Easy Tech TutsHow to Receive a Purchase Order in QuickBooks Online Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Once goods arrive from a supplier, marking the purchase order as received keeps your inventory and purchasing records in sync. This guide walks through the steps to receive a purchase order in QuickBooks Online.
01Open the purchase order
Find the purchase order you placed with the vendor for the items that have now arrived.
02Mark items as received
Select the receive option and confirm the quantities that actually arrived, which may differ from what was ordered.
03Handle partial receipts if needed
If only some items arrived, mark just those as received and leave the rest open on the purchase order.
04Convert to a bill
Once received, convert the purchase order into a bill so the payment obligation is tracked.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I receive fewer items than ordered?
You can mark a partial quantity as received, and the purchase order will remain open for the remaining items.
Does receiving a purchase order update my inventory automatically?
Yes, receiving inventory items updates your on-hand quantities in QuickBooks Online.
Do I need to receive the order before paying the bill?
It's best practice to receive the goods first, then convert to a bill and process payment, to keep quantities accurate.
Can I edit a purchase order after items are received?
You can make adjustments, but changes after receiving may require additional corrections to keep quantities and costs aligned.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
