Difference between purchase order and invoice
A purchase order (PO) is a document that is issued by a buyer to a seller for the purpose of indicating their intention to purchase certain products or services. An invoice is a document issued by a seller to a buyer summarising the products or services that they have purchased (or have agreed to purchase).
Whereas POs are sent before delivery or payment, invoices can be sent before or after the delivery of products or services, and typically include a payment due date. An invoice can also be sent after a PO has been agreed.
An invoice becomes a legally-binding document, detailing a debt owed by the buyer to the seller, once it has been agreed to.
The details contained on a PO and an invoice are similar. The invoice will usually reference a PO number (if there has been one) to assist with record keeping and avoid confusion. However, an invoice will usually not include the technical details of the order might be included on a PO.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February