Proforma Invoice: What It Is and When to Use One
A proforma invoice is a preliminary bill of sale sent before goods are shipped or services delivered. It's not a demand for payment — it's a quote in invoice format.
Proforma vs Commercial Invoice
| Proforma Invoice | Commercial Invoice |
|---|---|
| Sent before shipment | Sent with or after delivery |
| Used for customs and approval | Used for payment and accounting |
| Not a tax document | Official tax and payment record |
When to Use a Proforma Invoice
- International shipping and customs clearance
- Client approval before starting large projects
- Import/export documentation
- Letter of credit applications
Required Proforma Invoice Fields
Include seller and buyer details, item descriptions, quantities, unit prices, total value, currency, shipping terms (Incoterms), and validity period.
Create a Proforma Invoice
Use our invoice generator and label it "Proforma Invoice" in the notes field. Download PDF and send for client approval.