POs and Order Numbers
Purchase Order (PO) – Like a Shopping List with Superpowers
Think of a PO (Purchase Order) like a shopping list that the store (buyer) uses when they want to buy something from the brand (seller). But instead of scribbling it on a piece of paper, they use an official, trackable list. The PO Number is like a tracking number for that shopping list – it helps the store keep track of everything they’ve ordered.
Here’s the magic: when the store gets their items from the brand, they may check the delivery against their PO (shopping list) to make sure everything’s there. And when the store gets the bill (the invoice), they compare it to the PO to make sure the numbers match before paying. So, the PO is like a checklist to ensure the store gets exactly what it asked for.
Here’s the magic: when the store gets their items from the brand, they may check the delivery against their PO (shopping list) to make sure everything’s there. And when the store gets the bill (the invoice), they compare it to the PO to make sure the numbers match before paying. So, the PO is like a checklist to ensure the store gets exactly what it asked for.
The PO Number is completely made up by the retailer. Even if the brand rejects an order, the store usually won’t change the PO Number when they send it again. They could update it if they really wanted to, but most of the time, they just stick with the original PO number.
Here’s the funny part: a retailer might use the same PO Number for different orders, even if those orders are coming from different stores. It’s kind of like using the same shopping list to buy stuff for two different homes. The PO helps the retailer stay organized, but it doesn’t mean the order is just for one store—it can cover several locations all at once.
✔️ Quick tip: BrandBlum doesn’t check or validate the PO Number at all. What you enter is what you get!
Order Number – The Seller’s Side of the Story
Now, on the flip side, the Order Number is the brand’s (seller’s) unique way of identifying each order. It’s like the confirmation number you get after ordering something online. The brand uses the Order Number to track the progress of the order – from packing to shipping – so they can make sure it gets to the store. Just like how you might track a package you ordered, the brand tracks this number to make sure everything goes smoothly during fulfillment and shipping.
And here’s an important note: BrandBlum has absolutely nothing to do with the Order Number, as it’s entirely generated by the brand. The store can use it to track their order with the brand, but BrandBlum doesn’t create or handle it any way.