Can I use a simple purchase order for products and services?

  Yes. Use it for uncomplicated product or service purchases. List products with quantities, unit prices, and delivery details. For services, add a clear description, rate or agreed price, dates, location, and expected result.

• Can I email, print, or download the purchase order?

  Yes. After you finish the purchase order, you can email it to your vendor from Docelf and see when it is opened. You can also print it or download the finished document as a PDF.

• Can I customize a simple purchase order template?

  Yes. Add your logo, fonts, and brand colors. You can also change the vendor, line items, prices, delivery details, payment terms, and notes for each order.

Keep Your Next Order Simple

Give the vendor a complete order without turning it into a long form.

• List the items with clear quantities and prices
• Let Docelf calculate the order total
• Review the delivery details, then email the order

Create Free Purchase Order