What is a purchase order? How does it work?

In international trade, a purchase order can be defined as a type of commercial document, which is generated by importer in order to authorize an import transaction.

Importer prepares and sends the purchase order to the exporter, who is expected to check the details.

If exporter confirms the purchase order by sending back a signed copy to the importer, then the purchase order becomes a binding legal document for both parties.

By preparing a purchase order; importer mainly defines and conveys following information to the exporter:

• the price of the goods
• description of goods
• quantity and quality of the goods 
• packaging
• delivery terms 
• delivery period 
• modes of transport   
• payment method
• transport company details, that will pick up the goods from the exporter, in case freight will be arrange by the importer.

Contents of the purchase order may change from industry to industry, customer to customer or country to country. There is no fix and single format available.

Export Proforma Invoice Templates in Excel: Ex Works, FOB, CIF

Proforma invoice is one of the most frequently generated trade document in international trade.

A proforma invoice is issued by an exporter at the beginning of an export transaction. It certifies the commitment of the exporter to sell specified goods for a certain price and at certain terms in a formal manner.

Once the proforma invoice is received by the importer, the terms and conditions stated on the proforma invoice should be checked.

By sending back a signed proforma invoice to the exporter, importer confirms the order.

On one of my previous articles, I have already explained "What is a proforma invoice, how does it work and how to prepare a proforma invoice." If you need further information regarding this subject, please read my previous article, before reading further this page.

Today, I would like to share export proforma invoice templates with you in excel format, completely free of charge for download.

Proforma invoice templates, that you can download from this page, are prepared according to most common Incoterms: Ex works, FOB and CIF.

What is a proforma invoice? How does it work?

Proforma invoice can be defined as a compact form of an international sales contract.

In other words, it is a lite version of the international sales contract.

Proforma invoice is expected to be issued by the seller, also known as exporter in international trade, at the beginning of the transactions.

Contents of the proforma invoice may change from industry to industry, customer to customer or country to country. There is no fix and single format available.

But in general terms, by preparing a proforma invoice; exporter mainly defines and conveys following information to the importer:

• the price of the goods
• description of goods
• quantity and quality of the goods 
• packaging
• delivery terms 
• delivery period 
• modes of transport   
• payment method

FOB or CIF: Which one is better for importers?

Incoterms 2010 defines 11 delivery terms, 4 of which designed to be used in only sea shipments, whereas 7 of which could be used with any mode of transport.

The most frequently used two Incoterms, FOB and CIF, are restricted to be used in sea shipment only. They are so popular that, their usage most probably surpass remaining 9 Incoterms' usage.

But, the main question remains: Which one is better when importing goods into one country? FOB or CIF.

On this article, I will try to explain whether FOB or CIF is a better option for importers.

Top 20 Wine Importing Countries

Wine is one of the most internationally traded alcoholic beverage in the world. Countries around the globe imported wines in 35,4 billion USD value in year 2014. 

Wine was considered to be an holy drink even by ancient people. For example, the Greeks worshiped Dionysus, who was the God of the Wine. Consumption of ritual wine was part of Jewish practice and, became even more essential to the Christian Church.

Only Islam, within divine religions, prohibits both production and consumption of wines, that contain alcohol.

Today, I want to show you the top 20 wine importing countries around the world. Statistics are gathered from TradeMAP website, which uses UN COMTRADE datas.

Top 20 Wine Importing Countries as of 2014.