Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

dmcantrell · **purchase order -** 08-31-2010, 11:19 AM

I recently struck a deal with an out-of-state advertising company for one of my images. We have been through the negotiation process, and I've done my due diligence and everything is a green light.

Now, I am ready to transfer the image to their ftp server and they have requested that I send them a "purchase order" so that they can process it through their accounting department to pay me. They've provided some job numbers and other collateral to include in the purchase order.

Is there any magic to this "purchase order"? I can google to find some examples, and I think that my small business software even had templates for this -- but I just wanted to check to make sure I have all my t's crossed and i's dotted.

Thanks in advance!

revjvegas · 08-31-2010, 11:28 AM

That seems a little confusing.
If they are paying YOU, you should be sending them an invoice, not a PO.

Anyway, I think you could even search from within MS Word for a template that would suffice.

Some Idiot · 08-31-2010, 11:47 AM

strange request from them

dmcantrell · 08-31-2010, 11:54 AM

Ha, yes I thought it was a little strange too, that's why I made this post. I'm going to confirm that it's an "invoice" that she is after and maybe just had the terminology mixed up in her email.

Thanks!

GypsyHighSide · 08-31-2010, 12:07 PM

They should be sending you the Purchase Order (PO). You should be sending them an invoice or statement. I would send the invoice, ask for a PO and then send the image.

soonerdg · 08-31-2010, 12:11 PM

She's almost surely looking for an invoice. I've been in AR/AP for many years and a lot of people use those two terms interchangeabley.

dmcantrell · 08-31-2010, 01:35 PM

Yes it's been confirmed, she meant "invoice". Thanks for the sanity check!

dmcantrell · 10-13-2010, 02:21 PM

So there's an update here.

It's been 43 days since I sent them the artwork, and I still have not been paid yet. When I sent them the piece, they told me it would be 30 days to get paid. So I waited 30 days. I emailed the representative on day 31, and she apologized and said that I would be paid "this week" (which was last week). So I waited another week until today.

I just called the rep to see what the status of the check is (day 43 since artwork was delivered).

The rep immediately got agitated and said things like "How much of this do you do?" and "Well, okay I guess we will never order from you again", and "I go through this all the time" and "I don't know what you want me to say".

I was totally shocked by her aggressive tone. I mean, she told me 30 days -- that was their rules not mine. She seems to be mad that I'm looking for my check, as if I'm breaking some unwritten code or something. I've contacted them twice since I sent them the artwork, is that a lot?

WTF, is this typical?

d2creative · 10-13-2010, 02:47 PM

Your invoice should have a "pay in 30 days or be charged interest" type of statement. Mine also states that if im not payed within that time it's a violation of copyright. At least then you can say it's in writing. Some of these big companies do like to take 45 days or more. Annoying, yes.

dmcantrell · 10-13-2010, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2creative

Your invoice should have a "pay in 30 days or be charged interest" type of statement. Mine also states that if im not payed within that time it's a violation of copyright. At least then you can say it's in writing. Some of these big companies do like to take 45 days or more. Annoying, yes.

Yeah, as soon as I sent it out I knew I didn't have that verbiage on it. Now it's too late, but I'll know for next time.

It's in my "Terms and Conditions", but I didn't send that with the invoice for some reason. <shrug>

But is it typical for the representative to immediately go to the "we won't order from you again" after my second contact attempt? I really find this behavior strange and unwarranted.

Angelo · 10-13-2010, 03:02 PM

David, she's just bullying you.
Most companies begin counting/aging their payables from the time they receive the invoice. Just tell her that you extended credit to them and they are past your 30 day allowance, and that if they take this long you definitely will not be doing business with them again.
Also, check them out with your local BBB.

srwatters · 10-13-2010, 03:30 PM

In general the following holds...

COD - Are you serious? It takes 15 days to cut a check.
Net 10 - You're a pain, but we'll pay you in 30 days
2% 10/Net 30 - It's not worth the 2% discount, so we'll pay you in 45 days
Net 30 - You should get paid in 60 days. Unless you're a pain then it'll be 90

dmcantrell · 10-13-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srwatters

COD - Are you serious? It takes 15 days to cut a check.
Net 10 - You're a pain, but we'll pay you in 30 days
2% 10/Net 30 - It's not worth the 2% discount, so we'll pay you in 45 days
Net 30 - You should get paid in 60 days. Unless you're a pain then it'll be 90

Can you elaborate on this vernacular? I don't know what these different terms mean.

Rson · 10-13-2010, 03:47 PM

COD - Cash on delivery
Net 10 - Payment due at 10 days
2% Net10/30 means that if you pay in 10 days, you get a 2% discount otherwise it is due at 30 days
Net 30 payment due in 30 days (pretty much the norm)

Steelsun · 10-13-2010, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2creative

Mine also states that if im not payed within that time it's a violation of copyright. At least then you can say it's in writing.

I like this! I need to add that to mine!