Thanks for providing details of your concern, @Gary107. I'm happy to share with you some information about the feature available in the different versions of QuickBooks Online (QBO).
The Purchase Order feature is only available in QBO Plus and Advanced versions. If you're using QBO Essentials or Simple Start, you'll have to upgrade your subscription to use this option. Let me guide you on how:
- In your QBO account sign in as the primary or company admin.
- Next, navigate to the Settings icon and select Account and settings.
- Then, go to the Billing & subscription tab.
- Ensure that your payment info is up-to-date.
- Then, go to the QuickBooks Online section and click Upgrade your plan.

- From there, review the available plans and then select Choose plan.
- Follow the on-screen steps to upgrade your plan.
For reference, check out this article: Upgrade or downgrade your QuickBooks Online subscription.
Once done, here's a helpful resource that your can access to have guidance in creating purchase orders: Create and send purchase orders in QuickBooks Online.
I'd love to know updates on how this goes. Feel free to get back here if you have any other questions about QBO features. I'm always here ready to answer your queries to achieve your goal. Have a great week ahead and take care.