Invoice vs Quote: Key Differences Explained
Quotes and invoices serve different purposes in the sales cycle. Using the wrong document at the wrong time causes confusion and payment delays.
Quote vs Invoice at a Glance
| Quote | Invoice |
|---|---|
| Sent before work starts | Sent after work is done |
| Proposes a price | Requests payment |
| May expire | Has a due date |
| Not legally binding (usually) | Creates payment obligation |
When to Send a Quote
Send a quote when a client asks for pricing before committing. Include scope, timeline, total price, and validity period (e.g., "Valid for 30 days").
When to Send an Invoice
Send an invoice when deliverables are complete or at agreed milestones. Reference the accepted quote number for clarity.
Converting Quote to Invoice
Copy line items from your approved quote into an invoice. Change the document title, add invoice number and due date, and remove the expiry date.
Create Quotes and Invoices Free
Use our invoice generator for both — label as "Quote" or "Invoice" in the document header.