How does Vendor work?

[Craig Lawson]

Hi Folks,
  I am having trouble figuring out how to use the vendors in GnuCash
1.8.1. I defined a new vendor, used the vendor's name in an accounts
payable transaction, but my vendor reports show only zeros and no
transactions. I spelled the vendor name correctly, and even tried the
vendor number. Still an empty report. What am I mssing?

Thanks,
Craig.