01
Choose the document by purpose
An invoice requests payment for supplied goods or services. A proforma invoice communicates expected charges before the final commercial invoice. A quotation presents a proposed price before the customer accepts the work.
- Invoice - request payment after the supply or agreed billing event.
- Proforma invoice - preview a proposed transaction without treating it as the final tax invoice.
- Quotation - set out scope, validity and proposed commercial terms.
Put this into practice with Create a one-off invoice in the browser.
02
Keep the fields connected
A useful document identifies the issuer and recipient, gives every line enough context, makes dates and terms visible and shows how the total was reached. Local tax rules may require additional fields, numbering or identifiers.
- Business and customer details
- Document number and relevant dates
- Description, quantity, rate and taxes
- Currency, payment terms and total
Put this into practice with Use the invoice template.
03
Know when a template stops scaling
A file can create a document, but it does not own the schedule, approval, reminder or payment match around it. When several people or repeated rules are involved, the template should become an output of a controlled process rather than the place where the process lives.
Put this into practice with Use the estimate template.
Continue in context
Use the proforma invoice template. Use the GST invoice format. Use the purchase order format. Use the delivery challan format. Use the cash receipt format. Use the bill book format. Understand invoice management. See billing operations.
