What is a proforma invoice?
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill sent before goods or services are delivered, so the buyer can confirm the price, quantity and terms. It looks like an invoice but is not a demand for payment and is not recorded as a sale until the final invoice is issued.
When to use a proforma invoice
Use one to confirm an order, support a price agreement, or help a buyer arrange payment or import paperwork before you ship and issue the final (commercial) invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a proforma invoice a legal document?
A proforma invoice is not a demand for payment and is not used for accounting like a final invoice. It is a good-faith estimate of an order's terms, often used for customs or to confirm a sale before the final invoice.