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

# Create a Vendor

> Add a new vendor or supplier to your organization

## Overview

While Smartbills automatically detects vendors from uploaded receipts, you may want to create vendor records manually. This is useful when you want to pre-configure a vendor's default category, tax ID, or other details before any expenses are logged.

<Note>
  Creating vendors requires the **VENDORS\_MANAGE** permission, available to Admin and Accountant roles.
</Note>

## Create a New Vendor

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Vendors">
    Click **Vendors** in the left sidebar to open the vendor directory.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Create">
    Click the **Create Vendor** button in the top-right corner of the vendor list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Vendor Details">
    Fill in the vendor creation form:

    * **Name** (required), The display name of the vendor (e.g., "Staples", "Delta Airlines")
    * **Address**: The vendor's business address
    * **Tax ID**: The vendor's tax identification number for compliance and reporting
    * **Default Category**: Select a category that will be automatically applied to all expenses from this vendor
    * **Website**: The vendor's website URL
    * **Phone**: Contact phone number
    * **Notes**: Internal notes such as account number, payment terms, or contract details

    <Tip>
      Setting a default category saves time for your team. Every expense matched to this vendor will automatically inherit the selected category, reducing manual data entry.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save the Vendor">
    Click **Save** to create the vendor record. The new vendor will appear in your vendor directory and will be available for matching against future expenses.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  Your vendor has been created. Future expenses from this vendor will be automatically matched and categorized based on the details you provided.
</Check>

## What's Next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Manage Vendors" icon="address-book" href="/guides/web-app/vendors/manage-vendors">
    Edit, merge, and organize your vendor records
  </Card>

  <Card title="Vendor Overview" icon="store" href="/guides/web-app/vendors/overview">
    Learn about the vendor directory and auto-detection
  </Card>
</CardGroup>