Purchase Orders (PO): What They Are and Why They Matter

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1. What is a Purchase Order?

A purchase order (PO) is a formal document issued by a buyer to a seller, outlining the specifics of a purchase. It typically includes details like product or service descriptions, quantities, pricing, and agreed delivery terms. In SaaS, a PO serves as a commitment from the customer to purchase software licenses or services for a given period—often annually.

2. Why It’s Important in SaaS

Do all SaaS customers use POs?

Not all, but many larger organizations and enterprise customers require a PO for procurement. It helps their finance team track expenses and approvals while providing a paper trail for audits.

How does it benefit the vendor?

From the SaaS provider’s perspective, a PO offers assurance that budget has been allocated and approved. It helps secure the deal, enables smooth invoicing, and reduces payment delays.

What’s included in a typical PO?

  • PO number (for internal tracking)
  • Customer billing and shipping information
  • Description of the software or services being purchased
  • Term length (e.g., 12 months)
  • Unit price and total amount
  • Payment terms (e.g., Net 30)
  • Authorized signatures

Does Customerscore.io accept purchase orders?

Yes. For clients who prefer to manage procurement through POs, we can issue matching invoices and align with your internal workflows. This is especially helpful for larger B2B SaaS companies or those with procurement policies.

FAQ

Is a purchase order legally binding?

A PO becomes a binding agreement when accepted by the vendor, though it may be paired with a contract or Master Service Agreement (MSA).

Can a SaaS subscription renew with the same PO?

No, each new billing cycle typically requires a new PO unless otherwise stated in the agreement.

What’s the difference between an invoice and a PO?

A PO is a buyer-issued request to purchase; an invoice is the seller’s request for payment after the order is accepted or fulfilled.