

What to Include in Proforma Invoice Template?īefore goods can be allowed to pass through customs in the United States, they must be accompanied by special documentation. Unlike a legally binding proforma, a quotation is not legally binding and holds no financial value, and the customer can decide to accept or reject the sale without any consequences. A quotation is usually created during the induction or negotiation phase when a customer enquires about the seller’s product/service price. Proforma and a quotationĪ quotation is a price estimate sent out by a seller to potential customers who have expressed their interest in purchasing a product and/or a service from their business. It is the document that the seller sends to the buyer (customer) at the time of sale. In contrast, an invoice is a legal notice that demands payment in exchange for goods or services rendered under contract law.

The main difference between a proforma and an invoice is that a proforma is a declaration you make to the buyer agreeing to provide them with some goods and/or services on a specific time and date and is usually sent before billing.
IWORD INVOICE TEMPLATES PROFESSIONAL
By understanding these differences, you will be able to send out the right invoice or quotation and look more professional to your customer/buyers. It is important to understand the primary differences between an invoice, a proforma invoice, and a quotation when selling your products and/or services. By having all the information, they need to make the purchase, including the total price, estimated delivery dates, etc., the customer/buyer can justify whether to make the purchase or not.ĭifference between an Invoice, a Proforma Invoice, and a Quotation Most customers/buyers use these for the internal purchase approval process. The proforma invoice is sent to inform the customer/buyer of the value of the products and/or services they purchase to ensure a smooth delivery.

It usually includes details about shipping, packaging, delivery fees, and any tax and related shipping costs. Proforma invoices are also used in international shipping, especially for customs purposes on imports. It helps declare the value of the product(s) being shipped so that it can pass through customs swiftly and be delivered to the customer/buyers on time. The purpose of a proforma invoice is to ensure that both you and the customer/buyer agree on the terms and conditions of the sale/purchase, including the total cost of the products/services. Other uses of a proforma invoice include: To declare the value of goods It are reasonable faith estimates that help the customer/buyers understand what they are paying for. Once the proforma has been sent and the customer/buyer agrees on the price, the goods and/or services can then be sent or performed. Proforma invoices are usually sent out to help in the sales process. The charges included are usually subject to change. Although it contains the exact cost associated with the product’s shipping (s), it is not usually considered a demand for payment. For example, an institution may decide to send a proforma invoice before shipping a product. Proforma invoices are very important as they help ensure a smooth sales process by eliminating any queries that may arise as the terms of the sale are set and agreed upon upfront. Although they are binding in nature, the terms of the sale included are usually subject to change. These are usually used in international transactions, majorly for customs and imports purposes. The proforma invoice typically contains the date of issue, the quantity and description of the goods and or services being sold, shipment weight, shipment/transportation charges (if any), any taxes or fees, and finally the total amount payable.Ī proforma invoice also referred to as a pre-estimate or an off-set quote, is simply a document that accurately states the goods or services to be provided and the agreed-upon price for such goods or services.

A Proforma Invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent to a customer/buyer in advance of delivery of goods or a shipment, i.e., before work is completed or a required action is completed.
