Who issues a purchase order, the buyer or the seller?

The buyer. It is an instruction to supply, and it usually comes before any invoice. The supplier then quotes the PO number on their invoice so accounts payable can match the two.

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

A purchase order commits the buyer to buy; an invoice requests payment for what was supplied. Same lines, opposite directions, and most finance teams will not pay an invoice that does not carry the matching PO number.

Do I need a PO number on my invoices?

If your client works with purchase orders, yes — an invoice without one often sits unpaid until somebody chases it. There is a PO number field on every invoice here for exactly that.

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Order something, in writing. No sign up, no account, and nothing you type leaves this browser.

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Your name or business name

Phone

Address

Tax ID

Bill to

Client name

Client email

Client phone

Client address

Tax ID

Invoice details

Number

Issued

Terms

Due

PO number

Line items

How to pay you

Payment details

Notes

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Late payment terms

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About this document

A purchase order runs the other way from an invoice: the buyer issues it to the seller, setting out what is being ordered, at what price, delivered where and when. The seller's invoice then quotes the PO number, and the two are matched before payment.

This is the one document here where you are the customer. Fill your own details in as the issuer and the supplier as the recipient, and put the delivery address in the shipping section if the goods go somewhere other than your billing address.

What goes on a purchase order

The words "Purchase order" and a unique PO number
The date it was raised
Your organisation as the buyer, the supplier as the recipient
A delivery address, where it differs from the billing one
Each item, with quantity, unit and agreed price
The delivery date you expect
Payment terms already agreed with the supplier

This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and by the kind of work you do — check with your own accountant or tax authority if anything is unclear.

Questions

Who issues a purchase order, the buyer or the seller?: The buyer. It is an instruction to supply, and it usually comes before any invoice. The supplier then quotes the PO number on their invoice so accounts payable can match the two.
What is the difference between a purchase order and an invoice?: A purchase order commits the buyer to buy; an invoice requests payment for what was supplied. Same lines, opposite directions, and most finance teams will not pay an invoice that does not carry the matching PO number.
Do I need a PO number on my invoices?: If your client works with purchase orders, yes — an invoice without one often sits unpaid until somebody chases it. There is a PO number field on every invoice here for exactly that.