Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Purchase Order
I need a purchase order template for procuring office supplies, including detailed descriptions of items, quantities, unit prices, and total costs. The document should also include delivery terms, payment terms, and a section for supplier acknowledgment and acceptance.
What is a Purchase Order?
A Purchase Order is a formal document that buyers use to request specific goods or services from suppliers. It spells out exactly what you want to buy, how much it costs, when you need it, and where it should be delivered - creating a clear, legally binding agreement under Swiss commercial law (Code des obligations).
Swiss businesses rely on Purchase Orders to track spending, maintain audit trails, and protect both parties in case of disputes. They're especially important for larger transactions since they help prevent misunderstandings about payment terms, delivery conditions, and product specifications. Once a supplier accepts a Purchase Order, it becomes a valid contract that both sides must honor.
When should you use a Purchase Order?
Use Purchase Orders for any business purchase above 1,000 CHF or when dealing with new suppliers in Switzerland. They're especially valuable when ordering custom items, placing recurring orders, or buying equipment that needs specific delivery terms. For regulated industries like pharmaceuticals or financial services, Purchase Orders help maintain the detailed documentation that Swiss auditors require.
These formal requests protect your company by clearly defining prices, quantities, and delivery terms before money changes hands. They're particularly important when ordering from multiple suppliers, managing complex projects, or dealing with time-sensitive deliveries. Having a proper Purchase Order system helps track spending, prevent duplicate orders, and provide legal protection if disputes arise.
What are the different types of Purchase Order?
- Purchase Request Form: Initial internal document used to start the purchasing process, typically requiring basic details about needed items and department approval
- Purchase Requisition Form: Detailed internal form specifying exact requirements, budget codes, and justification for procurement teams
- Purchase Order Request Form: Final pre-purchase document that combines approved requisition details with supplier-specific information and terms
Who should typically use a Purchase Order?
- Procurement Teams: Create and manage Purchase Orders, ensure compliance with internal policies, and maintain supplier relationships
- Department Managers: Review and approve Purchase Orders within their budget authority and department needs
- Finance Officers: Track spending, match invoices to Purchase Orders, and ensure payment terms align with Swiss accounting standards
- Suppliers: Review, accept, and fulfill Purchase Orders according to specified terms and conditions
- Legal Department: Set guidelines for Purchase Order terms and help resolve any contractual disputes under Swiss commercial law
How do you write a Purchase Order?
- Supplier Details: Gather complete business name, address, tax ID, and contact information for the vendor
- Product Specifications: List exact quantities, item descriptions, unit prices, and any technical requirements
- Delivery Terms: Specify delivery date, location, shipping method, and any special handling needs
- Payment Information: Define payment terms, currency (CHF), VAT details, and any early payment discounts
- Internal Approvals: Confirm budget authorization and get necessary department signatures
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally compliant Swiss Purchase Order that includes all required elements
What should be included in a Purchase Order?
- Purchase Order Number: Unique identifier and issue date for tracking and reference
- Party Information: Complete legal names, addresses, and tax identification numbers of buyer and supplier
- Order Details: Precise description, quantities, unit prices, and total amount in CHF
- Delivery Terms: Specific timeline, location, and conditions for delivery under Swiss law
- Payment Terms: Clear payment schedule, method, and currency details compliant with Swiss regulations
- Legal Framework: Reference to Swiss Code of Obligations and applicable commercial terms
- Authorized Signatures: Designated spaces for both parties' authorized representatives
What's the difference between a Purchase Order and a Purchase Agreement?
A Purchase Order differs significantly from a Purchase Agreement in several key ways under Swiss law. While both documents facilitate commercial transactions, they serve distinct purposes and come into play at different stages of the buying process.
- Legal Nature: Purchase Orders are offer documents sent by buyers to sellers, becoming binding only upon acceptance. Purchase Agreements are comprehensive contracts already negotiated and agreed upon by both parties
- Timing and Duration: Purchase Orders typically cover single transactions or deliveries, while Purchase Agreements establish longer-term relationships and ongoing terms
- Detail Level: Purchase Orders focus on specific quantities, prices, and delivery details. Purchase Agreements cover broader terms like warranties, dispute resolution, and termination rights
- Flexibility: Purchase Orders can be modified or canceled before acceptance, while Purchase Agreements require formal amendments agreed by both parties
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.