The Shopify PunchOut model
Shopify PunchOut does not require a second procurement-only storefront. The supplier keeps the existing Shopify or Shopify Plus catalog and makes it available to a buyer through a supported PunchOut connection.
The buyer starts in its procurement application, opens the supplier catalog, shops in the Shopify experience, and returns the cart to procurement. The buyer then follows its own approval process before the approved purchase order reaches the supplier connection.
Map the buyer to the right store and catalog
The important Shopify decision is not only which store is connected. It is also which buyer should see which storefront and which collections or catalog access. One store can serve multiple buyers, while a supplier with several stores can map different buyers to different storefronts.
Treat each buyer as a separate connection with its own procurement requirements, access scope and test record. That keeps a buyer-specific requirement from being confused with the broader Shopify catalog.
- Name the Shopify or Shopify Plus store that will serve the buyer.
- Confirm the collections or catalog access the buyer is allowed to use.
- Record whether the buyer expects cXML or OCI.
- Confirm how the buyer will review, approve and send the purchase order.
Follow the complete Shopify transaction
- 01
PunchOut started
The buyer launches a session from its procurement environment.
- 02
Cart returned
The buyer shops in the Shopify catalog and returns the selected cart for review.
- 03
Buyer approved
The buyer completes its internal approval process.
- 04
PO received
The approved purchase order reaches the supplier connection.
- 05
Store order created
PunchOut Central creates the related Shopify order.
- 06
Invoice generated
The invoice stage remains part of the tracked transaction journey.
What to confirm before calling it live
A successful catalog launch is only the first test. Confirm the cart return, buyer approval, approved PO and Shopify order creation for the actual buyer connection. Invoice format and delivery requirements are buyer-specific and should be agreed before launch.
PunchOut Central supports Shopify and Shopify Plus. BigCommerce and Magento are coming soon.