What is the primary purpose of a purchase order?

• A. To authorize the purchase
• B. To indicate delivery date
• C. To request quotes from vendors
• D. To record payment terms

Answer: (A)

The primary purpose of a purchase order is to authorize the purchase. It is the formal instruction from the buyer to the supplier that initiates the procurement, specifying what is being purchased, in what quantity, at what price, and under which terms. This creates a binding agreement and gives both sides a clear record to follow, helping with budgeting, internal controls, and later matching against invoices and receipts.

Delivery date and payment terms are important details that may be included, but they are parts of the overall terms rather than the main function of the document. Requests for quotes are typically handled earlier in the process (before a PO is issued), not by the PO itself.