Final answer:
A purchase order is a formal document that authorizes a vendor to supply goods or services and establishes clear expectations between the buyer and the seller. It also serves as a tool for internal control and accurate record-keeping.
Step-by-step explanation:
A purchase order is a document that serves as a formal request to a vendor to supply certain goods or services. It is a legally binding contract between the buyer and the seller, specifying the details of the purchase such as the quantity, price, delivery date, and terms of payment.
The purpose of a purchase order is to streamline the purchasing process, ensure accurate record-keeping, and establish clear expectations between the buyer and the seller. It also serves as a tool for internal control by providing a documented trail of the purchases made by the company.
The correct statements regarding the purpose of a purchase order are:
- A purchase order authorizes a vendor to ship ordered merchandise at a stated price and terms.
- A purchase order is a document the purchasing department uses to place an order with a vendor.
- Multiple copies of the purchase order are distributed to other departments to increase internal control of company purchases.