Sourcing glossary
Purchase order
Also known as: PO, 采购订单, 발주서
The buyer's formal written order to a supplier stating products, specifications, quantities, prices, Incoterm, payment terms and delivery date, which becomes binding once the supplier accepts it.
When buying from China, the PO is your best record of what was agreed. Include the specification or a reference to the approved golden sample, packaging and labelling requirements, the inspection standard (for example AQL levels), the ship date and what happens if goods fail inspection or ship late.
Many Chinese suppliers work from their own proforma invoice instead. That is fine, but check that the PI matches your PO line by line and have the supplier sign or stamp the PO. See how to pay Chinese suppliers.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Trade terms
EXW vs FOB vs DDP: Which Incoterm to Use When Buying from China
EXW, FOB and DDP compared for China imports: who pays each cost, where risk transfers, and which term suits first-time buyers vs experienced importers.
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Fairs
How to Plan a China Sourcing Trip: Cities, Itinerary, Visas
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QC
AQL Explained: How Pre-Shipment Inspection Sampling Works
What AQL means in product inspection, how sample sizes are chosen, and which AQL levels importers typically set for critical, major and minor defects.
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E-commerce
China Dropshipping Agent vs AliExpress: Which to Use and When
AliExpress dropshipping vs a China fulfillment agent compared on product cost, delivery time, branding, quality control and stock, plus clear signs it's time to switch.
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Private label
Custom Packaging from China: Options, Printing, MOQs and Labels
How to order custom packaging from China: poly bags, colour boxes, mailers and inserts, printing methods, MOQs, dielines, barcodes and origin marking.
Updated 2026-09-24 · 5 min read
Platforms
Alibaba Trade Assurance: What It Covers and How to Claim
What Alibaba.com Trade Assurance covers and excludes, which payments qualify, refund windows, delivery-delay compensation and how to file a claim.
Updated 2026-09-23 · 5 min read
Part of Incoterms & Payment.