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What is a Sales Order?
A sales order is a document made by the seller. A sales order is prepared based on the customer's demands. The seller issues this sales order to the customer, confirming that the ordered products/services will be delivered to the address desired by the customer. The seller specifies the details like a product ordered by the customer and other information such as quantity, price, additional terms and conditions, delivery date, etc.
The Difference Between a Sales Order and Sales Invoice
A sales order is different from a sales invoice or seller's invoice. While both documents are related, they serve different purposes:
What is a Sales Order?
A sales order is created to process a customer's purchase request. It includes details like:
- Customer name and contact information
- Shipping address
- Order reference number and date
- Product details including name, SKU, quantity
- Pricing and payment terms
A sales order is mainly used internally to fulfill the customer's order. It is not used for accounting purposes.
What is a Sales Invoice?
A sales invoice or seller's invoice is issued when the order is fulfilled and shipped. It contains:
- Customer name and billing address
- Invoice number and date
- Products shipped, quantities, pricing
- Tax amounts
- Total amount due
The seller's invoice serves as an official bill for the customer. It is also used to record the transaction in the seller's accounting system.
Key Components of a Sales Order Form
A complete sales order form includes:
- Customer contact information
- Separate shipping address if applicable
- Order number and date
- SKUs and product descriptions
- Quantity ordered per SKU
- Pricing and payment details like deposits
- Terms and conditions
- Authorizing signatures
Using a sales order template can help streamline the order creation process. Customize the template to capture all needed customer and product data.
The Importance of Sales Orders for Business Operations
Sales orders facilitate organized order processing and fulfillment. By clearly documenting customer orders, sellers can:
- Accurately capture order details
- Smoothly manage fulfillment and shipping
- Prevent errors and delays
- Improve customer satisfaction
Well-designed sales orders set up both seller and buyer for success. They are an essential business process for efficient order management and post-sales customer service.
Recommended: What Are Flash Sales?
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a sales order and invoice?
A sales order processes the customer's purchase request while an invoice bills the customer after the order ships.
What details go on a sales order?
Details on a sales order include customer contact info, shipping address, order details, products ordered, pricing, quantities, and payment terms.
What details are included on a sales invoice?
A sales invoice contains the customer's name and billing address, invoice number, products shipped, quantities, pricing, tax, and total amount due.
What are some key components of a sales order form?
Key components include customer info, shipping address, order number, product SKUs/descriptions, quantities, pricing, payment terms, T&Cs, and authorizing signatures.
How can using sales order templates help businesses?
Templates allow businesses to quickly create sales orders that consistently capture all required customer and product details.
How do clear sales orders benefit businesses?
Detailed sales orders help businesses accurately capture purchases, smoothly process fulfillment, prevent errors, and improve customer satisfaction.
Where can I get help creating sales orders and invoices?
Contact the order processing experts at Simpl Fulfillment if you need assistance creating organized sales orders and invoices.
