---
title: "What is the process for returning an item from a purchase order and what should be entered as the reference number?"
slug: "what-is-the-process-for-returning-an-item-from-a-purchase-order"
tags: ["Area - Accounting", "Area - Inventory and POs", "Focus - Construction", "Focus - Service Replacement", "Role - Accountant", "Role - Admin", "Type - Commercial", "Type - Residential"]
updated: 2026-10-16T00:29:24Z
published: 2026-10-16T00:29:24Z
canonical: "help.servicetitan.com/what-is-the-process-for-returning-an-item-from-a-purchase-order"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.servicetitan.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is the process for returning an item from a purchase order and what should be entered as the reference number?

## Problem

When returning an item from a PO, a reference number is required. Users may be unsure what to enter as this reference number.

## Solution

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** Depending on your account's configuration, you might see one or more of the following:
> 
> - *Items and Pricing* instead of *Pricebook*.
> - *Customer* instead of *Homeowner*.
> - *Procurement* instead of *Inventory*.
> 
> The names are different, but everything works the same way. For more, see [Commercial Personalization Platform - FAQ](https://help.servicetitan.com/commercial/docs/commercial-personalization-platform-faq).

### What is the process for returning an item from a purchase order and what should be entered as the reference number?

By following these steps, you can successfully return an item from a PO and know what to enter as a reference number.

1. Click on **Inventory > Returns > Create**
2. Fill in the required information.
3. When asked for a reference number, enter a unique identifier. This can be the return invoice number, order number, or the original PO number. Choose one that you can easily identify.
4. For more details see [Create and complete a return](/commercial/docs/create-and-complete-a-return)