Getting Started - How to Start a Home-based Computer Repair Business - page 91

It's a great idea to personally sign the quote and leave space for your customer to sign the
quote as well—as an acceptance. Quotes work especially well for businesses, and present-
ing firm pricing to the decision-making individual you're dealing with leaves a great im-
pression.
Creating Purchase Orders
A purchase order is necessary for just about any company that sells products or needs to
order parts and materials. The purchase order tells a vendor exactly what you need and the
date you need the product in hand.
Depending on which software package you choose, you may have the capability to create
purchase orders easily and seamlessly from within your program. You may also find that
vendors prefer you to order directly off their own order form, or purchase form, so this may
mean you'll need to keep your vendors organized well.
In all cases the purchase order (or P.O.) should have your business name, address, telephone
number, e-mail address, and any other identifying information that will help your vendor
identify you. Provide a shipping address if it's different from your billing address as well.
Most vendors will require a unique purchase-order number that should also be listed at the
top of the page.
The vendor's contact information should be present as well, including the vendor's busi-
ness name, address, and telephone number. This will help you keep track of where you are
making purchases and how much you are paying.
Next, list the products that you'd like to purchase along with the price that you've agreed to
pay the vendor for said line items. Once this is completed, some vendors will require a sig-
nature by a company representative and then submission of the purchase order via e-mail
or fax.
Sample Purchase Order