Purchase order question

[jonrussell]

I've just taken an order from a new customer (b2b) to make a delivery next week. The new customer asked me to use a purchase order number. What do I do with the purchase order number? Should I just put it on the delivery note and invoice?

 

[Decorum]

Yes, in a large organisation it helps them keep track of deliveries and payments

Tracy

 

[RAL]

And some company will not process or accept you invoice unless a puchase order number is quoted on invoice!

 

[primrose]

I would make sure the PO number is on both the invoice and the delivery note as some companies use that to update on their accounting systems.

 

[MickW]

I've just taken an order from a new customer (b2b) to make a delivery next week. The new customer asked me to use a purchase order number. What do I do with the purchase order number? Should I just put it on the delivery note and invoice?

Assuming you have already agreed a credit account for this customer, then the earlier advice is sound.

If, however, they don't have a credit account you should be careful. Remember the sale is not finished until you get paid. You could always send them a pro-forma invoice so that they can pay up front or ask for COD if it as an actual product that they have ordered.

It is not usual, in my experience, to expect a new supplier to automatically give credit without prior discussion.

 

[GRDCredit]

Assuming you have already agreed a credit account for this customer, then the earlier advice is sound.

If, however, they don't have a credit account you should be careful. Remember the sale is not finished until you get paid. You could always send them a pro-forma invoice so that they can pay up front or ask for COD if it as an actual product that they have ordered.

It is not usual, in my experience, to expect a new supplier to automatically give credit without prior discussion.

Fair points - do you normally offer credit terms? Having said that there is nothing in your post to suggest this is a sale on credit!

In addition if you deal regularly with this customer in future ensure you obtain a purchase order each time. Businesses that use order numbers love to refuse payment if you cannot produce one!

Finally, if you receive a written purchase order rather than just a verbal number check the terms and conditions are acceptable to you

 

[jonrussell]

Thanks for all the advice.

Yeah I've already agreed credit terms with the customer so it hopefully should all be ok.