How to Create a Purchase Order in Shopify

How to Create a Purchase Order in Shopify: Quick Answer

Shopify does not have a native purchase order feature. To create a PO for inventory restocking, use the Shopify Stocky app (Shopify's free inventory management app for Plus and select plans), a third-party PO app from the Shopify App Store, or an external tool like the free AuraVMS purchase order generator. The Stocky app creates POs and tracks inventory against them.

Option 1: Shopify Stocky App

Stocky is Shopify's own inventory and purchase order app, free for Shopify Plus merchants. To create a PO in Stocky:

• Install the Stocky app from the Shopify App Store.
• Go to Stocky > Purchase Orders > New Purchase Order.
• Select the supplier and add products with quantities and costs.
• Save and send the PO to the supplier.
• When goods arrive, receive them in Stocky to update Shopify inventory.

Stocky is the most integrated option for Shopify merchants - POs link directly to Shopify products and inventory.

Option 2: Third-Party Shopify PO Apps

For non-Plus merchants, third-party apps from the Shopify App Store provide purchase order functionality. Search the App Store for 'purchase order' to find apps that create POs, sync with inventory, and track supplier orders. Most charge a monthly fee and require setup.

Option 3: External PO Tool

If you only need to create a PO document (not sync it to Shopify inventory), an external tool is simpler. The free AuraVMS purchase order generator creates a print-ready PO PDF in under 2 minutes with no signup - no Shopify app needed. Use it for one-off supplier orders, samples, or purchases that don't need to live inside Shopify.

Purchase Order vs Dropshipping Order in Shopify

A purchase order is a formal commitment to buy inventory to stock yourself. A dropshipping order is fulfilled by the supplier directly to the customer without you holding stock. Shopify handles dropshipping natively; POs require Stocky or a third-party app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shopify have a built-in purchase order feature?

No. Shopify does not have a native purchase order feature in the core platform. Purchase orders require the Shopify Stocky app (free for Plus merchants), a third-party PO app from the Shopify App Store, or an external tool like the AuraVMS PO generator.

What is the Stocky app in Shopify?

Stocky is Shopify's free inventory and purchase order management app for Shopify Plus merchants. It lets you create purchase orders, receive goods against them, and sync stock levels with Shopify products. It's the most integrated way to manage POs for Shopify inventory restocking.

Can I create a purchase order in Shopify without the Stocky app?

Yes, with a third-party purchase order app from the Shopify App Store, or with an external tool like the free AuraVMS purchase order generator. External tools are ideal when you only need the PO document, not inventory sync.

How do I match a supplier invoice to a Shopify purchase order?

In Stocky, when goods arrive, receive them against the PO to update inventory. When the invoice arrives, match it to the PO (and receipt) for three-way matching before paying. For external POs, match the invoice to the PO number on the PDF you generated. See three-way matching.

Is there a free way to create purchase orders for Shopify suppliers?

Yes. The free AuraVMS purchase order generator creates a professional PO PDF in under 2 minutes with no signup - free for any Shopify merchant, no app install needed.