> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.storefront.co.za/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.storefront.co.za/features/sales/orders/create-an-order.md).

# Create an Order

Merchants can place an order on a customer's behalf from the back office. This is what you use for a telephone or in-person sale, for a quote you have agreed by email, or for any order that did not come through the storefront itself.

You build the order, then send the customer a link so they can pay for it themselves.

### Starting the Order

1. Click the Create icon in the top right-hand corner
2. Select the store you want to create the order for

### Adding Products

You can add products from your catalogue, items that are not in your catalogue, or both on the same order.

**To add a product from your catalogue:**

1. Click Browse
2. Search for the products you want by SKU or product name
3. Select the products you want to add
4. Click Apply

**To add a custom item, meaning something not in your catalogue:**

1. Click Add Custom Item
2. Enter the item name
3. Enter the quantity being ordered
4. Enter the price, including tax
5. Select whether the item is taxable, and whether it requires shipping
6. Click Apply

{% hint style="info" %}
Custom items do not affect your stock levels, because they are not catalogue products. Use them for one-off items such as a bespoke build or a handling charge.
{% endhint %}

### Adding the Customer

1. Click the Edit button in the customer block
2. Search for the customer by name or email address
3. Select the customer
4. Click Apply

{% hint style="warning" %}
The customer must already be registered on the store before you can attach them to an order. If they are not, create the account first under Customers > Consumers.
{% endhint %}

### Adding a Delivery Address

1. Click Edit in the delivery address block
2. Enter the address details
3. Click Apply

### Adding Notes

1. Click Edit in the notes block
2. Enter any notes that apply to this order
3. Click Apply

### Adding a Discount or Shipping

1. Click the three dots in the top right of the Payment Pending block
2. Click Edit Discount, or Edit Shipping

**For a discount:**

1. Choose whether to discount an amount or a percentage from the dropdown
2. Enter the amount or percentage
3. Click Apply

**For shipping:**

1. Select the shipping option from the dropdown
2. Enter the shipping cost
3. Click Apply

### Sending the Order to the Customer

1. Click the share button in the top right
2. Copy the link
3. Send the link to the customer so they can make payment

Once they pay, the order moves from Pending to Processing and can be fulfilled. If you are taking payment yourself, see Order Payments instead.