35+ Sample Order Forms

What is an Order Form?

An order form is a simple business document that contains a clear record of one or more business transactions between a buyer and a seller. Also known as a business order form, inventory order form, online order form, sales order form, or service order form, it is a useful blank, editable, and printable document template form sellers prepare and use to include essential details of the order. This form is created before the payment is made. 

It lists downs the basic information of the customer and the order accurately. The most basic components of a business purchase order form are the full names of the buyer and seller, the number of the purchase order, the description of the item(s), the number of items requested, unit price(s), shipping method, recipient address, payment details, signatures of buyers and sellers, and the order date. An order form is important when ordering specific products or services from a seller, specifying how many of each item is/are requested, presenting payment terms, utilizing it as a legally binding contract upon acceptance from the seller, and documenting purchases. 

Types of Order Forms

Many small business firms and large companies use various types of order forms and order submission forms. Each order form differs according to the needs, preferences, and standards of the organization. Here are some of the common types of order forms they used.

Single Item Order Form: This type of order form is used by buyers when the seller is offering just one product or service. It is used when some vendors of small businesses or shops sell one-of-a-kind items and established brands and businesses on a single product type. Customers are required to include their names, contact details, and payment methods when filling out a single-item order form. Also known as one product with a single choice order form, this form can be used if you are selling an e-book, a downloadable software app program, or a new item that you want to sell online. Single Item Order Form with Variation: It has some similarities with the previously mentioned type of order form, but this document is used when the seller offers a single item or service with different variations or versions. With this order form, it gives more flexibility to customers as they can see your list of items on the form and they can choose one item from the list. For example, if you are selling dresses with similar styles but with different colors and variations in accessories, use this form to help your customers check these items and help them to complete their orders. Single Item Order Form with Recurring Subscriptions: This order form enables buyers to create a subscription to their products or services. Businesses often use this type of order form for streaming subscriptions, online courses, and professional training sessions until a program ends. So, customers will pay for a specific period until the end of the course. Multiple Choice Order Form: Vendors of large companies offering a variety of different products and services use this type of order form to showcase different products for purchase. Customers need to select from multiple variations of each product or service available for all products provided by the vendor. Multiple Choice Recurring Subscriptions Order Form: This type of order form is similar to the multiple choice order form, but the difference is this order form has multiple choices for the seller’s subscription options. It contains a pricing plan which includes a 30-day free trial option. It is used by professionals in SaaS or Software as a Service business firms.

How to Manage Your Orders Efficiently

Many business firms and companies have changed their structures and processes to facilitate their supply chain management which includes managing customer orders, purchase orders, wholesale orders, and many other types of orders. Business professionals in logistics and order management have crucial roles when it comes to planning, scheduling, controlling, and monitoring orders. If you are a new owner of a small business firm, take note of the following tips to help you manage your orders with efficiency and success.

Inventory Management in One Place: Selling multiple types and variations of products and services on multiple channels such as your shop website, Amazon, and a physical store can be a complex process to handle. Consider managing your inventory in one place to prevent overselling as it can lead you from losing out on sales, decrease your selling position with online marketplaces, and damage the reputation of your brand permanently. Use some effective order management software programs to guide you in aggregating your order information from multiple marketplaces and syncing it with your shopping cart platform. In this way, you will ease the burden of managing and organizing your orders. Integrate Automation: Many employees and staff involved in any specific process like data entry tasks are found with errors in their work of manual data imports for multiple shopping platforms. That’s why many businesses integrate automation in their order management process so that they are able to lower the errors and mishaps. Look for automation software programs to help automate or reduce other manual tasks such as manually inserting tracking numbers from your shipping company or adding order status. Analyze and Evaluate your Order Packaging Process: Sometimes customers received damaged items or wrong items. In order to prevent these problems from happening, it is essential to look back as you carefully analyze and evaluate your order packaging and shipping process. Check if you are providing sufficient protection for items and if you have a system in place to assess the pricking process for the second time. Search for items returned and determine why particular products are popping up again and again. Look for other ways to approach your packaging in a unique way for specific items to prevent costly returns and damage to your business brand. Design an Effective Strategy to Handle Returned Items: Although you may have the best system when it comes to picking, packing, and shipping orders, you will encounter sometimes that items will be returned. For this reason, it is integral that you design an effective strategy on how you will transfer them back into your inventory or dispose of them. Create a short order return form for your customers that have their personal details, the product name, and the reason for the product return. Preparing this order form will help in speeding yo the return process for your business. Set up a regular time like weekly, monthly, or quarterly when you assess and determine the returned items that may be re-added to your business inventory. Implement well-defined protocols for the order return process.

How to Create an Order Form

As you sell your business items or services and set payment methods, creating a simple and well-structured order form is fundamental for any modern e-commerce business and business with physical stores. Follow the steps indicated in this section to help you build your own order form for your new small business.

Step 1: Choose an Order Form Template

Browse Sample.net for simple order form templates such as business order forms, inventory order forms, sales order forms, and service order forms that you need. Select from our diverse document form template collection. Look for an order form template that is suitable for your business needs and preferences.

Step 2: Download and Customize the Selected Order Form Template

When you are finished browsing for your preferred order form template for your business, download your selected order form template. Then, customize your order form template with proper fields according to the specific needs and standards of your own business. Consider the information you need from the client, details about the order or the service, and steps to help your customer. Include the branding of your business in your order form as you incorporate elements that address your business to help your customers and prospects to connect those elements to the product and the business. Use typography, colors, and images related to your business’s visual brand identity, especially including the company’s logo.

Step 3: Include the Basic Components of the Order Form

After you customized the order form, add the basic components of the order form like adding some boxes and field lines for the names of the buyer and seller, purchase order number, item description, number of items requested, billing address, payment information, signatures, and purchase order date.

Step 4: Edit, Save, and Print the Order Form

Review your order form if you need to edit or revise the content and look of your document. Then, save your order form to your preferred document format. You may add or embed the order form to your business website or use an online order form tool to add your form to e-commerce platforms. Print your order form for your physical store and share it with your customers.

FAQs

What are some examples of order forms?

Some examples of order forms are mail service order forms, purchase change order request forms, sales voucher order forms, product order forms, change order forms, contract change order forms, work order forms, certificate order forms, purchase order change request forms, supply order forms, change order requisition forms, customer purchase order forms, purchase order exception forms, reseller purchase order forms, maintenance work order forms, and event work order forms.

How does order management work?

The order management process works in four methods: placement, fulfillment, inventory management, and omnichannel order fulfillment. First, the customer places an order using an automated order form and then, a sales team member checks the order details and confirms the order. Next, a warehouse employee confirms the shipping information, creates an invoice, and fulfills the order by picking, packing, and shipping the order. After that, the inventory levels are tracked, and the last method ensures revenue growth and customer satisfaction.

Why is order management important?

Order management is important because it allows companies to closely monitor every system and process in the supply chain. An efficient order management system enables businesses to track the visibility and control of customer orders, purchase orders, and other types of orders. Plus, it can help control costs and generate revenue through the automation of manual processes and the reduction of errors. 

What are the basic components of an order form?

The basic components of an order form are the buyer and seller names, purchase order number, description of items, number of items requested, billing address, payment details, signatures, and order date. Include the buyer’s shipping address if the seller is shipping the orders. 

Preparing a simple and systematic order form is essential for many small business firms and large companies to generate more leads, boost sales, increase revenue, and grow your online business brand performance. Be well-informed about the different types of order forms that you will use and take note of the steps to manage your orders efficiently. Easily download and use our sample order form templates and other PDF form samples such as delivery forms, work order invoice forms, and construction work order forms.