Proforma Invoice Generator
A preliminary bill before goods ship or work starts.
A proforma invoice shows the buyer what the final invoice will look like — items, prices, shipping and delivery terms — before anything is shipped. It’s often needed for prepayment, import paperwork or approval, and it’s clearly marked as not a tax invoice.
A proforma tells the buyer what the final invoice will be. It’s clearly marked as not a tax invoice, so it can’t be mistaken for a bill.
How to make a proforma invoice
- Add your business, the buyer and the delivery address.
- Enter how long the proforma is valid and the payment terms.
- Add shipping details: method, delivery terms (e.g. Incoterms) and estimated ship date.
- List the goods with quantity and unit price, plus tax and shipping.
- Download the PDF for prepayment, a letter of credit or customs.
What to include on a proforma invoice
- The words “Proforma invoice” and a reference number
- Seller and buyer details
- Items with quantities, prices and the total
- Shipping method, delivery terms (such as Incoterms) and estimated ship date
- How long the offer is valid
- A note that it is not a tax invoice
When to use a proforma invoice
Use a proforma when the buyer needs a document before the sale is final — to arrange payment, apply for an import licence or get internal approval. Once the goods ship or the work is delivered, issue the real invoice.
Proforma Invoice questions
No. It’s a quotation in invoice form. It isn’t a tax invoice and doesn’t ask for payment of a debt; you issue the final invoice after the sale.
For prepayment before goods ship, for customs and import licences, or so a buyer can arrange funds.
They say who pays for and is responsible for the goods in transit — often an Incoterm such as FOB or DAP.