# How to select a vendor and enter the invoice number

**In this guide:** Connect a purchase to the supplier and keep the supplier's invoice number with your record.

## Vendor selection

A vendor is optional for a fully paid purchase. Select one when you want to review purchases by supplier, keep an open or consignment purchase, or track how much your business owes that supplier.

## Steps

1. Start a new purchase.
2. In the **Vendor** area, search for and select the supplier.
3. If the vendor does not exist, use the new-vendor option, enter its details, save it, and select it.
4. Enter the supplier's invoice or bill number in **Reference Number**.
5. Add the received products and continue the purchase.

## When a vendor is required

RepairNest POS requires a vendor for an open or consignment purchase because the remaining balance must belong to a supplier account.

## Tip

Enter the number exactly as it appears on the vendor invoice. This makes the purchase easier to search and helps prevent duplicate entry.